The city-state of Berholme stands at the crossroads of its long history. Life within the city seems idyllic; the immense mines to the east continue bring great wealth to the town, while the rich valley of Berholme yields more than enough produce to support the contented town and to make the state of Berholme even more serene the ruling family, the Avangaine's are incredibly popular with the common people of Berholme.
Despite this tranquil façade, all is not completely well within Berholme - serious tension exists between the Avangaine family and the great merchant houses. Comfortable as they are in their aristocratic wealth the Avangaine family have long championed the rights of the common people against the merchants. Avangaine reforms have reduced working hours, increased wages, stopped child labour and made the mines much safer. Although these reforms have endeared the Avangaine's to the common people, this struggle has annoyed the merchants who continue to grumble and plot.
The second threat to the city of Berholme is much more overt. For two hundred and fifty years the Demothean Empire has been steadily expanding - nation after nation has fallen under their savage hegemony. All that has kept Berholme from falling under the Demothean iron fist, is the skilful politicking of the Avangaine family and the watchful eye of the Great Dragon Ithukul.
Time is fast running out for Berholme - the mighty firedrake has not been seen for close to fifty years and it is becoming apparent that the Demothean Emperor on his diamond throne is steadily losing control of his rapacious northern commanders - commanders who are casting greedy eyes towards prosperous Berholme...