The characters, Eilenos the Dunnar necromancer, Krodmich the Dwarf and Porodo the Ranger are all sent enigmatic letters, each containing information specific to them that they thought secret. The letter signed “Josephus”, a name that none of them had previously heard. Intrigued and angered, they each set out to find this Josephus and discover what he is about.
Each of the characters travel to the Josephus’ town to meet him face to face. He explains that each of them have great destinies to fulfill, and that he will assist in reaching them.
To Eilenos he reaveals that he is in fact a Half-Dunnar, and a descendant of Berethenu’s (the God of Justice) greatest champion, Antinius the Lightheart. It is his destiny to leave his path of evil behind and become a knight of Berethenu. In order to accomplish this he must find the magical items known as Antinius’ Trappings.
To Krodmich he confides that he is a descendant of Ulfen the Stout, the former ruler of Iron Hallow Hall. It is his destiny to rid his people’s old homeland, now called Skraag, of the Orks that have overrun it. Eilenos must help him with this task.
Porodo is a descendant of Wilhelm Oakleaf, former leader of the Long Patrol (a group of famous rangers). Porodo’s destiny is to re-form the Long Patrol.
Still wary and untrusting of Josephus, yet intrigued by the claims he makes, the three would-be adventurers decide to go along with his game, for the time being.
Josephus charges them to seek out the local lair of an evil necromancer to start their journey. Ennar, an Elvish champion armed with a spear, will also assist the group.
They set out for the lair of the necromancer.