In the beginning, there was fire..
Man learned to harness that fire and began to craft wondrous things. First there were the fires to cook on, or preserve food. This led to healthier peoples that were able to sustain themselves over the long winters, children to survive and better nutrition for all. Then came the fermentation, beer and ale were possible by heating the mixture to break down the materials and create alcohol. Liquor was distilled for purity, wine was... well just kinda left for the grapes to rot in the early days, but hey, eventually they made sure to use heat in the fermentation process. Preserved food and beverages were commodities that were shipped wherever they could be, which increased the need for safer travel and transport. Engines were created. Fire to heat water, coal fired engines led to steam ships, trains, cars, airplanes, all machines to transport goods and people. Travel became more accessible and people were able to play all over the world, getting to their destination in a day or tw