The stage is Rhōmanía (The Eastern Roman Empire). The lands of the Romaioi or 'Romans' have suffered greatly from the ravages of war with the Persians to the east, prominent ancient cities such as Jerusalem and Antioch and Alexandria have succumb to capture. Yet in the midst of all this strife a cloud is forming in the West. A Barbarian horde of Scyths who claim the prestigious name of 'Avaroi' grow stronger and more demanding with the passing of each new year. Ton Graikon 'the Greeks' have but one hope and that hope lay with their Imperator, Herakleios looked to as though a savior after assuming control some years back upon supplanting the tyrant Phocas. Herakleios has initiated a campaign of retaliation rather than war of attrition over lost provinces. With strategic diplomacy and he has sown a new treaty with the Avars in order to turn and plunge deep into Persian territory in attempt to strike at very the heart of the enemy.
Some screenshots from the current build (v.45) of Imperium Graecorum.