Empire. These toys were so beautiful and creative that all who lived in the

land cherished them. Generations of children had the pleasure of owning a Baden

toy. There were dolls, bears, and wooden yo-yos. Marioneetes with painted on

smiles, clowns wearing bright outfits. Dishes designed for small hands, so many

toys to make a boy or girl happy. Everyone in the Realm of the Empire wanted a

toy designed by Baden even the evil mage, Fragstone. Who demanded a toy for

himself now not tomorrow but right this minute. So when the gold coins came

from Fragstone demanding a toy and Badens services just for him, one can

imagine the rage that Fragstone flew into. His servants could hear him yelling

for into the night "Baden will live to regret this. I will make him

pay dearly."

Fragstone may have wanted the toy and Badens services but now he wanted

revenge. He plotted to kidnap Baden and force the toymaker to do his bidding.

A servant overhearing what Fragstone had in mind for the toymaker informed the

town of Mordant immediately. The townspeople upon hearing the evil plot of the

mage and what was in store for their beloved Baden, whisked him and his helpers

into hiding.

This action infuriated Fragstone more. He demanded the people deliver the

toymaker to him within 24 hours. When the townspeople of Mordant ignored his

demand, he placed a curse upon the town hoping to gain knowledge of the

whereabouts of Baden. The loyal townspeople pledged to keep their secret and

protect Baden from the evil mage.

Thus from that day forth every man, woman, and child were to roam the streets

of Mordant as toys. Never to grow old, to fall in love and marry, to have

children, this was fragstones punishment on the town. He smiled as he spoke to

the townspeople. "You have only to reveal the hiding place of Baden, the

toymaker and the curse will be lifted." Each and everyone in the town turned

their backs on him and walked slowly away with their heads held high.

To this day Baden still makes his toys somewhere in secret and every once in a

while a child receives a toy made by Baden. If any unfortunate adventurer

stumbles onto, he is giving a magical book before he leaves, hoping it will

keep the evil mage from changing them into a toy. Be careful where you explore

in this town, or what doors you open. You could be the next victim unless you

can kill the evil mage first.

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