Castle Stormwatch

### The Dark Age:

Following the cataclysmic outcome of The Two Kingdoms War, The Shattered Desert was ravaged by an unending, magical sandstorm. Travel through the desert was nearly impossible, but trade routes around the region were feasible, save for the occasional haboob. As time progressed, however, undead soldiers and other magical detritus began stumbling out of the haze. To combat this new threat, the functioning governments of Almora and Brindor, along with assistance from the Stoneweaver Mages of Gurgrum, began construction of a massive wall around the perimeter of the desert.

The first phase of the project was to construct a barrier along the southern border of the desert, along with a keep, later named Castle Stormwatch, to provide housing and refuge for the laborers. As the wall expanded further from the relative safety of the keep, construction teams would often hire outsiders to provide protection or to scout ahead for the next sections of wall to be built. It wasn't long before a cottage industry of desert guide parties developed with the best crews commanding a hefty sum.

As the perimeter fortification neared completion, many workers, guides, and mercenaries found themselves without work for the first time in years. While a few would move on to other endeavors, there were many that remained, now unemployed and essentially homeless. Leaders from this group, former mercenary captains and construction foremen, would emerge and form a coalition of workers with experience working and patrolling the region. Calling themselves "Stormbreakers", they petitioned the various nations to continue funding the project beyond its completion. Understanding that the threat was not entirely contained, and that the wall would need to be maintained, Brindor and Almora both agree to contribute funding to support the Stormbreakers.

### The Heroic Age:

In 839 AD, undead forces under King Malek's command attack Castle Stormwatch. Led by a crystal golem construct, Malek's forces tunneled beneath the keep, breaching the surface in the castle's courtyard. The siege, however, would be prevented due to quick thinking of Captain Liana and the fortunately timed assistance of Magda, Nyrissa, and Reluan.

### The Post-Tower Age:

Following the defeat of Malek and the collapse of the Tower of Almora, the magical sandstorm dissipated and the desert no longer posed a threat. With their purpose fulfilled, Captain Liana officially disbands the Stormbreakers. While a sizeable portion of the Stormbreakers decide to return to their homelands, those who recognize her leadership and compassion remained and, together, found the Templar Order.

Due to their expertise regarding ancient and unnatural magics, the Templars are routinely called upon to assist in matters involving the abuse of magic or the presence of ancient or forbidden magics. With this new focus, Castle Stormwatch is converted into the Templar Academy, a refuge to safely research magic and to preserve ancient knowledge. While technically within Dwarven borders, Dunecrag recognizes the history and strategic location of the Academy and it remains as an independent entity.

A year later, Liana and Reluan would marry in the Academy's newly renovated courtyard.