The World of the Dead God sometimes goes by the name, The Flat Planet. Several millennia ago, a cosmic entity fell. Its body became The Flat Planet. All of the small creatures that lived on the world became the deities, who shaped the greater world. There are creator deities, who spawned every living thing. The topography, the landforms, waterways, and weather are dominated by deific dragons. Emotions and thoughts are nurtured and cultivated by fairies.

The first novel, “A Rot in the Valley”, is set far North, along The Ribline Mountains. Just under a century ago, Chut the Bloodaxe led an army of goblins against the lands of men.  He was defeated and his goblins were scattered into the mountains. A famous hero, Alfred Cynewulf, led his men and drove the swarming hordes back. In that chase, men slaughtered every last goblin encountered. In gratitude, King Ethelbald gave the hero a title to Alfred. As Lord Cynewulf, he and his surviving son, have established a large city and have grown wealthy on peasant farming.

However, a few goblin survivors found a ravine deep in the foothills and far enough away from humanity. There they remained hidden for a few (goblin) of generations. At the start of the novel, the goblin tribe calls their home a valley.