The Southern Empire in Peril

On a normal morning in the port of Byzaris, merchants arrived, and news came along with them. Even though few of the merchants reported this news, the similarities between their accounts left no room to think it could just be rumors. As the day came to an end, more and more merchants who frequented the port from all corners of the empire reported the same thing. It seemed as if the Maker himself had decided to punish the sinners and send them a great devastation that would punish those who err.

It is now undeniable, The Khuzait hordes have launched an organized invasion into the southern Calradian Empire. This was never seen before; such coordination between savage tribes was deemed impossible, yet large swathes of land have already been conquered. Although their invasion began with total destruction, razing villages and massacring populations, their most recent victories paint a different picture. A city conquered, its populace spared, a city made a new seat of power for the Khuzaits—this shows that they are not merely raiding or lashing out in violence; this is an occupation.

To make matters worse, Emperor Velasius, stoic as he is, has been key to why the empire has plunged into such chaos. No one really knows what has happened to him, but those close to the court, such as nobles and clergy, and those who serve under him, such as maids and cooks, all report similar stories. The emperor rarely leaves his living quarters now. He is seen roaming the halls in the early morning hours when no one else is around. What is certain is that his weakened mental state has left the empire on the verge of collapse.

And to add insult to injury, pirate corsairs plague the Perassic Sea. The imperial navy failed to quench the rising pirate threat after diverting their forces to counter the Khuzait invasion. This left the empire vulnerable and jeopardizes its strongest attribute—trade. Some report that the pirates have grown bold enough to even cross into the Jade Sea and target Aserai merchant ships as well as fishing vessels. This has left the region in a miserable state. Yet some still hold hope—hope that the northern and western parts of the empire will send aid and stop this threat that endangers all of Calradia.

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