You're a young boy growing up in an isolated town far to the south, living a peaceful and boring life enlivened only by a mysterious traveling bard named Torin who periodically passes through town and entertains the patrons at the local tavern. You love the bard's tales and admire his skill with musical instruments; the bard for his part recognizes that you have a gift and decides to train you.
In your training, Torin reveals that his three instruments — a triangle, pipes, and a lute — can produce magical effects when played correctly: the triangle can open locks; the pipes can summon small animals; and the the lute can put men to sleep. Torin teaches you how to produce the effects, but one day on your way to the tavern to meet him you see a crowd has gathered and learn that the bard has died, for reasons unknown. Shortly thereafter, soldiers appear in town asking for him; you hear the tavernkeeper tell them of the bard's death, and that a couple of mysterious dark figures had been seen in the area — possibly tied to a band of ruffians southwest of town led by a villain named Kroger. Thirsty for revenge, you gather Torin's instruments, buy a sword, and set out to confront Kroger, but you're accosted by his men who steal your instruments and send you back to town defeated.
Six years pass, and life worsens for the townsfolk as Kroger's band becomes bolder and more belligerent. One day at the tavern two of his ruffians come in for a drink and you happen to overhear them talking about Torin's instruments, with one revealing where he hid them. You once again resolve to settle your score with Kroger, and set out to find the magical instruments.
