“Have you ever heard of the Magnificents of Eldoria? Hey, boy, I’m talking to you!” A strange voice called out. Peter opened his eyes and found himself in a vast, empty white hall that seemed to stretch into infinity. The person speaking was an old man with a long silver beard, wearing a robe embroidered with stars, and holding a book much like Peter’s. Through small, round glasses, his piercing eyes studied Peter. “Who are you?” Peter began, but remembering the question, he replied, “No, I have no idea who the Magnificents of Eldoria are.” Silence hung between them for a moment. “Hmmm, very well,” said the old man. “The Kingdom of Eldoria is one of the greatest in the known world, surrounded by the mighty Drakestone Mountains, nearly impossible for any enemy to cross. Over the centuries, it has known long periods of peace and prosperity, and all the cultures within have lived in brotherhood. Its lands are vast and varied, all ruled from the mountain city of Highspire, where the leaders of every region gather. Throughout history, there have been few truly great figures here, but the legendary heroes of Eldoria are remembered for their deeds across the world. The legends say that all these heroes gathered only once to save the world, drawn together by a mysterious power in the year 2000 of our Sovereign. You have been called for the same reason, Peter. You are the greatest hero of all time and will be remembered for centuries in Eldoria as Peter the Great, also known as Peter the Brave, Peter the Pure, or Peter the Generous. You left behind many names. Do you have any questions?” Peter was stunned, unable to process all the information. At last, he managed to ask: “And what is this power that brought them together?” “You have it right in front of you. I can’t tell you much more, for some mysteries must remain hidden until their time.” “So, who are the other heroes, and why have we all been called?” Peter asked. “Excellent question! Why you have all been called, you’ll discover in time, but I can tell you a bit about your companions. Let’s begin, from the oldest to the most recent.” The old man opened his book and began to read: Eldan the Wise (1663 before the Sovereign) — the greatest of the Arcanari, rare beings who have always guarded the kingdom’s secrets. The Arcanari control the four elements, and Eldan the Wise commanded the earth itself; he raised the Drakestone Mountains to protect Eldoria and created the Grand Council to unite all peoples and traditions. In his old age, he vanished into the unknown, and his story faded into legend, though it’s said the Arcanari still follow his ancient commands. Thalion the Genius (536 before the Sovereign) — a white elf, chosen as High Consul and the longest to ever hold the post. With the power of his people, he defended Eldoria against the enigmatic Varkari and the rebellious Stonekin. Thalion understood the very foundations of the world and rebuilt its pillars at the last moment, sowing discord among the Stonekin and expelling them from the kingdom without much bloodshed. He was the great builder of Eldoria, without whom the kingdom would have splintered. Seraphine the Intrepid (16 before the Sovereign) — leader of the southern Amazari, who, alongside Durnan the Relentless, became the great hope during the invasion and tyranny of the Sovereign. The Sovereign entered through the Gate of Myr, the only pass through the Drakestone Mountains, and easily took the throne, closing the Grand Council. For over forty years, the Sovereign ruled, but Seraphine raised her Amazari against the invader, harrying his forces for years. She led the liberation armies and, after a decade-long siege, entered Highspire and drove out the tyrant. Her dances are still honored by the Amazari. Durnan the Relentless (14 before the Sovereign) — chief of the eastern Gremlari, an ancient people much like dwarves but more eccentric. The Gremlari never sought power, but when the Sovereign took the throne, Durnan rallied volunteers of every race to fight. The greatest battles of that era starred his warriors, with Durnan at the front wielding his mighty scythe. When his troops were losing, the Amazari appeared and turned the tide. Together, they expelled the Sovereign and wiped out the last resistance. Kael the Supreme (448 after the Sovereign) — a master mage of the Arcane Council, the most brilliant of his age. Kael excelled in every magical discipline and quickly rose in Eldoria’s politics, eventually becoming the mages’ representative in the Grand Council. He refused the highest office, instead leading expeditions abroad, building cities, and waging campaigns against the Stonekin and Ogres. In his later years, he sought the final mage’s ring to become the greatest wizard of all time, but returned changed, never the same again. Lyriana the Bright (1032 after the Sovereign) — the most beautiful princess of the wild elves. She defied her royal destiny, left her forest home, and lived great adventures. Eventually, she became a general and diplomat, saving the city of Mirath from a mysterious invading force and forging the Sapphire League to unite the free peoples. Borin the Gallant (1349 after the Sovereign) — the most famous dwarf knight, hero to all and terror to monsters. He rebuilt the Ironspire, married the princess of the western folk, and slew the leader of the Secret Arcanari, averting a needless war. Shade the Silent (1566 after the Sovereign) — the last hero, and the most mysterious. Some called him the Shadowblade. He appeared throughout history to deliver justice in times of chaos, always vanishing as mysteriously as he arrived. Closing the great book, the old man finished his long explanation, and silence returned. All that talk had left Peter completely stunned. He didn’t know what to say to the old man and couldn’t process all the information he’d been given. In the end, he decided to ask: “And what happens now?” “Another excellent question!” replied the old man, who we’ll now call Master Galadir. “Right now, you are in what we might call the world-between-worlds. I do not have the power to enter either Eldoria or your Earth, so before you arrive there, I had to stop you here. When you are ready to begin your adventure, simply say the words: ‘Cursed be Eldoria!’ But I think you may have another question for me.” Peter hesitated. “Well… yes, I’m not a hero or anything like that, and this role is way too big for me. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do or where to start!” “Trust yourself and let yourself be carried along,” Galadir said kindly. “Nothing is as complicated as it seems at first if you tackle it with good spirit. I don’t have much more to tell you, but here—” he handed Peter a match—“if you ever have a truly serious problem, light this. But it’s better if you don’t use it.” With those words, the old man turned and left through a side door before Peter could say anything else. Seeing there was nothing more to do, Peter took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and said the words: “CURSED BE ELDORIA!”