History

Prologue

It began with the fall of the Underworld - a cataclysmic event that unleashed abominations thought banished into legend. Monstrous gargoyles swarmed through the open portal, forging a profane alliance with orcs, the undead, and other foul beings. Thus began a 25-year campaign of terror waged by the gargoyle hordes in relentless search of the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom. All of Britannia drowned in blood and fire as the gargoyles and their allies swept across the kingdom in a maelstrom of death, their eyes set upon the mystical Codex. Castles crumbled, heroes fell, and even the great Lord British met his end during those dark decades that would be forever known as the Codex War.

The Codex of Ultimate Wisdom is a magical book, bound in leather and gold, that incorporates all knowledge that exists. It is said it holds the “one right and true answer to any question.” When a reader approaches the book it is always open to the page they seek, and they are always able to read it despite their language. Emblazoned on the cover is the symbol of the Codex, a set of six lines and two circles arranged to touch three central circles in different manners. This symbol represents the eight Virtues and three core principles of Britannian and Gargish virtue, which the Codex inspired.¹

It was only when the legendary Avatar harnessed the Codex’s power that the gargoyle forces were finally driven back through the portal to their own realm. To prevent further bloodshed, the Avatar destroyed the Codex, though at a grave cost.

Now, 100 years later, Britannia enters a new era of hope as its people work to rebuild their towns and lives. The surviving elders still fear the gargoyles’ return, but the portal remains sealed, guarded closely by the Order of the Realm. Though the land still bears scars, the dawn of a new age beckons for Britannia.

Towns

The Codex War profoundly transformed Britannia. Cities have been rebuilt, landscapes have been reshaped, and new challenges lie in wait for the unwary traveler. Explore the Towns and the changes that have occurred over the last century.

Codex Rifts

The aftermath of the war has led to the discovery of rift spawns - otherworldly creatures capable of tearing open the fabric of reality. These “codex rifts” serve as windows into the past, allowing players to witness the early dark days of the Codex War and perhaps even change its course. Venture into the Codex Rifts and dare to reshape history.