In a parallel universe a world similar to our own flourishes. With abundant natural resources, the simian bipeds have developed into successful organized societies. Major scientific breakthroughs and industrialization are only decades away. Unfortunately, actions outside their control threaten their progress, as their fate is inexorably tied to a contest of cosmic import.
A pantheon of deities residing in
the Aether overlooks the Realm. Whether Good or Evil, these powerful beings
covet the attention of the denizens. Each wants to proselytize the humans, persuading
them to adopt their way of life - to embrace their philosophical ideology. Although
their powers are great, these beings may not cross into the Realm and must
exert their influence from a distance.
Fierce competition exists for control over the
Aether. Tenuous pacts partition the deities into three groups: Good, Neutral
and Evil. For millennia they have battled, locked in a stalemate … until
recently.
Now, a gauntlet has been thrown down by a Supreme Being. Known only as the “Nameless One”, this interloper has watched for eons, unobserved by its children, the pantheon of deities who epitomize the gamut of human emotions ranging from anger and hate to benevolence and love.
At the dawn of time the Nameless One wanted to know what personality to adopt.
Is it better to be Good or Evil?
How is this choice related to Justice?
Realizing such questions would require serious preparation to answer, the Nameless One devised an experiment. To this end, it fractured its personality, allowing the pieces to develop independently. Each was unique. Some shared features, while others were diametrically opposed.
Achieving a stalemate between the forces of Good and Evil, the Nameless One is now ready to reveal its master plan, one that will arrive at the answer as to which personality is best and, in the process, establish a universal system of Justice.
Thus, the Contest is born!
The Nameless One explains to its offspring how they will be challenged by the Contest. They are supplied with the Rules and a Prophecy to serve as a guide, and informed that their followers will play a crucial role. It will be their devotion that will most directly affect the outcome, for the powerful beings may not enter the Realm, where the symbolic stones have been hidden.
The era of the Stonequest has begun!
The deities must ultimately choose their alignment - Good or Evil. Pacts will be forged. Agreements made, yet many broken. Using the energy of their followers, each Power must struggle to emerge victorious from the tumultuous seas of treachery roiled by their vicious rivals. They must learn to rely on the love and devotion of their worshipers, for their interaction will determine the fate of all in the Realm, the Aether, and the dimensions beyond.
Regarding the Contest, strict rules are established, the Prophecy providing clues as to where each of the fifteen stones can be found. The Contest will rely heavily on mere mortals who are asked to actively participate in the rising conflict. Will they have the courage and character to succeed in the name of Good and Law, or will they fall victims to Evil and Anarchy? Although providing their own assistance, the deities are not permitted to enter the Realm without the support of their followers. Thus, the ultimate fate of the Realm rests with the humanoids themselves. Will they create peace and love, or war and hate?
The Stonequest uses allegory in the form of the deities present. The series strives to answer the question: Why choose Good when it is much easier to choose Evil? The classic observation in favor of Evil is that many just and honest people lead wretched lives, while some wicked people live glorious lives, full of fun, wealth and prosperity. The question will be answered by deconstructing the human experience down to its basic elements - emotions and motivations. The warring deities represent the virtues and vices that motivate humanity: Altruism, Anger, Arrogance, Creation, Deception, Destruction, Dissolution, Fear, Generosity, Greed, Hatred, Honor, Indulgence, Integrity, Jealousy, Kindness, Love, Lust, Resolve, Scorn, Selfishness, Truth, Vanity, and Valor. All are represented to a greater or lesser extent.
The Stonequest audaciously claims to take the reader on a journey. Vicariously share the perils of the Stoneseekers as they uncover the symbolic stones hidden throughout the Realm. As well as using their fighting skills, the team must exercise their mental faculties as they attempt to outsmart the Evil deities and their corresponding followers. As the Contest unfolds, each participant will gain a better understanding of what it means to be human. They must work together, considering the motivation fuelling the actions of each deity; for, in this contest, the venue transcends humanity, and angles previously unfathomed by mortal man must be considered.
The Stoneseekers will face many forms of Good and Evil, as each deity is the epitome of one central, powerful emotion. Which of the forces will prevail? And will the outcome define Justice?