Many centuries ago, the Prophetess of Al Shams led the Deep Elves out from the Underdark, and conquered the largest empire the world had ever known. Now, that empire is failing. The authority of the Khalifa in Alharq no longer extends beyond the holy city's walls. Though the many Amirs pay lip service to the Khalifa's spiritual leadership, in practice each Amir is a power unto themselves. The people suffer greatly under their tyranny. Soothsayers and doomspeakers draw ever larger crowds in the hinterlands. Some say the Day of Judgement is at hand. And in the east, a storm gathers...