This was a period of great upheaval in the lands of Ashr'alan. During this time the the once beautiful white washed Capital of the Maxum Empire had fallen. In a secret pact between Gierda the Dark, Trenton Glynost, and General Clasyki Darktooth, the Orcish Armies rose from the Bad Lands, along with the goblins and other evil demi-humans clans. Sending a series of diversion assults to the north drawing the main forces of the legions, lead by Legate Belsarius Pax, the vile forces engulfed the city bringing plague and destruction to sweep through like a wild fire. The city and it's inhabitants were wounded greatly from this surprise invasion that seemed to spring from nowhere, sending the people fleeing for their lives to the other cities.

Meanwhile darker things were happening to the great city of Danex to the North of Maxima. Using forbidden magicks, and the focusing power of the Gate of Aurielus, the evil wizard Emenack, his apprentice Sshethya Ta'ren-Nemshe, and the vampire Ilarion Nightscribe, were able to raise the dead of Danex (both fallen from the plague of the Orcs and from the many cemetaries of the city) to terrorize and upsurp the balance of the world. Such magical power had never before been witnessed, nor was it to ever be displayed upon the world of Ashr'alan. Literally thousands of undead paltroled the city and surrounding area, driving out or slaying any who would oppose the Necromancers.

Finally, if matters were not bad enough, the great gated city of Rizam shook, as the mighty volcano whose shadow the cities foundations were laid in, began to erupt. Ash blanketed the ground as buildings collapsed, and entire fields of crops were totally destroyed. The hearty people of Rizam were facing their ultimate test, along with the people of Maxima and Danex.

Across the continent however, Qantor sat queitly, wondering exactly what was happening as refugees trickled there way. This intrusion was not welcome...and Qantor began to wonder at its role, even if it was "for the empire".