The Golden Mask

It is a time of airships, decadence, and splendor, a mad king rules over a terrified populace. Justice is in chains, replaced by the mad king's whim, the populace brought to heel by fear.

Born a commoner, Count Varian's heart still lies with the people, and the crimes inflicted on the populace by mad King Marivane enrage him. He has played the part of noble long enough, and now he must play the part of hero. He becomes the Golden Mask, anonymity his only shield against a traitor's death.

Ambrel has returned from long exile, driven by rage to avenge the destruction of her house. As Lady Fox, she harries the corrupt nobility, seeking the heart of the conspiracy that destroyed her family. Her cunning and fearlessness drive the Golden Mask to seek her aid, aid she is not necessarily willing to give.

Opposing them are those who now rule from the shadows: the king's advisor Urza, who has the kingdom wrapped in his shadowy web; and Raziel Morningstar, who enforces Urza's will with fire and sword and cruelty. Both are said to possess unnatural powers, and both are hungry for more.

Those who resist are swiftly silenced. Mass arrests fill the cells of the Tower of Justice, where innocent citizens await execution for false crimes. Others are murdered outright. Some simply . . . vanish.

In a country in desperate need of heroes, who will be brave enough to answer that call?