Qi and gold are the twin currencies of the world. A few hundred years ago formations were created, allowing for taxes and citizenship, birthing first nations then great powers and then world orders. Formations have advanced beyond power sharing to provide services such as transportation and even displaying information.  Caspian is a young military formation carver turned officer - in a country at war - with a formidable background. He's going to deal with the mundane and the mystical, high level officers, civilian professionals perpetually cranky NCOs and difficult reports.  Hierarchies is about production, socio-economic relationships, and the characters.