The world has evolved beyond primitive wars and innocent bloodshed. Conflict is now resolved through pocket dimensions and heavily regulated by law. They are colloquially referred to as "Bottle Empires".  These time-dilated magical vessels contain worlds inhabited by the souls of the dead. They are civilisations who are cultivated into war machines and fight decade-long wars at the whims of the family's who own them.The Martel family have finally pulled themselves out of poverty and into middle-class comfort, having purchased a small family estate. Their new neighbours are itching to expand their territory. Simon Martel must take up the mantel of family commander as he prepares their newly-acquired Bottle Empire for war.