Born out of chance and fueled by outrage, rebellions broke out across the land beneath the seemingly vulnerable grip of the Sanguine Fist. Rumors spread like wildfire of the instability and division wrought deep amid their ranks, emboldening Warlords, Slavers, and Overseers alike to seize the opportunity to rally for independence against Bloodloch. Would this be a turn of an age? Could an act of kindness and mercy truly be the final thrust to topple an empire long rooted in blood and ash?

Determined to reclaim their status as the supreme power in the region and put to rest any rumors of weakness, Bloodloch roused her guilds to action and formed a new coalition of Thronekeepers helmed by a Tyrant. They descended upon Kornar, El'Jazira, and the Lich Gardens with swift brutality; one by one the rebellions fell along with their culled leaders, leaving only the Vilimo Fields unconquered.

As the fighting raged on and final preparations were made for the conquest of Vilimo, strange new faces made their journey to the fearsome mountain stronghold. One among them was a self-proclaimed 'Red Marvel' that emerged with gifts and a peculiar offer for the Dominion. The Primus Callidora and her chosen among the Imperial Court deliberated for a time before agreeing to sup with the strange visitor and learn more about his plans.

Rumors surged again at the exchange as more questions than answers were born in the secrecy of the Court and the Thronekeepers' Council. Blood rituals? Old tombs? A new Lich of arcane origin named as the successor to the Lich Gardens? What did it all mean? If one thing is for certain - more eyes than ever have settled upon Bloodloch's domain as the power struggle continues and more plots continue to ripen in the dead lands sowed with strife.

Penned by my hand on Gosday, the 7th of Khepary, in the year 497 MA.
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