The world of Laritha has been wrought with conflict since the advent of written history. Kingdoms have risen and fallen, mimicking the tides themselves. The cycle of rising and falling kingdoms ends when 224 years into the past, in the year 1105, a large event called "The Awakening" shakes Laritha. In the eastern Kingdom of Praea, within the depths of the lush Santuri mountain range, A group of magicians in an attempt to magnify their powers, seek its source. They find the source, yet their efforts at expanding the rift go unanswered. Finally, they resort to human sacrifice, successfully opening the rift. It expands ever so slightly, releasing a barrage of energies that flow through the cave, eventually finding the exit and spreading out through Laritha. It lights the cave aglow as the magicians themselves die from the supersaturation of magical energy.
The effects of the magical energies are felt hours later. The weather becomes erratic, causing storms and typhoons to wreak havoc upon the open seas. Earthquakes split the earth and volcanoes erupt anew. A fourth of Larithas human population die from this event, and all life in the lush Santuri mountain range die. Two Weeks later, a band of knights are sent by the king of Praea, Tarquinius Papius to investigate the phenomenon. Following the streams of light coming from the cave, they discover magical beings that forewarn them never to return. Bringing news to the king, they immediately seal the cave and the entrance to the Santuri mountain range.
As the years pass, generations of humans begin show natural ability of wielding magic. A new age of discovery begins, yet with it comes questions. As the phenomenon of "The Awakening" fades from public view, people begin to ask questions why magic had decided to manifest. Animals had also inherited magic. A new sickness arises, given the name "Unyielding Curse". Only those who show magical abilities suffer this curse. Incidentally, only magic can slow its progress.
Kingdoms rebuild, cities repopulate and the world of Laritha begins anew after the advent of "The Awakening". Though new dangers have presented themselves in the form of magical creatures, new answers have appeared through magic. two kingdoms arise over all others, the kingdom of Praea to the east, and Annihliath to the west. Both kingdoms, pride themselves in helping those in trouble near their gates, inevitably annexing nearby cities to expand their influence. They ally each other through peace talks and similar ideals. At the height of their powers, both kingdoms take different paths. While Praea, satisfied with its size, decides to stabilize its economy and raise the standard of living for all of its inhabitants. Annihliath on the other hand, becomes an empire and continues its crusade through Laritha, resorting to military force in order to expand its influence.
1304. Despite the kings best efforts, Praea begins to fall into decline. Food shortages abound and the peasantry begin to riot. Local militia are pushed to the limit as the army spreads thinly throughout the bulging kingdom. To further their problems, Annihliath breaks the alliance with Praea, deeming them unworthy of the honor. In the year 1329, as Annihliath looks to the east, Praea finds itself juggling between internal conflict and external assault.