In this setting, the only allowable races are Human, Halfling, and Half-elf. Dwarves are so uncommon as to not exist in this part of the world, Elves would be most unwelcome, and Half-Orcs and Gnomes simply do not exist. Half-elves are assumed to pass as human, having only small amounts of elven blood. Halflings in this setting all belong to a subrace known as "Hortel". There are also many human subraces. Just as in the real world we have Anglicans, Asians, and Africans, this world has Paiden, Shee'kar, and Yutbok. All are human, although they are geographically separated, and have many minor physical differences. If you create a human character, he/she is assumed to be Paiden. Paiden are fair-skinned and of average build. Shee'kar are olive-skinned and of small build. Yutbok are dark-skinned and generally very muscular and tall.
Farkendry is a Feudal Monarchy. The king has divided up his country into numerous feifs, such as Hartwright and Myrmydia. Each feif is ruled by a noble family. For example, House Greybeard governs Hartwright, and House Hillward governs Myrmydia. The ruler of a noble house is given the title "Lord", his wife "Lady", and his sons receive the title "Sir". Farkendrian culture is the closer to that of the typical fantasy genre than any other country in the setting, which is why is was selected as a base location.
Timor was once a great empire, but has stagnated. Their king rules only in name, and the individual townes and settlements are mostly self-governed, although they do pay minimal taxes. One common belief that all Timorians share is that magic is evil, and that those who practice it are warlocks who consort with demons for evil purposes. Long ago, this was actually the case, and Timorians' aversion to magic served them well; they drove out all but the cagiest of warlocks from their country. However, even after hundreds of years, the stigma holds, and the use of magic is illegal in Timor, and is often punished by death.
The Homeland is a country full of halflings, and its name can be confusing for those unfamiliar with it. When halfling settlers who had been nomadic for so long finally found a land they wanted to call home, they simply gave the country this name, and it stuck. Now the large island is simply known as The Homeland. The halflings, or Hortel, who live in The Homeland have developed a reputation for laziness. This comes from living in a land with near year-round perfect weather, and no real dangers. Work is scarce, and seldom necessary. People live in their parents homes rent-free, eat the food which grows in their backyard, and spend their days doing mostly nothing. Positions of government are taken by any qualified Hortel who feels up to the task, although those few who busy themselves with such things are often dubbed 'busybodies', and receive much eye-rolling.
Keymore is a new land, still developing, still in the process of seceeding from Timor, much to the chagrin of the Timorian king. Their government is not yet fully established, and their culture is still merely a subculture of Timor's. Keymore's populace consists largely of those who took exception to paying taxes to a king who lived too far away to exert control or extend aid. Use of magic is tolerated, but most people are still not comfortable with it.
Players entering the module will be stripped of all equipment, granted starting money, and reduced to first level. (Don't worry - you'll be able to buy supplies before any action)
The rest system in use only allows resting players to heal one point per level when resting outdoors, which takes six hours. Resting at an inn will allow for full recovery of hit points, and takes eight hours. A cancelled or interrupted rest takes three hours.
When resting in certain areas, players may be interrupted by wandering creatures appropriate to that area. Chances to be awoken by an encounter vary by area.
The respawn system automatically disables respawning in single player games, and only allows respawning in multiplayer games when combat is not in progress. If you want to disable this system, open the module in the toolset, go to the area named "Staging Area", and delete the item called "HCMRESPAWN". In any event, it is recommended that you save frequently.
HCR bleeding will only come into effect in multiplayer games.
The bandage item is only for use on a bleeding comrade. This item is essential in multiplayer games.