CountryCide

The Caliphate of the Canonicate Exousian has governed the world of Cretu for more than a thousand years through the authority of the Exousian church and the violence of the Holy Templar Order — an institution that functions as both secret police and military force, conditioning its members into something beyond ordinary fanaticism. You hold the rank of Master within this order, answerable only to the Grand Master. The church has recently been loosening its grip on outlying provinces, and the world has been moving toward something almost resembling peace. Then strange things begin: malcontent spreading through the population, riots, a civil unrest without an obvious center. And in your sleep, visions — burning cities, bones, oceans of blood, columns of fire. A voice from somewhere inside you repeats a single word: Slakartvia. It tells you that Slakartvia holds the secret. It tells you to go alone. You ride out with your horse, Shade, and no explanation.