The Fall of General Illinar

Far to the east of Keoland lies the Great Kingdom, an empire long in decline. Since the early 500s CY its imperial line has been plagued by succession disputes, court intrigue, and corruption. Noble houses schemed for influence, commanders maneuvered for power, and rumors spread of the Overkings consorting with dark forces.

By 565 CY the unrest had reached the legions.

General Illinar V—known among the ranks as Illinar the Fifth—was a veteran officer respected by his soldiers. Alarmed by the empire’s decay and the Overking’s ruthless purges, he joined a circle of officers determined to restore the dignity of the Great Kingdom.

Their plan was simple: a swift military coup in the capital.

It failed.

Imperial spies had already infiltrated the conspiracy. Arrests began before troops could be assembled, and executions followed within days. Illinar escaped the capital, but most of his allies died beneath the executioner’s axe.

A bounty was placed on his head.

During his flight westward he was badly wounded, a blade across the face leaving a permanent scar. Believed dead by some and hunted by others, he abandoned his rank, insignia, and name.

General Illinar V vanished.

In his place remained a wandering sellsword known only as Ingo the Drover.

Years in Exile

For several years Ingo drifted westward under assumed service. He fought in border skirmishes, guarded caravans, and briefly served with forces opposing the Slavers of the Pomarj near the Ulek states. These campaigns provided the foundation for the stories he now tells.

In 571 CY, traveling under false papers, he arrived by ship in Gradsul. From there he moved south along the coast before settling in Saltmarsh, purchasing a modest house overlooking the sea.

In Saltmarsh

Ingo presents himself as a retired mercenary and former military officer. His discipline, experience, and knowledge of logistics make him a reliable source of hired guards for dangerous voyages.

Over time he formed a quiet friendship with Eliander Fireborn. The two aging soldiers share drinks and trade stories of old campaigns.

Eliander believes Ingo once fought in the western conflicts against the Pomarj slavers—a reasonable assumption given the man’s experience—and has never pressed further.

Ingo admires Eliander deeply: another veteran who still believes in order, duty, and measured authority.

Eliander does not know he drinks with a condemned general, but may suspect something.