Emperor Sun Hai holds dominion over all the Jade Empire, but at the height of his reign a terrible drought destroyed crops, livestock, and entire towns. When it seemed as if the Empire itself might fall, Emperor Sun brought water back to the land. No one knows how he did it, but the rivers rose and rains fell. As a symbol of this magnificent achievement, a never ending torrent of water continues to flow from the Imperial Palace day and night, spilling onto the ground far below.

Since the drought, the Emperor's reign has been marked by stability and peace, but all is not right. The Emperor has become withdrawn, and shadowy agents patrol under the watchful eye of Death's Hand, a lieutenant of ever-increasing power who preaches the value of fear over loyalty. In addition, the dead have become restless, and ghosts wander the land. Some whisper that the Emperor has upset the order of things, stepped beyond his station, and that all of the Jade Empire will suffer the consequences.

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