Omens, signs, and sigils are appearing all over the Forlorn North, the land itself seems to stir in anticipation for some unknown event. A powerful entity has sent a call to arms of sorts, probing from the icy reaches of the Glacier of the Blades, across the frothing ice-berg seas of The White, and even to the southern forests that border this distant land. It is the fate of a few individuals is to answer this call and their subsequent actions will decide the fates of countless others, those within their known lands and those ranging far beyond that. The chosen descend to the foot of the Ghost Ice where many already pledged to the cause have set up their camp, continuing preparation for an unknown enemy, the need being instilled to continue to gather resources. As evening falls on the encampment the town gathers around the central fire. They are prompted to declare what they can bring to the effort no matter the clan they hail from, some offer able warriors, some offer food, others offer craftsmanship, no matter what is offered it is accepted and answered with cheers.
This is all being observed by four newcomers to the village who all have different reasons for seeking this beacon in the middle of the Forlorn North. Garak from Bleedingskull comes to escape enslavement. Beliefes Deadman searches for answers about her family and clan that Shattered Storm elders can not provide. Myra, Mist-Fallen has been exiled as Twilightclaw customs dictate. Sam has returned from the south to hide from a web of lies that was continuing to grow to dangerous proportions. A man who looks slightly out of place, not covered with animal furs and with a more slender build than customary for an occupant of the Forlorn North, welcomes these new faces one by one and offers them some of the things they seek and some drugs to do together. He brings them all together in a small abode near the central village and makes his pitch. He is with Many Names, a being that will be the savior of the human race, and it is Many Names that has brought them here. All of the answers they seek Many Names can answer, but he also needs something from them. He is in need of champions for his cause, the victory and survival of the human race depends on great heroes and his previously planned options did not work out. If these chosen few could prove they are up to the task they would gain the things they seek, and they would rid the land of a great and consuming corruption, they could help save all of humanity. The chosen had concerns, this cause was surrounded by mystery, promises, and language that seemed like recruitment into a cult. But eventually a chord is struck, common ground is found, a deeper meaning to these actions emerge and an agreement is made.
Their first task is simple, travel to the north where a small Wolfscream village is worshiping a false idol. A wolf infected by some of this corruption, demon-possessed and a harbinger of more evil to come is being hailed as a savior. Convince the village of their mistake, slay the beast, and return to claim some of the things or answers that these newly chosen champions seek. The man asks if they need anything, and after admonishing them for seeking armor and trying to make their task simpler without relying on their own ability, he agrees to get them some simple bandages before they head out in the morning. Bel asks if she can go see Thorjgsven in an attempt to find out more about an amulet with a symbol she saw on an old woman's shawl earlier in the day. The man informed Bel that Thorjgsven was away on a mammoth hunt, but when he returned he would help set up a meeting between the two.
In the morning the four set out together into the Forlorn North.