Five years after Luke Skywalker destroyed the Empire and killed the Emperor, the galaxy enters a fragile era of diplomacy. The New Republic is young, unsteady, and trying to form alliances before scattered Imperial remnants regroup. In the Outer Rim lies Dorne, a desert planet-kingdom that never bowed to the Republic, the Separatists, or the Empire. Ruled by King Dorian Martell and his fierce heir Prince Oberyn, Dorne is proud, wealthy, militarily strong, and infamous for guarding its borders with absolute sovereignty. Their control of a vital hyperspace route makes them one of the most influential neutral powers left in the galaxy—and also one of the most dangerous to offend.