The beginning of the First Age of Darkness is marked by the coming of a sorcerer named Mondain. The father of Mondain had refused to share his secret of immortality with his son, and their disputes ultimately led to the father?s death. Torn with anguish and no doubt by his fears of persecution, Mondain turned his dark powers against the kingdoms of Sosaria. In desperation, Lord British called forth a champion to rise to the defense of the realm. The hero who responded to his summons would many years later come to be known as the Avatar. It was through the actions of this Avatar that Mondain?s foul gem of power was shattered and Mondain himself did come to a very sad end indeed.