A vast, cruel interstellar empire whose entire political structure revolves around the game of Azad – a game so complex that mastery of it is considered proof of fitness to rule. The empire is hierarchical, brutal, and proudly opposed to everything the Culture represents.
The Emperor of Azad, supreme ruler of a vast, cruel empire where political power is determined by mastery of the game of Azad. Cold, calculating, and utterly assured of his supremacy.