The Web of Strife
There are three kingdoms; Heaven for the Angels, Hell for the Demons, and Earth for mankind. However, there are more than just these three worlds in creation, and there are more races than just these three.
Among these races are the ancient Makers, who create worlds that the Creator then fills with life. These builders of worlds live in the Forge Lands, where they still forge wonders. In the Kingdom of the Dead, the dead are not idle.
From his seat of power in the Eternal Throne, the Lord of Bones holds court over the undead, dispensing his wrath on those who displease him.
In addition to the White City of Heaven, the angels hold dozens of outposts, where they venerate the Creator and guard the light against the approaching darkness.
Also, many worlds are under the control of the Demon Lords, who bicker and squabble among themselves to increase their own power and the gain the favor of the Dark Prince.
These are but a mere handful among the myriad of races and worlds that make up creation, from the graceful dwellers of Alfhiem, the Sprites who serve the powerful Charred Council, to the countless races that are long dead, and whose worlds are now but ash.
The shadow realm, Ysilik, is home to the Spider Lords, who spin schemes as well as webs. Since the Mad King Argul was overthrown, and his ally Achidna forced into exile, many of the great powers of Ysilik seek to increase their standing, outmaneuvering, and out thinking their rivals. Those who lose these power games have two choices; either they die, at their own hands or those of their foes, or go into exile like the dreaded Achidna.
Casses, Duchess of the Depths, chose exile when she was defeated. Cast out into Creation, with only a handful of her retainers and servants, her rage and wish for revenge burned within her, and she plotted to return to Ysilik, to butcher her foes. She eventually settled on Earth, in the island nation of Japan, where she would carry out the first phase of her plans.
However, her very presence threatened humanity's growth and independence from the influences of the great powers. So the ancient Charred Council decided to dispatch one of their enforcers to make an example of the exile.
For this task they chose the Rider of the White Horse.
He is known as Strife.
However, a small group of human magi were already investigating the presence of the spider. One of these humans was artificial, two were sisters, and the last is distorted.
Would they an asset to Strife, or would the deadliest marksman in existence be forced to put them down as well?