The Story of Asheron's Call
The legendary magician Asheron has summoned many to Dereth; only the bravest have answered the call. Here, warriors battle creatures of awesome might, magicians will discover magical items and create new spells, and treasure hunters will seek out precious relics. Quests will impel adventurers to uncover the wealth and lore of legend. Adventurers will form allegiance and fellowships, for often many can accomplish what one alone cannot.
History
In ancient times, a powerful race, the Empyrean, flourished across the island of Dereth. Their empire fell into ruin, however, when the wizard Gaerlan opened a portal that ushered in hordes of monsters, the Olthoi. Asheron, whom many considered the most powerful mage alive, cast a spell that transported the Empyreans to the mysterious depths of portal space, though he himself remained behind.
This spell had an unintended side effect, however. The Empyreans' flight to safety accidentally summoned many other creatures to Dereth - among them humans. At first the Olthoi enslaved the humans, but a band of rebels, led by noblewoman Elysa Strathelar and the warrior Thorsten Cragstone, chose to fight. Aided by Asheron's magic, they slew the Olthoi queen and won freedom, though it cost Thorsten his life.
Sixteen years later, Elysa has assumed the throne of Dereth, while ASheron's whereabouts are unknown. Unable to return home, humans have created a society based on the world they left behind. In their time in this realm, they have defeated a great many foes and have grown into a force of immense power. The world is under their control. Or so they thought...
Ispar: The World that Was
Humans are not native to Dereth. Instead, they come from the world of Ispar, home of many different cultures, including the warlike Aluvians, the scholarly Gharu'ndim, the peaceful Sho, and the empire-building Viamontians.