From the introduction:
Once upon a time, there was a city.
It began as a fortress in the wilderness, like many others, fought over by kings and queens in far away lands, but never truly valued. It grew, suffered fire, disease, and times of plenty. It could have been like any other city in the world- but for one thing it possessed and offered in abundance.
First came the visionaries, the Titans of Industry. Men with dreams of grandeur and wealth in their eyes. They saw a city with all that they needed. Iron and copper for their forges. Timber and leather for their artisans. Waterways upon which their goods could move across the world. The only thing they lacked were people to work their factories. No matter how greedy or selfish at heart they were, the Titans knew they would have to share their wealth to power the engines of industry - a sacrifice made gladly, for it was in their own interest.
And so the Titans spread the word to all corners of the world: Come to this city.