The realms have been shaped by centuries of war, from Elyrian rebellions against ancient sorcerer-kings, to great battles between rival Caspian princes, and most recently, the civil war that ravaged Westemär.

By law and custom, none with arcane spellcasting powers may hold a noble title within the realms. Instead, the noble houses prize the martial arts. Many fighting traditions have developed: armoured phalanxes, archery, fencing, berserking, and diverse unarmed combat techniques. Duels and trial by combat are a particularly favoured means to settle disputes amongst the nobility with minimal bloodshed. The realms of Caspia, Elyria, and Westemär have each developed their own distinctive styles and practices for such contests.