To the noblest of readers,
Long ago, the continent of Aetherium was united under a single banner. The continent-spanning Empire prospered for centuries. They built their wealth on Aether, a valuable and mysterious substance only found on Aetherium. Years of stability and safety allowed the Empire to amass riches beyond our wildest imaginations.
Then, tragedy struck. The last Emperor passed of a sudden illness and without an apparent heir. Rivalling factions vied for the throne and pledged themselves to one of three family members in line for the throne. As generations passed, the Empire fractured further and further. Without stability, bandits got free reign of the lands and Aether mining operations. As the Aether trade dried up, so did each faction's wealth. Today, Aetherium is home to small tribes, bandits and smugglers. With the limited supply of Aether and our ever-growing population, the price of Aether has increased a hundredfold.
A lack of Aether is not our only problem, as you well know. Our cities hold more people than can be fed and hunger takes its toll every winter. The commonfolk are weary and increasingly restless. The 250th Council of Kings convened at midwinter, bringing forth a decree. They decided the time has come to repopulate the continent of Aetherium and bring forth a steady supply of Aether. Every citizen willing and able is called upon to leave their homesteads and reclaim Aetherium.
And to you, noble reader, the Council grants a special request. You are first nor second in line of inheritance. Custom dictates you shall not own land, and instead join the military, become a scholar or take the vows of priesthood. Herein lies a new chance. Offer your life in service to the Council and stake your claim on Aetherium. We call upon you to lead the commonfolk to glory by founding your own Kingdom!
As ruler of a Kingdom, you will be granted a settlement to manage and grow. How you manage your Kingdom from there is up to you. To achieve the ultimate glory, we advise you to band together with others to form an Empire. Each Empire will compete for Prestige, as is determined by the Council of Kings. The first Empire to be awarded 250 Prestige will be crowned victor and gains governorship over the whole of Aetherium.
Will you be the key to uniting Aetherium under a single banner once more?
Signed,
Lord Marcus Stonegarden
Assistant Royal Secretary of the Council of Kings