Markov's Prize is an isolated planet within the Determinate, cut off since the 6th Age. Its human population have thrived and advanced over the centuries but now, recently rediscovered, they find themselves simultaneously invaded by the aggressive and bloodthirsty Ghar Empire and the expansionist PanHuman Concord. The Ghar are looking to plunder the planet for resources and slaves while the Concord desire to assimilate the planet into their collective whole, believing it to be the best course of action for the Concord and the planet's people.