Within these pages, for better or for worse, I document the great continent of Almariia in all its forms. In these lands you will find greed, hate, envy, lust, and selfishness; but, you will also find hope, wonder, magic, and in a few rare cases - a bit of heroism.

To the West, the Duven Kingdoms. Many here wear crowns, though there is only one king; King Alanor Duven IV. He lies at his death bed, no heirs to speak of. The crowns grow restless; many vie for the throne, others rally their defenses and strengthen their walls in the anticipation of many conflicts sure to come.

To the East, the Isilian Empire. The elves, religious though they are, have become miserly and malevolent. Yet this does not speak to the entirety of their race; only those with power. Politicians, nobles, and powerful magicians clasp their wealth and influence in an iron fist. With this, a caste system 100 years in the making stands firm. For all that, the poor and destitute of this empire may yet have hope; the daughter of the late Emperor Alonnen Ninquie, young Empress Alhiniath Ninquie, promises them prosperity and welfare. In her claims, she would extend a helping hand to the less fortunate, and stand them up into a life of abundance and well-being.

Peace is a fickle friend, and difficult to truly define. Racial wars are a thing of the past in these lands, thought to be a shadow of our lesser ancestors' need for glory and triumph in the face of perceived heresy and fanaticism. Today's wars are waged with gold; behind closed doors and contrived smiles.