Welcome to Caldör. Here you will encounter monsters and magic, adventure and exploits, kings and kingdoms, sorcerers and shadows, men and gods. For this is the home of heroes and villains, clerics and scoundrels, knights and rebels, sojourners and bandits.
This is a tale of Altrüon, a magnificent kingdom from a world apart. Positioned comfortably in the south on the mid-eastern plate of Caldör, the kingdom of Altrüon has seen much success throughout its time under the reign of a long line of benevolent and virtuous kings. The kings of Altrüon are spoken of throughout the lands of Caldör for their fiery conviction and heroic exploits. Long have these kings reigned from Pyre, and there is a light that burns for their just and glorious governance, a flame of promise for the continuance of righteous rule.
Pyre: the radiant city of Altrüon and its capital. Pyre is known throughout the world as an illustrious city of glorious splendor. Many stories are told across the seas in far off nations of the magnificent "City of Light" and its golden streets.
Scholars and warriors from throughout the kingdom come to the capital to study and grow their talents. Scouts are sent out from the king and followed by messengers with invitations to citizens throughout the four realms of the kingdom to find and select the best and most promising men to be brought to the Royal Academy for knightly service and scholarly courses.
Throughout the centuries, the gates of Pyre have seen the rise and fall of many great kings and the burden of their people. In this particular time, on this particular day, the king who reigns is Stephan.
Stephan Caliphus is a member of a long line of kings, beginning with Palmier and traced down through the centuries until the present day of his reign. His wife, Susanna, died some years ago, leaving their son, Casper, as the sole heir to the throne after his father. Having long served his people well, Stephan is now an old man preparing his son for his future responsibility and place as King over Altrüon.
The kingdom of Altrüon is divided into four geographic realms and seven more arbitrary regions with Pyre at their core - the western plains, the southern foothills, the eastern forest, and the farmlands with the seas to the north. The seven regions are the seven centers of influence throughout the empire - Laoce, Euphess, Pergum, Delphi, Sa'ar, Tyra, and Asrymn. These seven are the traditional regions of the Kingsmen.
The Kingsmen are a long standing religious order based in Altruon with a history as old as time. Their influence in Altrüon is great, the City Architects and nation's founders having been among their ranks. The Kingsmen serve the King of Himmel and are addressed as his servants. They hold to the teachings and history recorded in the Kingsmen Chronicles and are well known for their affirmation of Himmel's blessing of Caliphus as King over Pyre and all the land.
One such result of the Kingsmen influence in the Altrüon and its governmental structure are the Kingsmen Representatives, two members of the King's Court who are sent to ensure the interests of the King of Himmel and his worldly Council.
The first is the Seer: a servant who Himmel has gifted with the ability to see and contact the unseen realm. It is the role of the Seer to bring the message of the King of Himmel to his people and guide them in the way of salvation.
The second is the Kingsmen Ambassador: a Kingsmen cleric and gifted orator appointed by the Council as their representative in Pyre. It is the responsibility of the Ambassador to bring the interests of the Kingsmen and their Council before the King of Altrüon and his Court.
As always, there is love and loss and joy and trial. Even in this time, there is a testing of strength and loyalty, of friendship and trust. This is a story of a man and his journeys. This is the telling of his wishes and the promise of a life he never lived. This is a story which begins with a death and ends with a promise. After all of this is done, we will find our new beginnings. Until then, this is Altrüon.