In the short history of the Star Commonwealth of Drala, King Oswald Wyvernborn has reigned longer than any other monarch. Under his rule, the Commonwealth has grown in power and become one of the wealthiest star nations in the Othala Expanse of the Settled Worlds of Mann. However, this prosperity has also attracted the attention of more and more reavers seeking to plunder its wealth. Over the years, the Dralans have successfully fended off attacks from the Combrogi, Caldons, Tewtehs, and the dreaded Skanes from across the Nord Void nebula.

The Skanes pose a particular threat to the Star Commonwealth, not only from afar but also from within its borders. Millions of Skanes live in what is known as the Skanelaw, and their lords serve as banner-lords to King Oswald. However, his trust in them is fragile for good reason. It was the Skanes who overthrew the Dralan star kingdoms, and it was his ancestors who rose up to defeat them and establish the Star Commonwealth. Today, their kin continue to raid Drala's borders, costing trillions and quadrillions of credits in payments to buy them off.

While peace reigns among the lords within the borders of Drala, the Skanelaw stands united in parliament against King Oswald's laws and his attempts to quash their faith. Nevertheless, there are many Skanes who have lived on the worlds of Drala for longer than the Star Commonwealth has existed, and who remain loyal to their birthplace. However, there are those who seek to break this peace and force the Skanes to submit to the Feyan faith, even though many Skanes view themselves as Dralans who stick to the Old Ways.