From the introduction:
The Margravate of Griffonsford and its neighboring province, the Duchy of Weiden, comprise the majority of the Middenrealm’s northern border, where the land of Empress Rohaja meets that of the orcs. A mountainous region known as the Dark Ridge (or the Sable Ridge, to locals) separates these two ancient enemies. Local humans refer to their homeland as the Shield of the Middenrealm, hence the label Shield Lands, and the troops who patrol the border region are known as the Sable Guard. This adventure takes place in the Luminous Woods, which extends from the foot of the Dark Ridge Mountains south through Griffonsford, a region that is home to valiant knights and frugal peasants who stand constant vigil against the encroaching darkness. The land bears the scars of innumerable clashes with orcs, and the residents’ solid faith in Praios, god of light and justice, is plain for all to see.