It is the twelfth Original Title in the Tales series and the tenth anniversary title. Tales of the Abyss takes place on Auldrant , a planet composed of elementary particles called fonons. For most of Auldrant's history, only six fonons were known to exist, representing the elements of Shadow, Earth, Wind, Water, Fire, and Light; however, a seventh fonon, Sound, is fairly recent discovery.
Its discovery brings great chaos: using this newest Seventh Fonon allows one to read the future. One such Seventh Fonist, Yulia Jue , puts in place a future for the world for thousands of years to come, with the promise of unlimited prosperity at its end.
This prophecy of the future's set path becomes known as the Score and is documented on fonstones scattered throughout the world. The nations of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear and Malkuth have fought over the fragments of these tablets for generations, each uncovering them and hoping to discover the future before the other. Meanwhile, a holy order emerges dedicated to the reading of the Score and the keeping of the peace.
This Order of Lorelei is headed by a Fon Master and maintains religious, political, and military branches. Finally, the Score and its promise of prosperity lead to a dangerous complacency within the general population of Auldrant. The slaughter of an entire people living on the island of Hod and the destruction of that landmass are countenanced because it was predicted in the Score.
Seven years previously, he was kidnapped by persons unknown and developed complete retrograde amnesia, even having to relearn basic skills like how to walk. Since then, he has been forbidden to leave the walls of his manor until he comes of age. He spends his days learning swordsmanship from his mentor Van Grants , the Commandant of the Oracle Knights , the military branch of the Order of Lorelei, hanging out with his manservant and best friend, Guy Cecil , as well as being harassed by his childhood friend, Natalia Luzu Kimlasca-Lanvaldear , the Princess of Kimlasca, with whom he has made a forgotten marriage proposal.
