It is said in ancient tomes of lore that the lands of our world of Gaia was ruled by three great Kingdoms, whose very names are lost upon the sands of time. Yet these volumes speak in awed majesty of the Forgotten Kingdoms, which wrought things man cannot fathom, who wielded magic as easily as a child sings a song, and whose metals could never be broken. It is written that during the rule of the Forgotten Kingdoms, Gaia was at its most peaceful and prosperous; all the lands were united and governed justly under the Three Kings, who were identified as the Warrior, the Wizard, and the Engineer.

The tomes speak not of what brought about the fall of the Forgotten Kingdoms, nor is there any who survive to tell the tale to this day… at least, if there are, none have come forth. The texts only pick up after “The Fall,” written by those that had lived underneath the rule of the Three Kings; it dates almost a century afterwards, based entirely on stories passed on by oral traditions. It is said that after the great kingdoms disappeared, the governors warred amongst themselves for their Right to Ascension, thus tearing asunder the continent…

It has been two centuries since those brutal wars tore apart provinces and territories of the former kingdoms; two hundred years of hardship, bloodshed, and politics. Vast areas of the plains and forests have gone ungoverned and become part of the Wild, patrolled by marauders and monsters who have proliferated in these times of suffering. Yet this time of infighting, seemingly, has come to an end; small Kingdoms have arisen from the ashes of fallen provinces and states, leaders finally making themselves apparent amongst the lost peoples of Gaia.

These Kingdoms have organized themselves, but all lack many of the things their growing nations need; especially as refugees flock to these beacons of civilization with the desperate hope of a better life. Expeditions are sent forth, only having local knowledge and century old maps of the lands that surround them, seeking territory and riches to re-establish themselves… what awaits them as they venture forth? There has been whisper amongst refugees that indeed there are more kingdoms… kingdoms that may become allies, enemies, competitors… only time will tell, for not all will be able to survive these times of rebuilding.

As one, the leaders of these peoples raise their hands to the sun, opening their hands to grasp that which is lost; they seek the prosperity of their civilization; they seek glory; they seek wealth; they seek blessings from the gods; and more than anything, they seek their RIGHT TO ASCENSION...

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That was twenty five years ago, which marked the beginning of a New Age; that of the Rise of the Inheritor Kingdoms. These nations, which grew into much more than any could have imagined, have brought civilization back to the wilderness that was Avantus. Twenty five years of reclamation, growth, and prosperity... as well as raiding, pillaging, and aggressive expansion. Regardless, times are still much better than they once were.

This can be attributed to, surprisingly enough, the Elves; for their City of Leigis, located in the center most point of the continent, served as the first meeting place of the Inheritor Kingdoms. It was here that each would learn that they were not the only bearers of a new age, and that for better or worse, there were others out there. It is thus that trade relations were first established, as well as a few skirmishes... yet with time, a somewhat stable protocol has arisen; each kingdom, yearly, sends a high ranking delegate to Leigis during the Autumn Festival, to meet on matters.

Yet all is not quiet in the world; for in this time, Four mighty artifacts have been found. There names can be found in the annals of Leigis, which speak in awe of their power... and they are not the only ones who have been found. Ever more interesting is speak of drums in the mountains, though the Dwarves say nothing of this...

The wheel of fate is turning now, upon the eve of the 25th Autumn Festival, and this time a mysterious figure sits waiting at the gathering table. There is something on the air tonight, something that whispers of change and destiny... something that stirs men and women to strive once more for their Right to Ascension.