Some history.

You are in the realm of Nerath. It was a once powerful and thriving kingdom that collapsed about a century ago. You have heard stories about the kingdom and their many deeds in the fight to wipe out the evil in their midst. With the fall of Nerath, evil has had a chance to creep into the civilized places and make some strides in the wild and abandoned places.

BACKSTORY
You all know each other and are already an established adventuring group. I have no other specifics for your shared history or various relationships within the group. I imagine that is something you can come up with together when we are getting ready.

PLOT HOOKS (from the Adventure Book)

Missing Mentor
You seek news of your old friend and mentor, Douven Staul. The man who trained you for a life of adventure bade you farewell three months ago and headed for Winterhaven. Douven, a rabid explorer of old ruins, had found a map that revealed the location of a dragon's tomb not far from the village. He figured if a dragon was buried there, why not also its hoard?
He should have returned some time ago and his continuing absence bodes ill. You fear the worst and are determined to find out what happened to your mentor.

Ominous Signs
Marla of the Great Church, an earnest young priest of the good deity Pelor, contacted you before you set out. She has been studying the history and activity of various demon and death cults. According to Marla's research, witnesses saw a small group of death cultists traveling toward Winterhaven about a year ago. She has since learned that the head of this group is a dangerous and twisted priest named Kalarel. Marla fears that Kalarel has set up a secret cult in the area and is conducting unholy ceremonies. She asks you to travel to Winterhaven, determine if there is any death cult activity in the area, and, if so, to stamp it out. She will pay 250gp for bringing back proof that the cult has been destroyed and its plan disrupted.


AT THE START OF THE GAME
You are walking on the King's Road on your way to Winterhaven. This is little more than a wide dirt path now and you know that you are traveling through a dangerous wilderness to get to Winterhaven.