THE CRUMBLING PILLARS

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

The year 845 AD. A chill wind whistled across the Seine River, carrying with it the scent emanating from salt and fear. The Norsemen were upon us, a ravenous swarm of warriors seeking plunder. Their longships, like wolves, sliced through the waters, their standards waving in the wind. A city once confident now trembled beneath the threat of RagnarÃ