The ruler of Cherkessia, former adventurer and savior of the world, Amir is nearing the end of his life. The burdens of rule, and of magic, have taken their toll. (Note: Amir is in his late 60s—a slightly, though not significantly, below-average lifespan for most Cherkess. Sorcerers often live slightly shorter lives than most people, however.) Amir has not named a successor; he and his queen, Nairi?, have no children (although rumors have long circulated of illegitimate offspring). There are some among the Cherkess who say that Amir will be the last great sorcerer-king, though most people dismiss this as alarmist nonsense.