Deep underground live the Earthfolk. There are five Earthfolk tribes: the Wirsche, the Wolde, the Gilche, the Murke, and the Trumpe. They have all been ruled for 1,000 years by the kind but slightly eccentric Kalle, a big-hearted, peace-loving Wirsch who serves as their king. One day, however, a proclamation spreads through the realm: all Earthfolk must gather at the Earthfolk Fortress. There, Zoppo Trump intends to challenge King Kalle Wirsch to a duel and seize power. Knowing he can hardly win such a duel, Zoppo and his cronies, Querro and Quarro, the Rat and the Spider, set numerous nasty traps meant to kill the king. If Kalle fails to appear for the duel, the law states that the challenger automatically inherits the throne, making Zoppo king.