The Gods bled, and where their blood flowed, life ceased. Entire kingdoms were left barren overnight for having the misfortune of being drenched in the silver flow. The Gods, those supposed protectors and guides of man, could do little to stem to destruction, for if they retreated from the war they so desperately fought, it would be the end of all.

  The Darkens bled, and where their blood flowed, nightmares arose. Twisted creatures made in the image of man’s worst fears were turned loose upon them. The Darken, the ancient enemies of the Gods, were tirelessly driven by the need to consume creation. Though the Gods would eventually prevail in vanquishing their foes, the aberrations seeded across the land remained.

  Men bled, and where their blood flowed, only memories remain. The lifeless deserts would claim both blood and bodies for themselves, and in return, yield its bounty to the victors. Lyris – the silver flow, formed to crystals over many long centuries. When wielded by man, it became the source of magic. Many wars were fought over its control, and many cities were razed with its power. And as the Lyris began to dwindle, the desperation of men grew, as did the depravity of the acts they would commit.

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  Kings bled, and where their blood flowed, chaos reigned. The fighting to control the Lyris enveloped everything, and not even those who begun the wars remained safe from the blade. It was only through the actions of heroes, those great and noble, that the land was brought back from the brink, and what few remained could begin to rebuild. But the Lyris remained, tempting the hearts of man, and risking further devastation.

  Now, champions will bleed. It was decided that once each decade, every region would send one representative, a warrior who represented their best and bravest, to compete in deadly trials. The champion of the Tournament Lyris would win their home the right to control the distribution of Lyris until the next. In this way, greater conflict can be avoided.

  But what will become of this land that becomes soaked in the blood of heroes?