Hearthglen, the supposed jewel of the former Alliance, still retained its outward appearance of luxurious beauty. Wealthy Beastkin flocked to its markets, and the remnants of the Alliance Knights continued to patrol, dedicating themselves to protecting the city despite the Alliance building itself standing abandoned. The political landscape was shattered: Tallowshade and the main defensive wall had declared independence, leaving the capital an isolated, defenseless symbol.
This political void was quickly being filled. Many noble families, tired of the petty grudges and power grabs, had withdrawn their support from the defunct Alliance and pledged their loyalty to the newly formed Vanguard of Spinebride—a military faction dedicated to the forgotten ideal of Beastkin unity, accepting talent regardless of one's history as a bandit, thief, or murderer.
