This section covers the major concepts in the story. More detailed information can be found in the History of Thylea section or in the appendix E in The Great Labors.
Ancient Thylea#
For many ages, Thylea was a wilderness of centaurs, satyrs, cyclopes, and other creatures who worshipped their native gods, the Titans. Mortals who came to Thylea lived in small, defenseless tribes—until the arrival of the Dragonlords.
The Dragonlords#
The Dragonlords were an order of heroic, dragon-riding mortals who came to Thylea five centuries ago. They initiated the First War against the Titans and defeated their armies. Most of the Dragonlords and their dragons were killed during this conflict.
The Five Gods#
When all seemed lost, the mortals of Thylea were saved by the sudden appearance of the Five Gods, who walked the land in mortal guise. They forced the Titans into a temporary truce, called the Oath of Peace.
The Oath of Peace#
The Oath of Peace has prevented open warfare with the Titans for five hundred years. But now, the truce is ending. The power of the Five Gods wanes, and the Titans prepare to wage war upon mortals once again.
The Oracle’s Prophecy#
At the beginning of the story, the heroes are chosen by the Oracle to confront the ancient Titans and end the conflict once and for all. This requires them to fulfill the Oracle’s prophecy and rebuild the ancient order of the Dragonlords.
The Villains#
The story has three major villains.
Sydon, Lord of Storms#
Sydon is the ancient Titan who once ruled over Thylea, long before the arrival of mortals. He seeks to dominate the land once again—to be worshipped by all mortals.
Lutheria, Mistress of Death#
Lutheria is another ancient Titan. She is the sister-wife of Sydon. She has dominion over the underworld, and she seeks to corrupt mortals and capture their souls for her own amusement.
King Acastus of Mytros#
Acastus is the last descendant of the Dragonlords. He is a cowardly manipulator who seeks to undermine the heroes and wrap himself in the glory of his ancestors.