——This is the land where surviving lambs wander in exile, a breeding ground for war fed by desire.
Novisess, a continent divided by the Dernahir Mountains and the Escara River. Thousands of years ago, survivors of catastrophe found refuge here. Over time, shaped by the land’s natural environment and untraceable history, two faith-based powers emerged: the fertile southern empire of Gotondas, and the barren, fractured northern nations of Arrel, Notuva, Baraine, and Islight.
The south’s ambition for territory and the north’s struggle for survival have led to constant clashes along the border, resulting in centuries of stalemate.
——This is the unavoidable doom of the continent, an apocalypse of fanatical believers.
In the spring-winter transition of 1096, imperial power shifted from the emperor to the pope, placing the south under theocracy. In the summer of 1099, the pope ignited war along the north-south border—a “Cleansing of Faith,” as whispered among beggars, commoners, and nobles alike. The so-called “divine” wisdom and forbidden powers twisted the bodies and souls of soldiers. The fanatics’ revelry became the continent’s ruin, leaving Novisess scarred and broken.
——This is an age of rampant fear, an era of widespread distrust.
Destitute poets beg with sacks, mercenaries and bandits seize the chaos, women descend into madness after losing their homes. Empowered by divine forces, the empire crosses the border, devouring northern lands with impunity. Death and fear ravage the already-weakened northern nations, consumed by infighting. Followers of Los pray for divine mercy, while adherents of Esos wield divine wisdom without restraint. Wails and mad laughter echo in every corner of the world.
——This is the summer of hope, the rain of despair.
Monarchs gather at the round table, uniting as the Arden Alliance—four nations merged into one. Count Alonzo of the Kingdom of Baraine is appointed commander of the allied forces. In the gloomy summer rains, what slides from his armor is not only droplets but also the glimmer of victory longed for by the alliance.
Meanwhile, in the Clamig Forest north of Updales, where Alonzo’s forces set out, a mercenary band known as the “Hyenas” prowls in the shadows…
—In this war waged in the name of faith, some march toward rebirth, others toward their end.
