On the Westernmost side of the Great Forest, the trees eventually give way to plains inhabited by a massive empire of Name sorcerers. Initially thought by adventurers to be an Empire which worshipped the Bound Ones, it now appears that although Name Sorcery is prevelant the Empire sees itself as an enemy of those beings.
A settlement named Belor's Folly has been built near the borders of the Empire, whose mayor, Will Wayhew, is rapidly falling under the influence of the Empire. The Empire is known to be making efforts to conquer the remaining free cities of the West, and cities which fall to the Empire disappear from the face of the world soon after, to an unknown fate.
Servants of the Empire have been seen making use of Chain and Black Flame magic as well as Name, and to make use of monstrous beasts created by Name Sorcery.
The Capital of the Empire is the City of Fire, beneath which is bound a creature which claims to be the Bound One Tears as Fire. It floats above a volcano far to the west, held above the caldera by mighty chains. Magical wards prevent easy approach.