Where
Border region between Duchy of Iskre and the Orcish Empire of Dransk. A series of border forts and watchtowers following a river. Beyond that a wild expanse of tundra, deep forests, swamps, steppes and grasslands dotted by countless former settlements burned and destroyed in the Last War. There has been a push in the recent years to reclaim mines and other valuable resources beyond the border and several heavily fortified settlements have been formed, but the horrors of war are still fresh on everyone's mind which hamper large scale expansion.
When
It is 30 years after the last major Orc offensive, which was pushed back at a great cost. Following years were mostly peaceful, only occasionally broken by a rare raid, however, recently there have been troubling reports of increased orcish scouting and raiding parties. Several scouts sent deeper into the orcish territory have stopped responding back.
During the night a 4 man advance party keeping watch about 50km(an 10 hr journey) from the border sent a Sending saying “Commander, we are…” no further contact was made and they could not be Scryed. Fearing the worst, first available unit is sent to investigate.
Who
You are one of the Border Scouts - A militia organization formed in the aftermath of the Last War, to keep tabs on orcish movements and secure the border and settlements beyond against small scale raids.
Your party is one of many scouting units, who will be sent beyond the fortified border to gather information and fulfill tactical objectives - attack convoys and raiding parties, link up with other scouts, investigate rumors etc.
You are based out of Silver Fort, an ancient frontier castle/silver mine, though not much mining is happening nowadays.
Characters
Starting level: 4
Every official piece of content on
http://dnd5e.wikidot.com/ is allowed, UA and homebrew stuff on a case by case *basis. Homebrew will probably not be allowed before heavy scrutiny.
Write in your char description why you are in the border regions if you are not a local.
If you are a local, what did you do before joining/being conscripted the Border Scouts
Gear at LVL 4
Everything you get at lvl 1 Character creation from class/background
1 up to uncommon major magical item (weapon/armor/shield/anything which requires attunement)
In addition 500gp worth of mundane or up to uncommon magical gear/equipment/consumables(potions/scrolls etc) - no attunement items.
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Extra Stuff for the party
1 Portable Hideout - a magical gray wooden doorknob, when placed on a solid upright surface and activated with a command word, it will turn into a door leading to an extraplanar space. The bunkroom sized space has beds, tables, storage chests for a small scouting party(up to 8). The space has smooth lighting, comfortable temperature, cooking equipment, washbowl and other basic amenities. The washbowl is enchanted to make any water placed into it safely drinkable.
1 set of linked Talking Stones - a box of smooth black stones, anything said within 1ft of a stone can be heard at all other linked stones.In addition: 1 cast of Sending once per day/per set. - for easier inter-party communication and reporting information to base camp.
A scrying focus - so base camp can see what you are doing.
2 Healer's Kits (20 charges total)
Enough food and supplies for a week.
Survival equipment: Compass, ropes, tinderboxes, water resistant cloaks, etc