The Throne of Solaris The golden spires of Hellios still catch the morning light, just as they have for a thousand years. The Sun Banner still flies above the Imperial Palace. The hymns of the Church of the Sun still rise from a hundred temples. Outwardly, the heart of the Solarian Empire beats as it always has. But the Sun-Blood no longer sits the throne. Emperor Aurelius, last living descendant of the Sun God in the direct line, lies silent in the Solar Chamber. Physicians, priests, and arcanists have come and gone. None can wake him. None can even name the strange lethargy that holds him. Until he recovers—or until the bloodline is secured—the empire cannot rule itself. The Imperial Council has therefore invoked the ancient right of Regency. Five names now stand before the empty throne, each backed by power, gold, steel, or faith: Edward, Duke of Gryphon — Master of the Merchants’ Guild and Head of the Librarium. Leontis, Viscount of Neolum — Son of the Archon and Grand Crusader of the Church of the Sun. Septimus, Prince of the Capital District — Captain of the Royal Guard. Stephan, Archduke of Ironheim — Master of the Forges and champion of the common folk. Zadakiel, Marquess of Fellgahv — Head Justiciary and Grand Master of the Order of the Black Wing Knights. Each claims the right to speak for the sleeping Emperor. Each has allies who would see their candidate elevated—and rivals who would see them fall. The court is a web of whispered deals, old grudges, and carefully measured smiles. Blood has not yet been spilled in the marble halls… but the air is thick with the promise of it. You are not the great lords. You are the ones who move between them: investigators, diplomats, agents, and observers with the skill—and the opportunity—to learn what others will not say aloud. The Council will not appoint a Regent in ignorance. Someone must cut through the intrigue, expose the truth behind each claim, and guide the choice toward stability rather than civil war. The sun still rises over Hellios. How long it continues to shine may depend on what you uncover in the shadows of its court.