From the introduction: The world of Pangrasa is perpetually under the sway of a being known as an Ascendant. The Ascendants are living gods; mortal men and women who underwent apotheosis to become deities. After their ascension, they live for a century before dying once more to ascend to the celestial pantheon, and a new Ascendant takes their place. The Ascendants are beings of emotions, and the world reflects this. When an ascendant of a positive trait ascends, such as kindness, it is a century of peace and happiness. When an ascendant of a negative trait ascends, such as rage, it is a century of turmoil and darkness. The reign of Ascendant Agate the Kind was one of peace, plenty, and co-operation, but as an Ascendant’s time draws to a close the powers gather that one may rise above the rest and become the next Ascendant. In the 99th year of Agate’s reign, from the hellish Neraka desert at the head of an army, the Crucian warlord Megedagik the Iron Claw emerged, and his rage rocked the peaceful world. Agate, in a weakened state due to the late hour of his reign, could not stop Megedagik as his army tore a bloody swathe across the land. In his wake came the Ragewalkers; spirits spawned by war itself and seeking only to perpetuate the violence. Under their sway, the entire world was soon embroiled in conflict. This war lasted for a year, tearing apart the kingdoms of the world, leaving a fractured mess of city-states, until the death of Agate, and the Ascension of Megedagik as the Ascendant of Rage. With his newfound powers, Megedagik crushed the remaining combatants. The Ragewalkers, drawn in by his power, became his lieutenants, instigating wars between his foes for his amusement. The world became clouded with rage; the beasts of the world became aggressive, and people became suspicious and hostile. It has been 5 years since then. The adventurers all have their own reasons for joining forces, but they are all united by a single purpose: they will not endure 95 more years under Megedagik. They are going to break the cycle. They are going to kill a God.