Fullmetal Alchemist takes place in the country of Amestris, currently ruled by martial law and in conflict with its two neighboring countries Aerugo and Creta. Alchemy in this world is a science that must be treated with respect. Through Alchemy, alchemists can create one object out of another, but this process of creation is governed by "natural laws." The first and foremost of these laws is that in order to create anything an object of equal mass must be sacrificed. Using these powers for gain is not permitted, and the transmutation of living beings is utterly forbidden.
The story, which spans over 51 episodes, tells the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, the children of Ametris' greatest and well-recognized alchemist. The two boys, as the series begins, attempt to create life and in doing so violate one of Alchemy's most sacred principles. Their innocence and ignorant foray into this taboo area leaves the older brother Edward horribly wounded and his younger brother Alphonse in a horrible state of disfigurement. They paid the ultimate price, and in order to make things right the two set out on an epic quest.
Elric is the Fullmetal Alchemist, a name given to him to describe his current state after the accident (I don't want to ruin why for you). His younger brother, Alphonse, who is much larger in size and heart is encased in a magical suit of armor, required to give him some semblance of being human after their failed experiment. One of the most amusing side jokes as the series progresses is that Alphonse is often mistaken as the FMA, leaving his older brother often frustrated at the lack of recognition.
