From the introduction: The Empire of California - the most magnificent empire in the known world - is in disarray. Yet amidst this chaos Celestial Emperor Elton IV has called for a census so he may reform the land ownership, weakening the power of the warlords and improving the lives of the common people. As you travel the tattered empire you will be the first vestige of Imperial authority many people have ever seen and it is likely that the faithful will call on you for assistance far outside the scope of your original mission.