Iowan the Brave

Iowan the Brave was the first Emperor's Knight in history, he was the marshal and champion of Emperor Talwen I.

## Origin

Iowan's origins are relatively unknown, his past is made up of rumors, stories and legends but no exact information is known. Some theories claim that he was a Noble Elf hence his undying loyalty to the emperor, however his mysterious death in 4th Era 58 debunks that theory. Another theory is that he was a prince of Norra that abandoned his legacy for a more robust state.

## Military

Iowan's story begins in 4th Era 39, when his military prowess starts to quickly show itself among the Imperial ranks, his ruthlessness and skill shown in the Imperial conquest of Norra and the Collide expedition made him quickly rise through the ranks until the the position of general.

In the year 4th Era 46 Western wars begin where Iowan was tasked with quelling rebellions in occupied Nomadic territories, after massacring and looting any who dared to speak against the occupation he was given a a mobile force of five thousand cavalrymen, this is when Iowan met Lufic the Giant, their friendship and undying loyalty to the emperor allowed them to maneuver the force with utmost speed, and the Nomadic cavalry was crushed during the battle of Ishe Fields. After this grand victory and the incompetence of the current marshal Iowan was given the title instead, now having full complete strategic control of the Western army.

## Nomadic War

With a force of forty-five thousand men he marched against the Nomadic towns and villages, massacring and looting provinces remote from the Empire. His free reign over the Nomadic soil was challenged by the Nomadic God-King Zolkif otherwise known as the Golden Warrior invited Iowan to an honorable duel in the town of Burgut, if the marshal accepted this deal and came in alone his army was going to be given free access to the city. Upon his arrival the city booed him and his Imperial standard.

Iowan was using the shield of Talwen on one hand while carrying Lufic's greatsword on the other, Zolkif's armor was made of Gold-Steel which at the time was deemed unbreakable. Iowan simply used the heavy weight of the blade to cut off Zolkif's arms which were far more lightly armored than his chest and face. However Zolkif managed to survive getting both his arms cut off, seeing his opponent still breathing Iowan took off the God-King's helmet and beat him to death.

Without their God-King to lead them the rest of the Nomadic tribes broke out from the federation, Iowan simply took the power vacuum to his advantage and quickly conquered the rest of the territories.

## Emperor's Knights

Seeing the success of Iowan Emperor Talwen used a Genas Stone to determine the Knight's mana level, his mana was so high the normally matte grey genas would glimmer a white crystal like color whenever he was closeby. This led to the creation of an elite guard known as Emperor's Knights who would be the most personal guard of the Emperor, these knights were picked from all across the Empire to appease the different cultures living in the Empire. Iowan would become their leader until his death.

## Northern Conquest

In 4th Era 53 Iowan led the newly formed Emperor's Knights and the Imperial army to Horfjorn Peninsula where they fought against the numerically superior Dwarf Federation and won a a decisive victory, without their agricultural heartland the Dwarves retreated to the mountains where they began the Quiet Civil War away from the eyes of the world.

## Death

Iowan's death is mostly unknown and shrouded in mystery, he was found dead in his tent in 4th Era 58 during the march back to the Imperial Capital, there were no wounds or signs of poison anywhere in his body. His body was buried in the port city of Dosserest. On his grave was built a palace and a headquarters for Emperor's Knights named Knight's Palace, the same building was then renovated into the headquarters of Imperial Congress after Betrayal of the Knights.

## Personality

Iowan was quick to anger, punishing even the slightest of mistakes with harsh quotas and even execution. He would also act solely on instinct and usually disregard common sense. An example of his carelessness is when the citizens of Silarzu cheered his entry to the city, Iowan mistook their celebration for a revolt and razed the city to the ground.

## Legacy

Iowan's legacy is massive in Aradil's politics, the title of Emperor's Knight was created after him and he was named a saint in Ten Gods belief, his refusal to take off his helmet or show skin under his armor also influenced Teftek Order.