OOC thread is here!FEF: Scum of the Empire
Prologue: The Reprieve
Castle Konrad, Western Diodormant. Two people, dressed in finery, speak in low voices as the sun dips below the horizon.
"My love...are you certain that this plan of yours is necessary?"
"Dearest, I wish it wasn't. Unfortunately, we simply don't have the soldiers available to undertake a mission like this."
"But to rely on these traitors...they're the lowest of the low, love. If they betray you--"
"We'll cross that bridge if we get to it. The fact remains that they're the only chance we have of retaking Castle Eastland."
"...very well. Get them ready. I want them on their way by midnight."

In the courtyard of Castle Konrad, there lies a squat structure made of stone brick. The only entrance into this building is through a stout wooden door bound in iron, secured with a lock of dwarven manufacture. A large hooded man sits on a bench just beside the door, sharpening an equally large axe with a whetstone. The man is happy. His axe might get to finally see some use in the morning. Maybe sooner, if the building's occupants somehow manage to contrive an escape attempt.
Inside the building lounge ten prisoners. Brought together from all corners of the Empire, shuffled about by chance and circumstance until they wound up here, of all places. Surrounded by strangers. Listening to the sound of the sharpening axe outside. Knowing that the end is just about at hand.
Everyone is in!