In this blog post, we’ll explore how the early episodes of Lineage—beginning with the Talking Island and continuing through Gludio, Kent Castle, the Fairy Forest, the Valley of the Dragons, Giran, Heine, the Fire Dragon’s Nest, and Oren, all the way to Aden—have shaped the world and its stories.

Episode 1: “The Talking Island”

First introduced in September 1998, the Talking Island served as the birthplace for all Lineage characters until the creation of the Beginner Zone, making its debut to players as the game’s original starting point.
The backstory of the Talking Island begins when Gunther, a renowned knight from the Elmore region known as “Gunther of the Upright Heart,” was exiled after falling victim to a plot. He then partnered with the mage Gereng to run the Red Knights’ training camp on the Talking Island. Players took their first steps in Lineage by assuming the roles of princes and princesses building their strength while evading the forces of the Anti-King, or as the knights and fairies who aided them.
Consequently, at dawn, the Black Knights—searching for the former king’s heir on the orders of the Anti-King Ken Lauhel—and their commander, “Kurtz,” would occasionally make special event appearances at the Speaking Island dock.
The monsters inhabiting the underground training grounds on Talking Island felt incredibly powerful, and facing off against Baphomet, the boss-level monster on the second floor of the underground training grounds, was a major event that only the top players of the time could undertake.
Celov, considered one of the most fearsome monsters, and Pandora, the most popular merchant, could be called the trademarks of Talking Island.
Today, the Speaking Island is just one part of the vast Lineage world, but as the historic site where Lineage first began and the eternal home of Lineage players, it evokes a sense of wistful nostalgia.

Episode 2: “Gludio Domain”

It can be said that the concept of adding episodes—a full-fledged update format—first emerged with the Gludio Domain. It was the site where those who resisted the Anti-King Ken Lauhel suffered the most brutal retribution, and it can be considered a subsidiary territory of Kent Castle, which was established later. The areas commonly referred to by players as the “Skull Field” and the “Ghoul Field” are eerie regions formed from the corpses of Gludio Manor’s former residents; they remain in ruins because those bodies were left untouched simply for having resisted the Anti-King.
Since this was the first update to expand the in-game map of Lineage, many players boarded ships bound for the mainland with hearts pounding with anticipation; however, the first expedition was wiped out by ghouls the moment they set foot on the mainland.
The Gludio Dungeon, much like the underground training ground on the Speaking Island, is an ancient ruin with a layout that grows increasingly challenging as players descend through its levels. Initially, only the first four underground floors were discovered, but the discovery of the seventh floor soon followed, further fueling players’ spirit of exploration. Furthermore, an entrance to an underwater tunnel leading to the second floor of the Talking Island Underground Training Ground was found on the seventh floor of the dungeon, allowing players to travel back and forth between the mainland and Talking Island via the underwater tunnel.
Although many monsters inhabit the Gludio Dungeon, it remains a favorite among players due to the wide variety of boss-level monsters found there. Kaspa, Walterzar, Merkior, and Sema—who primarily appear on the third and fourth floors—are subordinates of the Archmage Hardin and are all top-tier mages. Kaspa’s group is on a quest to find Orim. Orim possesses magical power that surpasses even Hardin’s, and because he knows about Hardin’s dark past, Kaspa and his group roam the Gludio Dungeon in search of him. Kaspa is the leader of the four; Kaspa, Walterzar, and Merkior are male, while Sema is female. Perhaps because of this, Sema sometimes behaves differently from the other three.
Orim is a Grand Mage located on the 7th floor of the dungeon, living in seclusion to study dark magic. He was very popular among players because he sold armor spell scrolls to fund his magical research.
Additionally, the appearance of the Death Knight—who wields a lightsaber and unleashes powerful Earthquakes—and the Necromancer—who summons Monster Eyes and Ghouls—brought a new sense of tension and awe to players.

Episode 3: “Kent Castle”

Siege warfare—often called the crown jewel of Lineage—begins with the Kent Castle update.
With the opportunity to seize the castle and elevate their blood alliance’s honor, players are prompted to rethink their relationships with the Anti-King Ken Lauhel, their blood alliances, and the nature of combat and sieges.
Kent Castle is a prize coveted by every Lineage player. Initially, since the Guardian Tower had not yet been introduced, a monarch had to break through the outer gate and capture the throne within the inner castle to become the castle lord. As various strategies and tactics emerged, trust, friendship, respect, loyalty, and compassion began to flourish among clan members moving in perfect unison under the monarch’s command, while promises, faith, competition, alliances, betrayal, and hatred intensified between clans.
With the update featuring the siege of Kent Castle, the Taming System was introduced, allowing players to raise wolves and dogs. Raising puppies—which serve as the best of friends both in real life and in the game—provided players with an opportunity to experience a more realistic Lineage, and the puppies that have been roaming the Lineage World alongside their owners since then might very well be approaching Level 50 by now.

Episode 4: “The Mystery of Magic”

The Mage, another main character in the Lineage world, makes their debut.
With the Mage appearing as one of the Guardian Knights aiding Prince Deporoju in his resistance against the Anti-King Ken Lauhel, magic is formally introduced to the characters of Lineage.
Magic in Lineage is broadly divided into White Magic and Black Magic. White Magic, which serves Ain Hassad, the God of Creation, is a force of creation, healing, and benevolence that requires materials. It is cast through spells and primarily consists of alchemical-style magic. Black Magic, which serves Grankaine, the God of Destruction, is a force of destruction, attack, and malice; it involves sacrifice, inflicts damage on the caster, and has a strongly shamanistic nature.
On the day the Mage appeared in the Lineage World, the Talking Island was so filled with blond-haired Mage characters clad in white robes that it was almost blinding. Later, when female mages were introduced, the Speaking Island was once again swept by a wave of purple, filled with female mages with long black hair clad in purple robes.
Along with the arrival of mages, a region where orcs lived in tribes within the vast forest to the west of the Fairy Forest also appeared. Known as the “Northern Forest” to the people of the Gludio Domain and the “Black Forest” to the fairies of the Fairy Forest, this forest contained an orc fortress—similar to Kent Castle—that could be besieged, drawing the interest of many players. This led to battles between the slash-and-burn farmers and the orcs over control of the forest.

Episode 5: “The Fairy Forest”

With the introduction of the Fairy Forest, the fairies’ homeland and way of life began to be revealed to the world in earnest.
At the center of the fairy village stands a massive World Tree known as the “Mother of the Forest and the Fairies.” According to legend, when Ainhazad first created the fairies, he first created this tree and then fashioned the fairies from its fruits and leaves. Because the tree is a dense concentration of elemental energy, fairies near it can recover their health and mana more quickly, and since Guardians are always protecting them, the fairies can enjoy a safer and more comfortable life.
With the Fairy Forest update, fairies gained access to a crafting system that allows them to create items through gathering—their unique way of life. Nerupa, the Old Spider Woman who lives in a spiderweb nest at the base of the “Mother of the Forest and Fairies,” helps the fairies craft fairy-specific items using materials gathered from guardians such as Ents, Pans, and Fairies.
Additionally, the introduction of the Fairy Forest dungeon created a conflict with the Orcs, heightening the combat objectives for players and providing a great deal of fun.

Episode 6: “Windwood”

With the establishment of the Windwood Estate, the third castle in the Lineage World makes its appearance.
Long ago, when Beres—a monstrous demon—appeared in the Windawood region and plunged the world into evil, Beres was sealed underground, and Windawood Castle was built atop the seal. As a result, the Blood Alliance that holds Windawood Castle becomes the ruler of the surrounding area and is tasked with guarding this dungeon.
Windwood saw the creation of Woodbeck Village and Silver Knight Village—a beginner’s zone for knights. Silver Knight Village featured an increased number of quests for knights to undertake, adding to the enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, the desert—which occupies more than half of the territory—contains an oasis where Ashur, Pandora’s older brother, sells goods; however, Chaotic players often lingered in the surrounding area, leading to constant battles.
Furthermore, with the Desert Dungeon expanding to four floors, players can now encounter more monsters in a much larger hunting ground.

The Seventh Episode: “Valley of the Dragon”

With the introduction of the Valley of the Dragon, dragons officially make their debut in Lineage World.
Dragon Valley, where dragon bone fragments can be seen scattered throughout, is ruled by Antaras, the Earth Dragon—one of the Four Great Dragons set to appear in Lineage World.
Since monsters in Dragon Valley have higher average levels than those in regular fields, it has established itself as a hunting ground that offers a greater sense of accomplishment to players seriously aiming for high levels. Drakes and Black Elders appear as event monsters, while Cockatrices and Harpies also make their debut in Dragon Valley, significantly expanding the variety of monsters.
The Dragon Valley dungeon can be accessed through four fissures in the valley’s cliffs, and the dungeon itself—the Earth Dragon’s lair—resembles a seething, muddy swamp. The Murian, Etin, Succubus, and Succubus Queen found within the dungeon were so powerful and threatening that they truly challenged players’ resolve.
Additionally, on the 7th floor of the dungeon, the Earth Dragon Antaras appeared, inspiring players to dream of becoming Dragon Slayers with his immense power and charisma.

Episode 8: “Giran”

Through the Giran Domain—the premier commercial city—systems related to housing and the economy were formally introduced.
The Giran Domain was the first walled city to appear in the game, making a fresh and striking impression in terms of both scale and functionality. The commercial district consisted of shops and a plaza lining two major streets. These shops sold various scrolls and items, including armor and weapon enchantment scrolls, while the plaza showcased the city’s commercial character—so much so that the “Gate of Steel” guild even dispatched two dwarves there.
Additionally, the Colosseum and the dog racing track were established within the town, adding a new element of fun for players. The Colosseum increased player engagement by allowing players to engage in PvP battles or host celebratory shows, and by enabling GMs to host events; it also expanded the range of entertainment options beyond mere hunting, allowing players to enjoy activities like dog racing.
Hideouts for clan activities also made their debut, and as auction deadlines approached, the auction bulletin board in Giran Square was filled with the joy and disappointment of lords vying to secure one. Hideouts would later establish themselves as an essential residential system for clans.
Giran Castle featured double walls and more than two gates, enabling even more thrilling siege battles. Furthermore, starting at this time, the victory condition for a siege was changed from the monarch sitting on the throne inside the inner castle to defeating the Guardian Tower and claiming the crown. As a result, during sieges, Giran Castle’s vast gardens were filled with guild members fighting for their guild’s honor.

Episode 9: “Heine”

The underwater city “Kingdom of Eva” and Papurion, the Water Dragon—the second of the Four Great Dragons—make their appearance, adding an air of mystery.
Heine, beloved by Eva, the Goddess of Water, is a lakeside city unlike any other and is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Additionally, Heine Castle—the fourth sacred site in Lineage World—makes its debut, intensifying the battle for supremacy among the blood clans.
Beloved by many players for its fairy-tale-like hideouts, gardens in full bloom, and beautiful fountains, Heine consists of two lakes—Lake Lewis and Lake Reina—and the forests surrounding them. Lake Louis is always shrouded in fog, earning it the nickname “Lake of Mist.” “Rosus Island,” located in the middle of the lake, remains untouched by human hands and is teeming with wildlife and monsters. Lake Reina, along with the Mirror Forest to the north, serves as a natural fortress protecting Heine, and crossing this lake leads directly to Heine Castle. In the Mirror Forest, countless adventurers have met with misfortune due to the confusion caused by doppelgangers—creatures that replicate the appearance of travelers and appear throughout the forest—and occasionally, these doppelgangers even enter the village of Heine, causing a commotion.
Behind Heine Castle lie cliffs and a lake, while a moat has been dug in front, connecting the castle to the outside world via a drawbridge. Beneath the castle lies “Eva’s Shrine,” dedicated to the God of Water, which features a passage leading to the inner castle. Eva’s Shrine is protected by a sacred and powerful water barrier and guarded by priest-knights; here, you can obtain “Eva’s Blessing,” which allows you to breathe underwater.
Right next to Heine Castle stands an ancient lighthouse. When viewed from the open sea, it resembles the gaze of the Water Dragon Papurion, earning it the nickname “Blue Dragon’s Eye.” This site serves as the entrance to the Heine Underground Waterway dungeon, through which you can enter the Kingdom of Eva, which lies dormant beneath the water. Eva’s Kingdom is an ancient underwater city founded by Eva, the Goddess of Water. Due to the conflict between Eva and the Water Dragon Papurion, it now lies in complete ruins, overrun by monsters. While the massive statues and building ruins allow you to imagine its past glory, you must always remain vigilant, as the Water Dragon Papurion, who lives in a cave on the outskirts of the city, could escape at any moment.

Episode 10: “The Fire Dragon’s Nest”

A new area, representing a step up from the previously established high-level zone known as Dragon Valley, has arrived.
The dwarves of the “Gate of Steel” guild were previously known only as warehouse keepers, but through this “Nest of the Fire Dragon” update, players will gain a deeper insight into their lives. Additionally, the Underground Castle is updated to become the fifth castle in the Lineage World.
A revolutionary crafting system is introduced, allowing players to significantly upgrade their equipment to a higher tier thanks to the “Warrior’s Longsword” and “Dragon Scale Armor” crafted by the dwarves.
With the arrival of the Ivory Tower, new spells for mages have been introduced, and elves can now learn elemental magic as well, increasing the value of both mages and elves.
The nest where the Fire Dragon Balakas resides is an active volcano located northeast of Dragon Valley and northwest of Giran, boasting a rugged landscape with flowing lava and billowing sulfur fumes. True to its name, “Fire Dragon’s Nest,” the area is primarily inhabited by fire-related monsters, which are even more powerful than those found in Dragon Valley.
The lair of the Fire Dragon Balakhas, situated at the very top of Fire Dragon’s Nest, is a place where skilled players constantly gather in an attempt to defeat him.

Episode 11: “Oren”

Everything related to magic is realized here at the Ivory Tower of Oren.
The Oren region is a snow-covered area situated to the northeast of the Fire Dragon’s Nest, which embodies the concept of fire. The Ivory Tower of Oren serves as the source of magic, home to Lineage World’s greatest mages, and a repository of all information related to magic.
With the introduction of the Ivory Tower, new spells have been introduced for mages, and elves have also gained the ability to learn elemental magic, thereby increasing the value of both mages and elves.
While the first through third floors of the Ivory Tower feature NPCs and shrines related to magic, the fourth through eighth floors are inhabited by monsters associated with evil spirits. The Grand Mages of the Ivory Tower summoned these evil spirits for their magical research, but when they found themselves in danger, they sealed off the fourth floor and above to prevent the monsters from descending.
On the 8th floor, a boss-level monster called the Demon—the embodiment of an evil spirit—appears, keeping players on edge.
In the snowy plains north of the Ivory Tower in the Oren Domain lies Oren’s largest dungeon, accessible via an underground entrance. It is called the Crystal Cave because the entire interior is clearly visible through the crystal walls, and on the lowest floor—the 3rd floor—the Ice Queen appears, breathing out icy breath.
The “Forgotten Island,” a high-difficulty hunting ground for high-level players, and the “Colosseum Infinite Battle”—where players defeat an endless stream of monsters to rise to the top—also debuted at this time, sparking fierce battles of pride as players vied for the title of “Supreme Ruler.”

Episode 12: “Aden”

The Aden region, the capital of the Lineage World and the culmination of the early main story of Lineage: “The Blood Pledge,” was updated. Although new episodes and content continued to be added to Lineage thereafter, Aden established itself as a crucial turning point that completed the initial world setting and key regions.
The Kingdom of Aden, ruled by the Usurper Ken Rauheul, makes its debut. Ken Rauheul—a boss-level monster and another protagonist of Lineage—and the dark mage “Kerenis” appear to thwart the Blood Clans’ efforts to secure the rightful succession. The rulers of the blood alliances—the princes and princesses—cannot seize Aden Castle unless they eliminate Ken Lauhel and Kerenis.
Aden Castle, the pride of the capital city of Aden, exudes even greater grandeur thanks to the outer walls encircling the entire city and the majestic inner walls surrounding the inner citadel of Aden. The city stands out from existing towns due to its sheer scale and is divided into four distinct districts—the commercial district, the slums, the residential district, and the port—each serving a different function.
The capital city of Aden is centered around Aden Castle in the southeast. To the west lies the Mirror Forest, a vast forested region; to the northwest, the Gypsy Village on the plains connecting to Weldon and Giran; to the north, the snowy plains of Oren; and to the east, a massive mountain range separating Elmore from Aden. To the south, the azure sea stretches endlessly, offering a refreshing sight. Furthermore, centered around a massive canyon known as the “Scar of the Wind Dragon,” the Forest of Dawn and the Twilight Mountains exist, where giant monsters—considered a new species—appear in great numbers.
Deep within the Twilight Mountains, the Tower of Arrogance soars skyward as if piercing the heavens. Exuding a somewhat closed-off and sinister atmosphere, the Tower of Arrogance was known as a place where powerful monsters such as the Zenith Queen, Sheer, the Zombie King, vampires, and liches appeared. However, its summit is always shrouded in clouds and remains invisible; it is a mysterious, self-growing structure whose true extent and purpose are unknown to anyone.
With the arrival of Aden, the marriage system and the Blood Alliance system were introduced, enabling even more dynamic gameplay. Additionally, Lindbior, the Wind Dragon—the last of the Four Great Dragons of Lineage World—appeared, roaming the skies above Aden before descending to the ground to wreak havoc.
With the arrival of Aden, the capital city that completes the world of the early “Lineage: The Blood Pledge,” Lineage World reached a new turning point. Although Lineage continued to expand its world through numerous updates and new content thereafter, these early episodes—beginning with the Speaking Island and leading to Aden—still hold special significance as they laid the foundation for Lineage World.