THE CRUMBLING PILLARS

Across the vast and sprawling domains of once mighty empires, a pervasive sense of unease has taken grip. The pillars that for centuries supported their dominion are showing undeniable signs of fracture. Rebellions ignite in remote provinces, discontent festers among the populace, and once-loyal vassals begin to doubt the emperor's legitimacy. The

The year the year of our Lord eight hundred and forty-five AD. A chill wind swept across the Seine River, carrying with it the scent of salt and fear. The Norsemen were amongst us, a ravenous swarm of warriors seeking plunder. Their longships, like beasts of the north, sliced through the waters, their banners billowing in the wind. A city once prou