World War I reigns in Europe and in the Spring of 1915, Russia suffers terrible losses on the Eastern Front. At the Russian court, Tsar Nicholas and the Tsarina have become increasingly reliant on the political advice of the monk Gregory Rasputin, who has become their trusted friend and chief counsel. When the popular Commander-in-Chief Grand Duke Nicholas criticises Rasputin, the Tsar dismisses him and decides to take charge of the Russian army himself. Any other ministers who further criticise Rasputin, or indeed the Tsar's decision to take over the army, are dismissed too. As head of the army, the Tsar continues to lean heavily on the Tsarina and Rasputin for guidance and advice. Russian war fare is thus greatly relied on by a monk. (thetvdb.com)