From the introduction: Herein can be found tales of the perilous lands of the Great Steppe, an untamed wild roamed by savage peoples and the vengeful spirits of the earth. Take heed of the lore contained within, wise traveller! Know your death worm from your murder worm! Your sun shaman from your moon shaman! Your Urgar from your Berkha! Tread lightly as you go, sing the songs of the spirits and perhaps, if lucky, you may one day reach the fabled city of Shardis.