On the continent of Penultima, within the Prime Innerlands, lies a city of inky beauty. Carved out of pure onyx, spires reach for the magic-imbued skies, black tourmaline streets wind around parks dotted with night lilies, and the city shines under the glow of stars so bright that there isn’t a street lamp in the whole city. At its very center, a palace stretches high and powerful, and in front of it a Realmgate sits as a swirling lake of liquid crystal.

This is the story of Vladan Lehr, and his rise to power and glory.