Prologue: A Shrouded Land
Tellius has long been known to be a land of many blessings and one sole curse. A continent spared from an aquatic grave by the Goddess, with the goal of proving peace could last for a millennium. Container of beauteous sights and innumerable marvels, it has adapted to change over the course of centuries without ever losing its natural gracefulness. It marks the birthplace of brave and talented heroes, from the valiant lion Soan to the respected Zelgius, with many more in between.
Yet it is also a land under a dark cloud, trapped and unmovable.
Tellius was cursed with the blanket of strife. Be it large or small, imperative or unimportant, it has seen more than it ever deserved to. The oldest troubles date back to the Zunanma conflicts, and descend all the way to more modern, more distinguished quarrels. The Battles of Ashera's Three Heroes, The Crimean Independence War, The Daein Freedom War, The Riots for Laguz Slavery Abolishment, the Crimea-Daein skirmishes, The Serenes Massacre, The Mad King's War, the Daein Liberation Movement, the war between the Laguz Alliance and the Begnion Empire, The Quest for Ashunera's Revival; all mark special time periods in the history of Tellius, all of them ran on bloodshed.
The people of the continent, Laguz and Beorc alike, were saved from complete annihilation four mere years ago. Saved by the hero Ike and Yune's Chosen. The memory of the three last wars still lingers on the air, the blanket was supposed to stay floating in this air for generations to come. But, once again, it has descended upon Tellius. Now, when the countries were all flourishing, prospering with newfound vitality.
However, times are not the same, and the people have barely had a chance to change. The hero Ike is long gone, sailed in a journey to lands unknown along with the Ranulf, advisor to the Beast King. The Greil Mercenaries are not what they used to be, diminished in number and drive. Yune's Chosen don't shine with the same intensity.
Nevertheless, they still radiate a glow. A shimmer that translates to hope.
The nations in Tellius have done nothing if not prosper. Slowly, but steadily, three new countries are emerging form apparently nowhere. First, Serenes, overseen by Reyson, the Heron Prince, has become independent from the Begnion Theocracy and has turned into a resting place of sorts, as well as a land for the unified Bird Tribes.
Next, the Soanvalke Settlement in the mountains north of the Grann Desert, has called for its own government. First founded by Stefan, the Trueblade, the settlement has everything it requires for becoming a great country. Everything except sturdy support.
Finally, Hatari, a nation so long unknown of, home to Beorc, Branded and Wolf Laguz alike, has stepped out of its solace across the Desert of Death and joined up in Gallia with King Skrimir. Yet it is obvious that the country of felines is not large enough.
Crimea, under the rule of Queen Elincia, sees progress in every field on a steady basis. Daein, on the other hand, has managed to almost completely regain its strength and morale so depleted by in the Mad King's War and the Liberation Movement under the rule of Queen Micaiah and King Sothe. Begnion, greatly aided by Empress Sanaki, finds more unification and peacefulness as the days go by.
The Laguz nation of Kilva-Phoenicis, recently integrated under rule of King Tibarn has managed to overcome most of the differences between the Ravens and the Hawks, and successfully built a strong Kilvan economy through trade. Meanwhile, the Dragon country of Goldoa has began opening its doors to foreign affairs and peoples after a thousand years because of King Kurthnaga.
And somehow, the blanket continues to fall uninterrupted.