Meanwhile, in the south, a new power has arisen in Valgaris. Christopher Kane, a man who had fled from Mercadia after seemingly going on a killing spree of Edana’s guards, has declared himself Grand Emperor and taken the throne of Valgaris from the absent D’Neri family. Bolstered by converts from the Mercadian guard, the Emperor has established a firm grip on the southern lands.

Emperor Christopher had managed to calm tensions with a story about how the guards of Edana had attempted to murder him due to him speaking ill of the division of Blackwatch and Mercadia, but not all seem to believe his tale. Still, it begs the question, why would a man who stood accused of murdering guards in Edana have many of the very same cities guards join him in Valgaris?

The Emperor is swift in his reforms, cleansing the crime ridden city of criminals by enacting new laws and harsh punishments. Bodies of criminals are chained to posts along the path to Valgaris as a warning to citizens and visitors alike that Valgaris will not tolerate crime.

The city of Valgaris has seemingly embraced their new leader, who has managed to make needed repairs to the cities infastructure and economy, as well as bolster the guard ranks. Morale is high in Valgaris as the citizens stand firm and united. The Emperor has been seen often in the company of Dame Lia Dunharrow of Mercadia. Dame Lia has also been given the title of Advisor of Foreign affairs, but rumors circulate that there is more to the two’s relationship than meets the eye.

The races of Drow and Orc also stand behind Valgaris, as the Emperor has embraced the long standing Valgarian tradition of allowing all races entrance to Valgaris, much to the discouragement of many other races and cities. Blackwatch, especially, has been opposed, having been reported to the Emperor that they refer to Valgaris as a “bastion of darkness”.

Because of this, tensions have arisen between the nation of Valgaris and the nation of Blackwatch after a meeting between the Emperor and King Talon De Thari. Both sides prepare their troops for war, stating they will not start it but will indeed finish it. Will tensions escalate further and fling the continent into a war?

Photos by rusty001, Lindsay Archer and Chris Becker