It is the eighth year of the reign of the seventh Veiled Emperor, Gulhan I. And it is mere months after the end of a decade-long war that has ground at the Mirajin Empire. The Empire, though still functioning, strains under the pressures the war has caused and the devastation of its sudden conclusion. The Old Capital lies in ruins, while the New Capital buckles under the pressure of a wave of displaced refugees. Now, more than ever, the Weave unifies and propels the country forward.
To the north, the Union of Bagrat stands. A kingdom, propped up by the mercenary princes upon its borders and the enclave of mystics within the most remote portion of its interior create works of wonder, and items of horror. Those who fight, rule. Those who do not, are ground under the heel of those who do.
To the East, the United Tribes of Azif rule the vast, inhospitable stretches, where fire and wind are their bread and butter. It is a hard land that has cultivated a hard people, ultimately united by the Ten Hands of God that rule from the Holy Seat, and pass judgement on foreigners and heretics alike.
To the south, the Maimed King holds his throne. With the Callers backing his regime, and the far-flung horse lords of his native people, he rules with an iron hand. You are free, free to serve him. And if you rebel, you are free to die in agony.
In this land, in the midst of a fragile peace, there is you. Chosen by the Veiled Emperor, a former commander, and current member of the Imperial Shadow. Keep the peace, keep the Mirajin Empire ahead of its enemies, and you might just make it out with your sanity and life intact.
Dramatis Personae
Mirajin Empire
Esmeray, Minister of Foreign Affairs. She’s a cunning woman with a mind for tinkering, and – if the situation calls for it – a hand that can easily slip poison or a dagger where it shouldn’t belong. Unflinchingly friendly to the MC and other servants of the Emperor, deeply philosophical, and unwavering in her duties.
Halim, Minister of the Treasury. Aloof, hedonistic, and honest – almost to a fault. He is a very big proponent of keeping business and pleasure separate. Appreciates art very much, hates math even though he has a prodigious talent for it, and prefers to keep his conversations short and to the point.
Union of Bagrat
Tafsut of the Tamaz, Mercenary Prince. Tafsut is a bold, occasionally even brash woman who is a warrior at heart. The kind who is willing to show up to a diplomatic meeting that could very well decide the fate of the entire region and challenge another delegate to an arm wrestling match. In spite of – or perhaps because of – her eccentricities, she is adept at reading people, moods, and situations.
She enjoys sports, music, and lively conversation.
Levan, second son of King Aleksander I. A dour, bookish man who’d much rather be at home in his study than in a foreign palace. Lover of science, especially astronomy.
The Timhal Empire
Ganbaatar, Border Lord and cousin to the Maimed King. Ganbaatar does nothing in half-measures: he drinks hard, he fights hard, he laughs with all his heart, and Heaven and Earth help you if you make him angry. What he lacks in introspection he more than makes up for in force of personality. While he loves good food and drink, his first love will always be war.
Prama, Caller and Attendant to High Caller Diyah. Reserved and unassuming, Prama is willing to fade in the background while her superior does the talking. Underneath the stoic facade, however, is a brimming fount of revolutionary ideas and thoughts that she’s not willing to divulge just yet. A big fan of music, and foreign board games.
United Tribes of Azif
Jibril Mukhtar, Eye of the Holy Seat and Dancer on Lightning. Jibril is terse, prickly, and distant, only warming up to people who have proven themselves trustworthy to him. Along with his naturalfighting skills, he has a keen eye and a sharp mind that’s suited for finding things that are out of place. Loves poetry, and exotic clothing.
Alia Bey, Hand of the Holy Seat and Dancer on Lightning. Alia is a thoughtful and empathic young woman. Though she is not one for crowds, she is eager to engage people in one-on-one conversations, and is genuinely pleased to learn more about others. In addition to her considerable combat prowess and leadership ability, she is a graceful dancer. Has an interest in architecture and painting.
Demo here, finally! 2k words, part of character creation and the prologue.