From the introduction:
Ever since the archmage Nex vanished during an attack on Quantium 4 millennia ago, his disciples have maintained power within and squabbled for control over his arcane nation. The most famous of these followers are the Arclords of Nex, who claim to be descended from Nex’s household servants. Using rare primary sources purportedly traced to Nex himself, the Arclords claim legitimacy as they purportedly carry out Nex’s vision and unfinished business. After millennia of infighting, exile, and jockeying for influence—all in the shadow of Nex’s true powerbrokers, the Council of Three and Nine—the Arclords are equal parts political force and arcane society. Even so, they become bolder each time a new Nexian tome surfaces that promises more of the archmage’s wisdom that they can read and then hide from curious eyes.