PRPG3 Player Briefing
Background
This game takes place about 300 years after the conclusion of PRPG2. The long Dark Ages are over, with their end heralded by the return of the Elements of Harmony. In the new Harmonic Age, recovery from the ancient Catastrophe has been proceeding along. Oceans have risen again, bringing back frequent rains with them, and the terrible drought of old is a distant memory. The various regions of the Isle of Yore are accordingly no longer popularly referred to as Dusts; instead of sparse desert they have been overtaken by stands of tropical forest and lush grasses. Agriculture is easier on the now richly fertile land watered almost daily by predictable rains, and it is a time of relative plenty.
Under the state of Harmonia, civilization and the rule of law are firmly established in every major population center on the Isle of Yore, and life is quite peaceful. Still, not everything is settled and tamed – much of the island remains remote and rural, and large swaths of uninhabited wilderness still exist, especially with the regrowth of forests making some areas even more challenging to explore than they were as deserts.
The Story At Hoof
You (the player characters) have all recently received letters inviting you to take part in an expedition being undertaken by Radiance University's College of Biology, in collaboration with the Oneiric Curacy. The expedition's goal is to obtain specimens, especially botanical, for research with an aim towards reestablishing much-needed biodiversity in the various environments of Equus.
This is a prestigious opportunity that, for most of you, will likely make great resume material to help advance your career. These letters direct you to gather with your fellow expedition members in Docktown, recommending the New Baltimare Hotel, since a small block of rooms has already been reserved for your convenience. Those of you who show up in Docktown and rendezvous with your party by the 27th of Fruits will receive further travel instructions at that time. Travel vouchers cannot be provided at this preliminary phase, but all reasonable expedition-related travel expenses will be reimbursed later. The letter also informs you that, due to time constraints, the expedition will have to proceed without anypony who has not arrived by the 27th, and asks you to please ensure your prompt arrival accordingly.
As the game opens, it is the morning of 27 Fruits 3645. You should have already sent a confirmation letter accepting a position on the expedition before departing for Docktown, and should have arrived in Docktown by now. You may be either just entering town, or might have gotten there a bit earlier and availed yourself of the provided hotel room while waiting. In any case, it's recommended that you proceed to the New Baltimare Hotel (if you're not already there) to meet up with your teammates.
Adventure awaits. Good luck!