What is the value of a mortal life? A millenia or so ago, that was what the Founders of The Tournament had asked one another. It was the first line in The Tournament Handbook, words that would be used to sacrifice many people throughout eight hundred Tournaments.

  Since my birth thousands of years ago, it was always my intention to sow discord among the races of Xaveria. What surprised me, however, was that I did not need to even lift a finger. Mortals and immortals alike were doing it all for me, feeding my power, nurturing me by nurturing their desires, their sins. And they never realized.

  Before Xaveria, nine things existed: 1—nothing—emptiness, and 2—Eight gods/goddesses—ethereal creatures.

  Thalen, god of earth, was the first to awaken. His body became the bones of Xaveria—its mountains, valleys, and stones. Silent and steadfast, Thalen shaped the world's foundation alone for ages, until his solitude drew the attention of Mirael, goddess of water. Mirael arrived like a tide—gentle, yet persistent. She flooded Thalen's deep places with rivers, lakes, and oceans, bringing motion to his stillness. Together, they are called the Founders, their bond seen in every shoreline and fertile plain.

  From the skies, Aeris, goddess of wind, danced down with laughter, born of starlight and storm. She adored Mirael's flowing seas and teased Thalen's peaks with breezes. Her presence stirred life into the world, scattering seeds and whispers. Pyrrhos, god of fire, came not in peace, but in fury. Born of a comet that struck the world, he burned the forests and cracked the earth. But from his heat came warmth, passion, and power. He and Aeris, through opposites, shared a stormy affection, their clashes creating lightning, Zaren, god of lightning.

  Solina, goddess of light, was drawn to Pyrrhos' fire, but found peace only in Aeris' breeze. She represents hope and reason, the guiding sun of Xaveria, but she often wars with Nyra, goddess of darkness—her twin and shadow. Nyra, born moments after Solina, rules, dreams, mysteries, and endings. She is not evil, but she is feared. It is said Solina gave mortals the day, while Nyra gave them sleep—each necessary, neither dominant. Still, their eternal dance paints the sky dusk and dawn.

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  Deep beneath Thalen's roots, Varek, god of metal, toiled in solitude. He crafted the stars, ore, and forged the first weapons, tools, and relics. Varek says little, but his loyalty to Thalen and Mirael is iron-strong. Legends say Varek once loved Nyra in secret. Some say he forged her crown from the ore of a dying star.

  When mortals were born from Mirael's tears and Thalen's soil, the gods watched with wonder—and dread. Pyrrhos sought to arm them. Solina blessed them with knowledge. Nyra whispered truths and secrets to their dreams. But fear and rivalry grew. The Storm of Sundering was the last time all eight stood together. Aeris. trying to keep the peace, was nearly torn in half between Pyrrhos and Solina's quarrel. Since then, the gods rarely meet. They guide through signs, avatars, and dreams—but never in harmony.

  With the gods in scrutiny, Xaveria went into a land of harmony and joy, to suffering and disarray. Diplomats from the six nations negotiated, and from then on, every generation, a tournament would be held in Central Xaveria in honor of the gods.

  This became known as the Tournament of the Eightfold, an offering to the gods.

  From then on, the Tournament of the Eightfold became a generational tradition—a celebratory ceremony. One person from each kingdom, man or woman, would be nominated, and voted to become an offering to participate in the Tournament. Whether they died, injured, or unscathed would be up to fate to decide. Everyone accepted it, took it and moved on with their lives. At least, that was how it appeared to be.

  But there's no purpose of offering mortal life to dead, silent gods.. There is purpose to offering it to me, however