From the introduction: In the frozen north, over the Boreas mountain range, life is hard. Even with the recent attempt of many towns to group into the Boreas Coalition, life and survival remain difficult and uncertain foremost of the north's living denizens. In these parts, civilization and science tend to arrive much later than the rest of the world, and many cultures, tribes, and clans there still cling to ancient superstitions. One such superstition, that was later transferred through merchants, travelers and adventurers, was Krampus. The demonic spirit that as the end of the year approaches, appears at night, abducts children, and punishes adults.