Reskaea is a kingdom fighting a war on two fronts. Externally, the nation has been engaged in a losing war with the neighboring country of Faeyer for many years now. Internally, Faeyeran soldiers have already mounted several successful invasions, establishing a number of military camps across the countryside. They were not kind, leaving the fertile lands of Reskaea scorched and taking many civilian lives. The poor crop yield has led to a widespread famine among the peasant population, and the added weight of the ongoing mistreatment by the cruel Feayeran soldiers has left the citizens downtrodden and defeated.

It seems the more time passes, the less capable Reskaea is of defending its borders. Sensing weakness in the once great nation, brigands and pirates have pounced on their chances, wreaking destruction in the peaceful towns and villages they attack.

But where there is darkness, dawn is always just around the corner. Amidst all the distress and woe, there are rumors of a group of young rebels attempting to restore peace and order to the kingdom they call home. There have been whispered tales of them single-handedly taking out entire camps of Faeyeran soldiers. Where they go, they bring with them the hope of a better tomorrow. And they call themselves "The Dawn Brigade."

Currently comprised of twelve members, The Dawn Brigade travel the land, never staying too long in one place, always making their way to the places the need them most. According to most versions of the story, the brigade has been traveling as a unit for about four years now, though most agree new members have found their way into the ranks throughout the years.

Lately, sometimes it seems The Dawn Brigade is all that is holding the fragments of the fragile nation together. Especially recently, when news of the beloved King’s failing health has spread like wildfire through despairing towns. The King, widely known as one of the best strategists of his time, was one of the last defenses against the army of Faeyer, and with him resigned to his sickbed, the Reskaean military is feeling the loss of his presence. Worse yet, the crown prince is still missing from the capital, and with no heir in sight, the only person left in the line of succession is the King’s cousin, a weak willed man well known to have Faeyeran sympathies. The future seems bleak.

Some years ago, when a siege on the Reskaean capital seemed imminent, the King sent away his only son—with only his childhood friend, a knight, for company— in order to protect his life. To retain his anonymity and defend against capture, the prince was told to move around frequently and maintain no connections to the palace. With no method of contacting the young prince, the King can only pray his son makes it back in time to lay claim to the throne.

The prince, and leader of The Dawn Brigade, is trying very hard to do just that. Caught in the south of Reskaea when news of the King first reached them, The Dawn Brigade seems to be facing every obstacle possible in returning the prince to the palace. With fate seemingly hellbent on stopping them from achieving their objective, will The Dawn Brigade be able to successfully fight their way through the country and place their leader in his rightful position?

The Dawn Brigade has just completed a mission a few miles west of the relatively large city of Turav. Celebrating their success, they have gathered at a famous tavern in the city to enjoy a well deserved hearty meal and to relax for just a moment before setting off again. It is the barkeep who tells them of the King's ailment, and they intend to leave at once. Before they can, however, they are surprised by a number of Faeyeran soldiers who begin to lay siege to the city. They must defeat the soldiers and save the city before they can even set out on their journey.