And so it came to pass that two vast empires emerged in Arantus over a century after the collapse of the last great human empire, Nerath. In the east, Drachnydor, realm of the great Dragons and their kin. In the west, Goblyndor, populated by vast hordes of Goblinoids, Orcs, Ogres, Giants, and the ruthless, power-hungry Trolls.

You live in the Nentir Vale, a small swath of unclaimed — and as yet unconquered and largely unnoticed — territory lying on the outer fringes of both expanding empires. Caught in the vise between two rapidly growing monstrous dominions, you strive valiantly to carve out a life of Heroic Adventure.