From the introduction: There is a world in which heroes and villains clash, a world of strange magic, rare adventures, and the struggle of good people making things better. In this world, people speak of the gods watching over them -- not out of care, but for entertainment. They speak of the Web of Fate, which binds all souls together, and which ensures that stories unfold in the proper manner. Not everyone believes in the Web, but even the hardened skeptic holds its sway in mind.