The Broken Hourglass takes place in the Tolmiran Empire, a world defined by political intrigue, economic decadence, and a disinterested pantheon. Mal Nassrin, long ago a wealthy independent city-state, is now just the nominal capital of a backwater province, the unfashionable Narimir region of Tolmira. Tens of thousands call Mal Nassrin home--but few boast of vacationing there.