The game takes place on the continent of Fódlan. The landmass is divided into three rival nations who are now at peace: the Adrestian Empire to the southwest, the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus to the north, and the Leicester Alliance to the east. At the center of the continent is the Garreg Mach Monastery, a neutral territory home to both the Church of Seiros and the Officer's Academy. The game's "Three Houses" refer to the three academy houses of Garreg Mach, the Black Eagles, the Blue Lions, and the Golden Deer, each populated with students from the three main nations.