A trip to a public library wasn't supposed to change Tad's life. Thaddeus 'Tad' Eccles was a website design consultant who loved fantasy books and games. But an evening stop to browse through old books gave him the choice to change the direction of his entire life. An offer, a chance to be part of a world similar to the games and stories he loves, was far too tempting for Tad to pass up. But this new world was nothing like any game he'd ever played, and he'd never played for such high stakes.

The world of Mair, the Great Road that connects all worlds, is one where various races of creatures have been waging war for centuries. This conflict has left the world full of abandoned ruins, powerful magic, and strange beasts. Through these magics, the various races have found a means to recruit Champions from other worlds. These Champions receive a number of gifts and are expected to fight on behalf of their patron civilization, to rediscover old magic, and to kill dangerous monsters. But this magic has allowed people from other worlds to enter Mair without the invitation of any major power. Some of these 'outworlders' go on to lead fairly normal lives in their new world. Some prove even more pivotal to Mair's history than the Champions themselves.