The party is back to Khorvaire in western Karrnath having defeated the devil Strahd and recovered the Green Dragon Mask. While they were away, the green dragon Grazzletongue has been on a rampage, destroying several villages in western Aundair. He has established a vicious regime and transformed the formerly idyllic countryside into a fog-shrouded lair.

Further disaster has hit Aundair, bards and travelers report that Queen Aurala was killed in her castle by unnamed assailants.