Once every ten years The Great Chaos, a realm of the Goddess of Chaos, Nylissa, spills forth and illuminates the night in opalescent discord. Those born under the iridescent night sky are said to be cursed - infused by fel energies granting them uncontrollable magic. In the Empire of Talissima children born on this night are systematically killed off in an event known as The Culling. Marius, a legionnaire of the 17th legion has been selected as part of this process. Having lived a life of relative ease as a Trueborn of Talim, this is the first real task assigned to the young soldier. Torn between what he feels is right and what is required of him in service to the emperor, Marius is left to make a tough decision which could change the entire fate of the Imperium.