There came a time when there was great movement upon the earth and above it, when the destiny of men and gods was hammered out upon the forge of fate, when monstrous wars were brewed and mighty deeds were designed. And there rose up in this time, which was called the age of the Young Kingdoms, heroes. Greatest of these heroes was a doom-driven adventurer who bore a crooning runeblade that he loathed. His name was Elric of Melnibon?... king of ruins... lord of a scattered race that had once ruled the world.