In the beginning...

...there was battle. War was the best way to spend your free time, fighting and pillaging your way across the land. The only hardware you needed was a good weapon and a bit of armor. The software to fight was pre-loaded at birth and didn't cost a damn penny. This medium of entertainment lasted for thousands or years, and no one complained (except, of course, the conquered). Stories of these battles served as the trailers, preparing the next generation to play. Interspersed between battles were cut scenes of drinking, sex and shady political dealings, making the urge to play (see; "fight") grow and grow, until ships were sailed, swords were drawn and lands were taken.
But then, tragedy struck. The "civil majority" (see; weak, scrawny bureaucrats) gained power by exploiting the working warrior, leading crusades that, while gratifying, provided no real satisfaction to the combatant. Gone were the days of glory; these were the days of "piety" and "humility." The career killer was not allowed to be proud of his art. Instead, he had to turn over all his victories to "God's Will," thereby crushing his tender, bloody spirit. This effectively brought an end to the meaningful battle spirit for many, many years. Violence still existed, but the fun was gone (though pockets of true believers DID keep the traditions alive, under the political radar, of course).
Then, something happened. Spurned on by Dungeons & Dragons and Led Zepplin, the human interest in good old fashion glory re-ignited. Sure, some may call this "fantasy," (I call those people "tools") but to the enlightened, these were the sparks of a new future, which would culminate in a very unlikely place...
(Part 2 coming soon)