In a former life, Jack was gifted, meaning he possessed peculiar abilities. If rich folks found themselves in a jam, Jack could use his talents to get them out of it. Where others were sure to fail, Jack’s aristocratic clientele could always count on him to finish jobs cleanly, efficiently, and leave no trace, for which his services commanded a hefty fee.But one day, Jack picked a fight with the wrong man and his old life came to an end. But, as it turned out, his story was far fro...

No one knows for certain what caused the Shadow to come into existence. Clerics say it was the gods laying a curse upon this world. Philosophers maintain that the Shadow of Strix is nothing short of a blessing and new milestone in human progress. But both sides agree that the Shadow will eventually swallow up this world and change it beyond recognition.However, there are also the mages, and they think the whole debate is just so much hot air. They accept the Shadow as is with all i...

Heinrich de Gramont’s petition to the king to release Max Renard from his duty to serve at Westerly Fort has been signed. Max’s debt to the crown has been paid. And now his “doting” uncle expects his wayward and petulant nephew to come to the capital at once so he can be wed to Viscountess Aurélie de Marbot.Max knows there’s no getting out of a trip to the capital this time. Also, beyond personal affairs, he has a lot of questions both for his father’s brother and a number of mater...

After receiving the title of Margrave de Valier, Max has set off on campaign as part of the royal army commanded by the Duke de Clairmont, Marshal of Vestonia. Max's assignment is to take control of his new lands, which are known popularly as Shadow Pass and which are being held by the Knights of the Order of the Scarlet Shield.Max's path will take him through Bergonia, a land wracked by the chaos of war. The Atalian legions dominate this land, under the command of Ricardo di Loren...

The Golden Lion has retreated to Atalia with the remnants of his army. An anxious calm has settled over war-torn Bergonia, but it doesn't seem likely that things will stay quiet for very long.With the burden of command finally removed from his shoulders, Max is headed to northern Bergonia. To the lands of the Margraviate de Valier, which were conferred on him by King Carl III.Frequent ebbs and flows, raids by Shadow beasts, mysterious ghosts - there are good reasons why the...

Having returned to Herouxville, capital of Vestonia, Max Renard has found himself drawn into the dangerous game of courtly intrigue.King Carl III is ill and weakened by his wounds. This leads to tensions between the various princely parties at court. The struggle for influence inside the country is spilling over onto a whole new level. Carl III's foreign enemies are taking advantage of his weakness and ramping up their pressure.The stakes are high, and Max has to find a del...

The time has come. Numerous enemies are on the march. King Otto II the Brave of Astland is leading his army to the fortress of Chateau Noir - the lynchpin of defense on Vestonia's northern borders.Marshal Ricardo di Lorenzo, known as the Golden Lion, has begun a lightning campaign in the south, conquering the cities of Southern Bergonia in rapid succession and broadening the invasion's front with every passing day.Vintervald's Army has moved out to assault Stonefang, the la...

The remnants of Duke de Clairmont's army are surrounded by enemy legions under the command of Ricardo di Lorenzo, otherwise known as the Golden Lion. Marshal de Clairmont himself is badly wounded, and already at death's door.Duke de Bauffremont and Duke de Gondy have assembled their forces on the border between Bergonia and Vestonia, and now, under Prince Philippe's leadership, this army is about to march off to rescue the surrounded Vestonian force. But that won't be enough to bea...

Max has attempted to decipher the ancient script and get answers to his questions, but so far, all these attempts have ended in failure. It's time for a new plan of action. It's time to prepare for the attack his enemies will inevitably launch. And that attack is coming soon - Max has no doubt about that whatsoever. The dark assassin's visit to the Fox Den? That was just the beginning.Besides the renewed activity among the dark forces, the fragile balance of power in Mainland has f...

Konung Bjørn Sharptooth, ruler of Vintervald, has announced a Great Trial. Whoever emerges victorious shall be wed to the konung's daughter, Princess Astrid.In accordance with ancient custom, for the duration of the Great Trial, a ceasefire is declared in Northland. Sworn enemies in the midst of bloody war must put down their weapons, and all those worthy of the princess' hand may come to the capital to try their luck.Carl III, wanting to impede Northlander raids into his n...

A new ruler is ascending to the throne of Vintervald, and his army is heading to the North to give battle to the Frost Knights. And meanwhile, Princess Astrid is desperate to find new allies.The King of Astland dreams of an Imperial Crown, and he's waiting for the right moment to hurl his legions into Vestonia.In Atalia, a shift in the balance of power is already well underway, and the Golden Lion is hungry for revenge.The King of Claron, Olgerd III the Proud, has f...

Ricardo di Lorenzo, the renowned Golden Lion, is irritated by the delays his campaign is facing. King Adrian presses him to move; tension is rising among the nobility due to the machinations of the Scarlet Order; and the threat of insufficient provisions makes every wasted day a direct blow to discipline in his legions. More and more often, Ricardo finds himself thinking about the offer from Olgerd III's messenger.Meanwhile, Carl III and the rest of the capital wait impatiently for...