Prologue: “Secret Banquet” of the ruling elite- by Lance Pruitt

Highbridge, Berusa

It’s that time again dear readers. The self proclaimed leaders of our world are about to meet in secret for their annual banquet. Later this evening, the esteemed Belle Grande inn will be filled to the brim with politicians, magicians, alchemists, captains of industry, and military personnel from the AUF’s various nations. This gathering will mark 100 years since the establishment of the Alliance of United Fiefdoms following the end of the War of Oppression.

Today also marks 100 years since the establishment of our great nation of Berusa. Yes, you’ve all been taught in your schools about how Berusa was born of the ashes of the kingdoms that were decimated by the Desmavali and their army of thralls, and stood as a bastion of freedom and a rallying point for the North. How with the help of the nations of the southern continent- The Kalish empire (currently Dhas Kali) and several independent princes from what is now Xire- our forefathers were able to defeat our conquerors.

What is conveniently left out is how following the war a conglomerate of bankers and merchants rose to power, seemingly overnight, coming in from the fringes of the northern continent or migrating from the opulent south. These individuals immediately began funding the creation of a “unified Northern protector”- the Titans Guild- built around the Thatcher family (forerunners of the Titans’ current leader Bedford Thatcher). Now with the pieces in place, the new elite had their mechanism for policing the north!

What about the Desmavali? These strange, Fae, humanoids caused unparalleled destruction and havoc. Yet following the war, non-combatants were permitted to seek refuge in the South?! By the old laws they should have been slaughtered to the last elf! [editor's note: look, we know the Desmavali aren’t ‘elves’ and that the term is considered a slur- the views of Mr. Pruitt do not reflect the views of Il Lun- which we will remind you is an open source periodical.]

So what if they weren’t ALL involved? Every single one of them is unsavory to say the least. And what of the Desmavali death cults that have sprung up in Dhassarata’s unbroken region? These are important questions to ask Dear Readers.

But, ah yes, the Banquet. At this Banquet the Elite have gathered from the Allied superpowers of the world to plan their continued oppression of the common man. There has been talk of blood sacrifices, and wanton orgies involving farm animals and little boys. They will tell you that those of us who know the depths of the depravity are delusional, but we must all remain ever vigilant.

- Lance Pruitt, speaker of truth for the people