The city of Malamus is steeped in absolutes. It is defined by them. A man owns everything, or he owns only the dirt beneath his feet. A man enduring an incomprehensible tragedy finds artistry in his work, where many think there is none. Another man struggles to find purpose in a world defined by excess. Overshadowing all of this are the machinations of the Interior Ministry, rumors pervade the city of unspeakable acts being carried out in the name of progress. Malamus is a city of absolutes, absolute malice and not much else.