The region known as the Brilliant East is an immense and ancient land encompassing vast empires, wild unsettled plains, unsurpassed civilizations, and the ravaged battlefields of gods. Amazing sights greet travelers, from the impenetrable Wind Wall protecting Cathay against nomadic raiders, to the great flying cities of Sikkim, to the eerie purple sky above the shunned Plateau of Leng. Dreadful forces threaten the region. The worst of them are the ancient god Yig, who dwells with his serpentine followers among the flooded ruins of the Sunken Lands, and the Void-maddened denizens of otherworldly Leng. Celestial dragons soar through the clouds and advise emperors, while irrepressible Monkey works his mischief among kings and commoners alike.