Historical Figures

Established over a thousand years ago, Ásaterra has many inspirational historical figures who help make the country great. For historical monarchs, please see our page here.

## Chieftain Nasir Aishur

The chief of the Saladin tribe, who in 8BU began the campaign to strip the temples of the gods of their riches, and use the wealth to build his own army.

## Queens of Monmouth

Joint rulers of the ancient country of Monmouth, which encompasses territory now known as Ishall, the Queens were imprisoned after Asa's victory.

## Al'liah (530-1244BA)

Born in 530 BA, Al'liah was a master politician who rose to prominence when she was just a scribe. Siding with Queen Safae in the first Ásaterran civil war, Al'liah helped her to arrange her marriage with a Southern Thane, an alliance which eventually lead to Safae's victory. Al'liah received a position on the Royal Council. During her time on the council, she helped act as a regent for Queen Elodie, who became Ásaterra's monarch at only a day old. Sources are mixed on Al'liah's motivations during her time on the council; some claim that she and Safae had been close friends, and that her time spent as a regent was merely to help Elodie until she came of age. Others claim that she saw an opportunity to seize power. She was force to back down by the former Queen Adlanniel, with whom she would have a rivalry throughout her life. Al'liah was known for often pushing to employ checks and balances on the monarchs power, pushing towards more democratic rule. Her radical ideas that rule should not be hereditary caused her to be expelled from the council in 1023BA, along with Findal, another long serving council member.

Al'liah was reinstated to the council by public demand in 1056BA, where she continued to push for less power for the monarchs. In 1184BA, the council discovered that King Carlos II was attempting to dissolve both the council and assembly, democratically elected positions. Al'liah lead a successful coup against the king, which is commonly believed to have launched the start of the second Ásaterran civil war.

Al'liah was one of the chief Northern strategists in the civil war. When the Frithstede Truce was declared in 1243BA, one of the Southern terms was that those responsible for the deaths of King Carlos and his family be punished. Al'liah claimed full responsibility for the deaths, and she was executed in 1244BA. Many view her admission and sacrifice as a sign that she was not the power hungry politician she is often portrayed as, but instead a clever and self-sacrificing woman who truly wanted what was best for Ásaterra.

## Selwysi Benedict Ambrose (1175BA - 1247BA)

Selwysi Benedict was a devoted follower of Annatarra and Skiaselveyn, was the founder of both the Hudreslu (the Circle of the Arcane's law-enforcement) and the Heluder (referred to in common Ásaterran as "Witch-Hunters"), with the full blessing of the Circle's Council.

As Founder, he was the first to hold the title of 'Selwysi' and those who have become the head of his founded groups have taken upon the tradition of earning the title in respect of what they represent, though since his passing it was decreed that nevermore could a single person be Selwysi for both groups, such is the importance of their role.

Benedict knew from the burning of the Grand Archives in 1195BA and the failed Sorcery Registration Implementation in 1196BA, that it was clear that there are those in various positions of power within Ásaterra that will always seek to force their will upon those who seek to learn. It was all too clear that these dangerous individuals would take any opportunity to punish those who wished to learn the Arcane arts, under any pretence of their choosing. As such, he foresaw the need for the newly founded Circle of the Arcane to bring about a way of policing magic fairly, using the knowledge gained by those who studied the Arcane arts to ensure the safety of others who shared their values. Thus the Hudreslu was founded to bring caution and protection to any who wished to study the Arcane. Shortly after, the Heluder was also founded to bring retribution to those who abuse the art of the Arcane, and as such may become a threat to all that which the Circle of the Arcane has worked to protect.