King's Bounty

While King Maximus ruled the land, life was good on the four continents. The scepter of order rested securely in his hands, keeping at bay the forces of darkness that had infested the world. The children were happy. Merchants prospered. Honest people made an honest living. And no one complained much. But far across the water, Arech Dragonbreath, the leader of the Dark Legions, looked enviously at the wealth and splendor of the four continents. Using great magic, Arech crept into the chambers of King Maximus and snatched the scepter from the sleeping king. He then unleashed his evil powers and ordered his henchmen and lieutenants to conquer the land at will (as long as it involved much pain and terror). Arech retreated to his new hiding place on the four continents and waited for the sure resistance of King Maximus. However, the king and his troops offered none. Arech feared a ruse and looked into his prophetic crystal to see what Maximus was up to. The crystal showed the king lying in bed, his face pale and emaciated like death itself. Standing over the king was a noble young knight with the strength and determination of a great leader. The king spoke. "Come here," he gasped, "I am weak and breath is a luxury. Please." He held out his hand and the great leader came closer. "You must restore my kingdom. I, too, must be restored. I am bound to this land, and if it dies, I die too. My days here are numbered. You must retrieve the scepter if I and my country are to survive. "Arech observed this exchange and quickly buried the scepter somewhere on the four continents. He drew a map of the place and cut it into 25 pieces. He gave one to each of his 16 rogue nobles, kept one for himself, and hid the other eight with powerful artifacts on the four continents. Your time is running out, leader. You have your task and are the last hope of King Maximus. May the spirits of order protect you on your journey. Good luck!