The Practice of Power

Eerie gray dust drifts across lands once lush and alive, serving as an unending testament to a catastrophic past. On the peripheries of this fractured realm, societies grapple with their downfall, striving to prevent a regression from the zenith of their once-mighty power.

Within the icy reaches of northern Vailassa, the Mornae houses, comprised of formidable sorcerers and devout priestesses, teeter on the precarious edge of control. Their influence is deeply intertwined with the dark goddess they revere, their power sourced from her enigmatic depths. Yet, maintaining supremacy in these treacherous times requires a brutal dance of power, one that involves backstabbing and strategic maneuvering in the shadowy corridors of politics. Their ascendancy, often built on the wreckage of lesser houses, stands as a chilling testament to their relentless ambition and merciless resolve. However, an impending storm of uncertainty looms - how enduring can such a dominion be, one that is constructed on a foundation of deception and the fallen aspirations of others?

To the south, the spirited tribes of Nenelassa have forged an unlikely alliance with remnants of the once-great Alcar, together envisioning a path to restoration and glory. However, are they merely chess pieces in a game played by mightier forces? Do they possess the resolve to realize their latent potential, or will they succumb to the machinations of unseen adversaries?

Meanwhile, the ancient city-states of southeastern Vailassa arise like sentinels from myth and legend. Scholars and conquerors alike vie to shape the destiny of nations. Forgotten crypts, caressed by the tendrils of time, hold secrets infused with the very essence that birthed worlds. Amongst these currents of fate, the enigmatic Empress of Za’al weaves a tapestry of intrigue and ambition, her eyes fixed on the nascent energies that lie entombed in antiquity.

The 'Practice of Power' series unfurls a captivating tapestry of narratives, each centering on determined individuals locked in a visceral battle against fate. Their quest? To unearth their inner strength and potential, or to perish in the pursuit. While the storylines crisscross, weaving a complex web of events and characters, each tale stands as a standalone saga. Thus, offering the freedom to embark on this literary journey in any order the reader desires, each path leading to a unique exploration of power and its inherent struggles.