Known as the Black Demesne by the common folk, about 1000 years ago, something happened in the north. Since then there has been a constant battle to keep this… invasion at bay. The invasion consists of corrupted beast, and strange, almost alien sentient individuals. Negotiations have utterly failed, as no armistice has ever been accepted by the invaders. Their language is proving increasingly difficult to decipher, as magic does not recognize it, so any deciphering has to be done through less savory means. One thing the general consensus can agree on is that their leader, or their god, or whatever entity is pushing them forward is referred to Aakritinos. Some countries have fallen completely, and some, such as Vanters, Quercio, Ukkermarker, and The Oxen Federation have become bulwarks against it. While there are still international struggles, there is generally a signed contract that nations further from the conflict and not allied with the defense forces pay The Invasion Tithe in goods, soldiers, weapons, gold, or ‘exceedingly unique forces’.

Wherever this invasion occurs, the land and any surviving life is afflicted by Corruption, which seems to twist and mutate life into additional forces for the Invasion efforts.