From the introduction: One of the most common pieces of magic that many adventurers seem to come across in their travels is the boots of striding and springing. These simple and utilitarian magic items allow the wearer speed and maneuverability that are unmatched in other lesser magic items. Though they seem to have become a common thing in the market of magical items, they did not start as such a thing. The first pair of boots of striding and springing were created several thousand years ago at the beginning of an era of peace between the good peoples of the world, primarily halflings and elves.