An ancient demon, called Jashiin (and self-dubbed as the Emperor of Chaos), emerges from a two-thousand-year-old sleep to unleash his wrath upon the Kingdom of Zeliard.

The protagonist and player-controlled character, Duke Garland, is sent by the spirits to aid Zeliard and save Felicia.

Finally, Garland may find safe haven in various cities and outposts not yet conquered by Jashiin, in order to rest (in so called Inn's) and purchase weaponry and equipment.

When in town, Garland can make use of banks, shops, sages and resting areas, provided he has adequate gold.

When in a labyrinth, Garland will have to make good use of his sword, shield, special items, and magic spells, in order to slay countless creatures, and progress to the next boss or town.

When dying, Garland will lose all his carried gold and half his carried almas, and be teleported back to the very first town in the game, having to go back to where he was before dying (which is usually easier than going there the first time, since the boss monsters are already dead, all the closed doors remain open, and special items acquired later in the game may be of use for quicker progression).