The Fall of the Rankan Empire is a D&D 4e game modified for a more Sword & Sorcery feel (few arcane/divine classes, minimal magic items). The DM draws inspiration from the Thieve's World novels and the works of Robert E. Howard to create a setting about the monsters attacking a crumbling empire and the monsters who defend it. [B]Book I[/B] Battle rages across the Rankan Empire. The Beysibian army have returned their snake-gods to the world and intend to destroy everything in their path. The Barbarian lands of the Yssge have not gone untouched, either. Long have they hated the Rankans and are marching toward the kingdom, as well. It would seem all is lost, save for the help of a few mercenaries and street rats... [B]Book II[/B] Thanks to the courage and stubborness of the heroes, Sanctuary was retaken and the Warlord Rathamon was destroyed. However, all is not well. Barbarians still march on Ranke, and the Beysibian army has not been routed. It is up to the heroes of Sanctuary to find a way to battle back both enemies while they receive still no help from the Emperor. [B]Book III[/B] It began with a group of thieves, slaves, and murderers trying to aid their city in distress. They are slaves and thieves no more. Garr has become Thane of the Yssge; securing alliance with Ranke. Tristan Farron was exonerated of his charges and granted knighthood. The ranger, Gaelen, now commands the Eastwatch. Titus Garibaldi leads the soldiers of Sanctuary as the Infernal Strategist and Lord Protector. But most surprising may be Balthasar, the orphaned murderer turned Herald of the Raven Queen. He married Emperess Jhaelent, helping her secure the Rankan Throne and legitimized his claim to the Azurian kingdom. What stands before them now is a vast wave of snake-men and wickedness. However, they stand alone no longer. They are now backed by the full might of the Rankan Empire and its allies! [B]Book IV[/B] The heroes destined to save the world died. Fire and poison brought Prince Balthasar Karyth, Lord-Protector Titus Garibaldi, Ser Tristan Farron, Thane-Garr the Earth-binder, and Lord Marshall Gaelen-Dragonbane. With their failure, Skather-Sol brought forth the vast armies of the Yuan-ti and bathed the land in the blood-of-Zehir. Whoever stands against Zehir now stands alone... 43 The Fall of the Rankan Empire: Rise of Zehir 0 126