From the introduction: Esmeralda is a very large island located to the East of Lopango, whose problems are endless and whose need for heroes is dire. Apart from the lands of the Payit, it was the only one to be fully conquered by Amnians before the Spellplague: but its conquerors hated Cordell, were more pious and perverse sometimes. Welcome traveler, to lands where death is most likely, and where revenge, though it is foolish and sinful, abounds.