Empire: Capital

The war between demon ridden Traag and the Solarian Empire dragged on for decades. Solaria emerged victorious - barely. Two years later the nation stands on the brink of chaos. Weeds claim prime farmland while bandits stalk the decaying roads and common folk struggle to get by. Even once wealthy noble clans have become destitute. But some see opportunities amidst the turmoil. Tia Samos is one such opportunist, touring the Empire on behalf of her wealthy family in search of prospects - and a highborn husband. Her last prospect met a horrific end along with most of his subjects in a rite of black magic, though the ringleader was captured and taken to the capital. Tia testified at those proceedings and now awaits theverdict while courting the unruly knights roaming the palace. Yet, Tia feels a strange disquiet - and she is not the only one. Tia's maid and minstrel Rebecca 'plays the palace' - but there's something wrong with her music. Her bodyguard Sir Peter Cortez parties with his old comrades in arms - and is pressured to support a treasonous plot. Kyle confronts his past and contemplates his future. Apart and together, they find opportunity, intrigue, and peril.