"As you know, in the dimension of Eternia, there is a planet divided into two halves, one Light, and one Dark. On the Light side, life is verdant and lush, full of ancient tangled forests, rolling grassy plains, and majestic peaks capped with snow, while the people reside in wondrous cities and quaint villages untouched by violence. On the Dark, fire and rock abounds, dangerous crags and treacherous sands dot the landscape amidst the ruins of kingdoms long dead. Once, there was balance to this realm of opposites. But that time is long forgotten. Both sides have their champions, and they have struggled throughout the ages for control, the Light striving only to maintain their peaceful lives, while the Dark continually seeks to conquer and dominate the planet entire.
Until recently. The champions of Light and Dark are missing, and none know where they have gone. The fate of the planet sits on the edge of a knife, teetering between its two poles with no one ready to catch its fall. It is time for new champions to take up the mantle, to hold up the banners and proclaim their allegiance; it is your time. Masters of the Universe or Evil Warriors, Virtue or Sin, Light or Dark - Eternia's fate lies in your hands."
Shrouded within a voluminous crimson robe, the figure bobs slowly behind a podium, the large brim of its hat hiding its face. It speaks in a deep, sonorous voice, heavy with import and age. It raises its head for the first time since emerging to the stage, and golden lights flash within the deep shadows over a deep blue scarf. The speaker looks out into the grand audience chamber, sees the five faces gathered there, and ceases its speech, squawking in dismay.
Court Mage Orko, Grand Vizier to the throne of Eternia, floats out from behind the podium, away from its Far Speech enchantment, the end of his robe several feet above the floor. In his usual high-pitched tones, he says, "Only five of ya? Aw, no, I was really hoping we'd get a real muster together! You know, like in the old days!" He sighs. "But I guess you'll have to do."
Seeing scowls in his audience, he floats back a few feet, holding up his blue hands. "Er- I mean, I know you'll do great and all. Ahem." Floating back behind the podium with as much dignity as he can muster, he nervously tries to gather his notes, and manages to spill them across the stage. With a muttered, "Nuts!" he sets to collecting them, saying, "Ah - I'll just be a minute, go ahead and chat with each other. I'm sure you've lots to say, new group of heroes gathered to fight evil and all that."