This is the latest installment in a series that explores the rich history of the Dungeons & Dragons® setting. Each “History Check” article will provide new insight into the game’s iconic heroes, villains, organizations, and events, untangling the contradictory threads of D&D® history when possible.

This time around, “History Check” recalls some of the oldest and most famous characters in the game, all of whom play a part in the tale of Rary the Tratior and the Circle of Eight. Throughout the text, sidebars will describe what an adventurer would know about the topic based on a successful skill check.