 Vana diel is a prosperous land, divided between four kingdoms: The Republic of Bastok, home of the inquisitive humes and powerful Galka, the Kingdom of San D oria, home of the brave elvaan, the Federation of Windurst, home to the magically powerful Tarutaru and the nimble Mithra, and the Grand Duchy of Jeuno, the centerpiece and focal point of the world. Ten years ago, these nations put aside their differences to stand against the Shadow Lord and his beastmen armies. Although the losses were great, in the end the alliance was victorious and the Shadow Lord was defeated. But evil never really dies. Rumors of organization among the beastmen are beginning to spread like wildfire. And the Shadow Lord, the most feared force of all, is said to have returned. The four kingdoms send out a call for adventurers far and wide to join the fight and defend the land of Vana diel.