Even in the most advanced human civilizations, true warriors must be able to separate themselves from the status of prey. For an aspiring Azaarian herald, that crucible begins as a naked warrior cast into the wilderness with nothing more than their own extremities and intellect to survive. While prioritizing their survival activities, they must also complete a journey of nearly five thousand miles before even being accepted into the fold of herald trainees.

After witnessing the slaughter of his parents as an eight-year-old boy, Botan Rah vowed that no other Azaarian child would ever again face such horrors should he manage to earn the title of Herald of Azaar. Although his journey would be long and the challenges awaiting him were nearly insurmountable, his determination to succeed was far greater than any obstacle he could potentially encounter. That said, the Azaarian Triad of War does not show favor to anyone, and in order for the mighty Botan Rah to emerge victorious, he must first be broken and undone.

The trials and challenges for each future herald are dealt solely by the almighty hand of Azaar. While they differ greatly from prospect to prospect, in order to ascend to greatness, every warrior must first learn the lessons of defeat. Botan Rah would receive these lessons partly from a gorgon, a ferocious beast, and partly from the Chezhian army, which had already killed his parents and now sought to kill him.