Palia (from Eldorath Palium--literally, the lands of the pale) is the known world. The name derives from the meaning of pale as an area enclosed by a paling. In this case, rather than a fence of stakes, paling is a metaphor for the boundary separating the known from the unknown.
Palia somewhat resembles Europe during the High Middle Ages (c. 1050-1300).
The year is 426. The totalitarian Imperium of Ûl disintegrated several decades ago. Its founder and first imperator, Tel-Kvar, who was also known to be a sorcerer, is history's grand bogeyman. The feudal kingdoms of Rhüdhod and Numyria have arisen in its place. Far to the west is the mysterious Empire of Tarkesh. The frontiers of Palia are where barbarians threaten. An organization known as the Ecclesium promises deliverance from eternal torment of the soul, and seems to be gaining influence.