Story

## Introduction

2000 years ago, the gods of old were at their pinnacle. Their carefully designed creatures flourished in untainted, fruitful lands. Civilization bloomed like laurels in springtime. Deities walked freely through city centers, unafraid of harm. But today in 216 BCE, humans have become the overwhelmingly dominant race. Elves hide in their forests, their ornate cities burnt and plundered. Beautiful naiads are forced into slavery, ripped from their ponds and rivers. Wise, renowned dragons are hunted like animals in the name of glory. The future of all creatures is bleak, and the humans that can are too preoccupied to help.

Only a century ago, King Alexander the Great of Macedonia perished. He left behind him a sprawling empire of humanity fractured into disparate kingdoms. Greece, Macedonia, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. Cultures who were once brothers in spirit are now each other's biggest foes. Rome, once a small kingdom of no threat, is now a growing republic that has captured all of Italia. It's expansionist politics and warlike culture threaten all of the Mediterranean world with complete and utter dominance. Its hungry eyes are set upon Carthage, an extravagant nation of great wealth of whom Ares goaded into their second bloodbath of the century. But this time, the war god had not anticipated inviting an old, near forgotten enemy into the fray: Baal, a great and powerful demon hades-bent on ruling the world.

The gods of Greece have unwittingly discovered that they are not alone in their celestial plane. Peaking out from their stronghold on Olympus, the mist has parted to reveal huge gatherings of the lesser deities, all of them looking lustfully on at the power of Olympus. Hephaestus eyes Thor's anvil warily. Poseidon's domain is flooded with the junk-ridden Nile at the behest of Anuket. Below them, old demons, titans, and devils taunt their cohorts from the pits of Tartarus, salivating at the chance to topple their thrones. Threats are abound throughout the world, and the gods are eager to enlist the help of their mortal subjects.

## "Calling all heroes"

The world is at war in every imaginable plane. And yet, even in desolate times, heroes emerge. In Larisa (Thessaly, Greece), a meeting has been called. Zeus has sent forth his fleet footed messenger to put together a grand convention, hoping to attract adventurers and glory-seekers the world over. You yourself found an envelope folded neatly and tucked into your belt. Gold letters are printed fancily on ivory white papyrus. **καλώντας όλους τους ήρωες** - "Calling All Heroes!", you could swear the letters were pulsating. On the back, an intricate red-wax seal melts as your hand glides over it. You unfold the letter.

> *Dear Heroes!*
>
>
> *"His majesty" Zeus has ~~demanded~~ requested your presence! He calls all of the greats (and not so greats) to join him in Larisa, just south of Mount Olympus. Bring with you your favorite weapons, armor, and magical spells (no, Circe has not been invited this time so don't worry about being turned into a pig). Dinner will be provided and rations given for the road. Did I mention a GOLD prize?? Yes you read that correctly. Become wealthy! Earn the favor of the gods! Details of the quest shall be provided at the convention. Loiterers and solicitors will be smited. Oh, and I only got the portal to last 30 minutes so pack quickly. Best of luck!*
>
>
>
> - *Hermes*
>
>

As your eyes leave the letter, it disintegrates in your hands. You feel a gust of wind behind you, a faint sea breeze filling your nostrils. A curtain dangles over a pole that wasn't there a moment before. Peaking through, you see a cobbled road surrounded by lush grass. Adventure awaits.