Background:
Deep in the primaeval swamps of Lake Gloomey, shrouded in perpetual mist, lies the city of The
Brothers of the Swamp. For years past this "religious" order has delved into the forbidden areas
of study and determined that animals have more potential to populate the world than man, who
was, after all, a biological abomination which would ultimately threaten the existence of all life.
Therefore the good Brothers began developing a strain of amphibian that would combine the
worst ferocity and killer instincts of larger mammals with the ability to move through swamps
wiht great swiftness to strike and avoid retaliation. Combining the natural animals available
with each other -- through the use of biological mutations and methods discovered in old
manuscripts -- the Brothers began developing the giant killer frogs of the swamp. These beasts
grow to almost two feet in length and come equipped with razor-sharp teeth and talons to attack
and rend any prey they are ordered to attack. For years the Brothers hewed out dark caverns
beneath their temple to make breeding areas for the frogs. Human victims were offered up to the
Lord of the Swamp (a large metal image of a frog set at the front of the temple) througha  circular
opening at the idol's feet. This opening actually led down to a great breeding poind
beneath the temple where the sacrificial victim was eaten upon arrival. Thus, the frogs were accustomed
to human flesh and blood early in their lives and their aggression increased by the
fighting between themselves over limited food.

A special order, called Keepers of the Frogs, evolved to tend the beasts in the depths of the Temple.
These devoted fellows have become so separated from the main order as to develop a
completely different outlook on their duty from that intended. Their original high regard for
their charges has, by continued close contact, developed into disdain and even hostility toward
them. This was increased when only those Brothers who had failed in their duty were assigned to
be keepers, ostensibly to redeem themselves, and consequently they have not retained the high
principles of the rest of the order. The Keepers were never questioned about the failure to produce
larger killer-frogs, or the decreasing fertility of the ones already bred, since they were not above
sending a few frogs to destroy those who might ask such questions. The Keepers have no desire
to leave the catacombs and breeding areas since return might prove troublesome without the service of
their charges.

In further efforts to increase the number of frogs, the Brothers have sought to increase the purchase
of slaves for the sacrifices and raise the necessary revenue by trading their handicrafts and
medicines with the outside world. These traders are recruited exclusively from among the most
loyal brothers and serve for a period of no more than ten years as roving merchants. Since any
outside contact with the Temple is to be avoided, these merchants further disguise themselves as
traders from "far places" to avoid identification with the Brothers of the Swamp. Always
travelling in groups of three or more (who are to spy on each other to insure fealty) they are rewarded
at the end of their service with high rank and position within the hierarchy and occasionally
receive seats on the ruling council. Trade, however, has always proven to be difficult,
due to the efforts required to disguise the destination and AREA where the Temple is located, as
well as the limited value of the local products. It thus came to pass, some one-hundred years ago,
that the order entered into contracts with men who were outside the law. In return for acquiring
articles needed by the Temple, the bandits would receive the protection and sanctury of the
Temple. This has not proved to be the boon  that had been hoped for since the loc. of the
temple is now known to those who are not particularly loyal to it, and the raiders have come to
dominate the non-religious life in the community in a quite unholy manner. The success of their
ops, combined with their intimate knowledge of the swamps, has made them a virtually
separate power within the realm of the order.

This state of affairs has continued for almost a generation with the Temple gradually less a holy
order devoted to destruction and more of an outlaw Kingdom within the swamp, preying on any
passing party.

There came one day, to the town, a strange individual called only Stephen the Rock, who came
with three followers. Stephen possessed some very unusual powers and was looking for a place to
establish himself. Quickly he became part of the Temple and was appointed to the council
upon the assurance that he and his followers would revive the purpose of the Temple and bring
about the completion of its mission  within the near future. Certain brothers who objected were
cast into the breeding pools, others became keepers, and some were said to have been struck
down by lightning. Moving to consolidate the power of the temple over the town certain loyal
troops were hired there (although no one knows how so many loyal types could be found in that
teeming nest of vipers.) These were trained to a machine-like precision, and when the time was
ripe they descended to the town and destroyed the growing power of the bandits. None escaped,
and those who were spared were, more often than not, made slaves of the Temple.