The Ancient City of Edgekeep has been an outpost of civilization on the world of Tyrinth for as long as there have been written records of history. Edgekeep has been the place that mothers don't want their boys traveling to for adventure and fame, and resulting from this, oftentimes death. The main problem with Edgekeep is that you usually find what you're looking for.

From the south, across the endless ocean, come traders in monstrous ships carrying goods to pander from far off lands and nations. There are those who come to Edgekeep just to look at the marvelous items for trade. Others come to participate in the trading, and while shops usually have a large selection of rare and interesting items gotten from these trading vessles, oftentimes one must search elsewhere. But shopping is not the only reason people come to Edgekeep.

From the west there comes traders from civilizations on the Great Western Penninsula. These groups come by land or by sea, often times never seeing their destinations.

From the North come the farmers, as they have for millenia. From the far north come the barbarians and monsters of the wastes, and even further north are the mountains and the twelve mythical passes through the mountains.

From the east are the dwellers of the great forest. A forest so large that no one has traveled through it and come back to tell the tale of rumored eastern seas and islands of treasure. Over it, yes, through it no...

Outside the walls of Edgekeep lies a vast unexplored land. Unexplored, for the most part, because the dangers are so great. Not many come back from exploring the frontier regions. But the tales of bubbling lakes of molten gold spewing forth diamonds draws the adventurous spirit like flies to rancid maggot covered carrion. Although those who do come back are so ladened with riches that they can retire in any of the major cities and have whatever they desire for the rest of their lives... even so, some of them eventually go back to the unexplored regions for more...

In all lands and in all times, the adventuring spirit grows restless in people, and when that occurs, they look for adventure. But what happens when adventure can not be found? When there are no new lands, no new beasts, nothing exotic or mysterious. Then the people grow a feeling of sadness, and the sadness leads to emptyness. Many people try to fill their spirit with wealth and power. But those items are not substancial enough to fill the gaping maw, so then people become irritated and maddened that they feel so empty. Then we get the world as it is.

Edgekeep fills that hole in the spirit of the people. The chance to pit themselves against unspeakable odds and live. Whether they have gained material riches or not, it doesn't matter. They have gained the valuable knowledge that they are good enough to make it through those odds, and therefore will try even more.

This leads to a healthy and strong spirit, which is important to everyone. So, even if you do die when you pass through the Gateway, it will be with a feeling of exileration and excitement. Some of the most important things people can feel.

The City of Edgekeep... The world Tyrinth... mankinds salvation...?

(naw, a place to hack-n-slash and drink a green ale or two)