The Imperials were forced to retreat before the walls of Nepriner, the subsequent march killed them.
Quittle, the former herald of his imperial majesties diplomatic considers himself a man of the empire, but a clansman first. what he saw at Nepriner will haunt him for the rest of his life. the complete and utter disregard for the lives of his countrymen, the ineptitude of the leadership and the decisions taken at home whilst he was away has finally made up his mind.
With the empire over committed in various theatres of war, and coalition armies beginning to march north and reclaim lost territory, Quittle raises the flag of rebellion in an audacious bid for independence.
The clans haven't had a high chief in hundreds of years, and hate each other almost as much as they hate the empire.