The preface

Welcome to Sundered, a world where the very elements shape the land, the people, and the fate of all who dwell upon it. On the vast continent of Sundered, five nations stand, each defined by the elemental forces that drive them—Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. These nations are bound by a delicate balance, one that has held for centuries, yet the peace between them is fragile, and conflict is never far from the horizon.

In the East, the Fire Nation is a land of untamed passion and unrelenting violence. Its landscapes are scorched by the fury of volcanoes and vast deserts, and its people are just as fiery. The Fire Nation is a place where power is seized through force, where the strong rise to the top through cunning and strength, often aided by the ever-present influence of Mafia syndicates that rule the shadows. Beneath the veneer of civilization, a violent undercurrent thrives—where ambition burns like wildfire and blood is spilled in the name of dominance.

To the north, the Earth Nation stands solid and steadfast, its mountains and deserts a testament to the strength of its people. The Earth Nation is a place of resilience, where stone and metal are worked with a craftsmanship born of generations of tradition. Here, loyalty and honor are prized, and the people are known for their unshakable resolve. While not as prone to violence as the Fire Nation, the Earth Nation is a formidable force, its warriors skilled in both defense and strategy, always ready to protect their land and their way of life.

In the skies above, the Air Nation floats like a dream. Peaceful and introspective, it is a place where the people seek harmony with nature and enlightenment through study and self-discovery. The Air Nation is the most serene of all, where the winds carry the wisdom of the ages and conflict is a rare disturbance. Its people live high upon the mountaintops, ever vigilant in their pursuit of balance, and their teachings of peace are revered throughout Sundered. Yet even in the calmest of winds, the whisper of change stirs, and the tranquil skies may one day bear witness to a storm.

Far to the West, the North Water Nation is a land of ice and snow, where survival is a constant battle against the elements. The people here have learned to harness the power of water—freezing it, shaping it, and wielding it as both shield and weapon. The harshness of the northern winters has forged a people who value endurance, loyalty, and the strength of their family and community. Here, water flows through the very veins of their civilization, and in the coldest reaches of Sundered, their mastery of the element is both a necessity and a point of pride.

In the lush jungles and vast coastlines of the South Water Nation, water is not only a resource but a lifeblood. Rivers wind through vibrant cities, and the oceans teem with life. The people of the South Water Nation are adept traders, diplomats, and explorers, their fleets sailing across the seas to forge alliances and conduct commerce. They are a people of movement, always adapting to the changing tides of fortune, but their bonds with the sea remain as strong as their determination to thrive.

Though these five nations are united by the elemental forces that shape their lands, they are far from united in their desires. Power struggles, ancient grudges, and the shifting currents of political intrigue define the relationships between them. Yet, despite the divisions, there is one truth that all the people of Sundered know: every 100 years, a child is born who is destined to bring peace to the lands—a figure of prophecy, whose very presence will unite the nations and quell the storms of conflict.

This chosen one is said to possess a unique gift—one that transcends the elements and holds the potential to heal the fractures that have long divided Sundered. They will be the beacon of hope in an age of discord, and their actions will shape the future of the world. The birth of this child is awaited with both anticipation and fear—some see them as a savior, others as a threat. Regardless of how they are viewed, their coming is inevitable, and their impact will be profound. The prophecy is known, but its truth is always clouded in uncertainty.

As the nations of Sundered prepare for the arrival of this child, the winds of change are already stirring. The balance of the world is delicate, and the shadow of war looms ever closer. The question remains: who will rise to guide the nations toward peace, and who will seek to use the power of the chosen one for their own ends?

In Sundered, where the elements rule, where ambition burns like fire, and where the seas and skies hold secrets untold, the fate of the world lies in the hands of those who dare to challenge its foundations—and of the one who will one day bring peace.