The Ithikan Empire has almost reached its goal. The 2nd Grand Legion marches onwards, two city states still outside its influence. However, as the emperor travels towards diplomatic unification in the port city of Veltaine, events there are far from peaceful. Factions vie for position, a great beast stalks the countryside, and a cult of mercenaries holds undue influence with the city’s military.

When Commander Shale Vostinn leads an expedition to hunt down the beast, he encounters an ambassador hailing from unknown lands, accompanied by otherworldly guardians. The offer this Emissary carries promises to change the fate of the empire, and all its people.

The Ithikan Empire

Spanning two continents, the empire is on the verge of uniting the known world. Its current ruler, Emperor Irriden Fhane, has eschewed the old-fashioned ways of his father and implemented a new order; Ithika’s rate of expansion increasing drastically as a result. Its armies have grown used to victory, though many wonder what will become of them with now enemy to fight.

Heroic Cults

The nerash’aan have no proper religion; instead focusing on the worship of ancient heroes whom they attempt to emulate or surpass. While most citizens treat each with equal measure, there are those who choose a favourite. These are the “Heroic Cults”, whose members follow the methods, attitudes and often professions of their inspiration. These are local; each nation – or, now, region of the empire – holds its own legends above the rest. In “Emissary”, it is the cults of Veltaine which take centre stage.

Orkun’s Faithful, comprised of once-orphaned women who in turn tend to the newly abandoned. Their self-appointed leader, Indigha Shar, is a tracker with ambitious leanings, who wishes the group to more closely follow their inspiration, the savage warrior Eleni Orkun.

The Chosen of Venn, a school of gladiators which has long since fallen into decline; all but forgotten, they train still, though the snake-helmed visage of their hero Venn Mareed is out of favour with the people.

Ashen’s Hand, hired killers whose fealty to their cult is merely a suggestion. Many believe Ashen himself to have never existed to begin with.