The Saga of Ryzom takes place on the planet Atys, a sort of interstellar root ball. Atys sprouts huge tree-like branches that find their provenance deep within the planet. Three generations ago, the Fyros journeyed into the depths, an area known as the Prime Roots, in search of a legendary dragon. Here they encountered spheres filled with fearsome insect-type creatures, the Kitin. Their attempt to kill these beasts unleashed a fury on the planet that nearly decimated all homin life on Atys. After a struggle of two years, the Kitin returned to the Prime Roots and the survivors came out of hiding to rebuild their world. It is at this time that the player finds himself.