Arterian Empire

**The Arterian Empire** is a Kingdom founded by Jonos Arterian I in the early 5th era. It is currently ruled by Lucian Arterian I.

The Empire encompasses the lands now known as the Soril Province and the Eddlebraun Province, with sights set on eventually incorporating the rest of the continent under its rule.

## **History**

### **Jonos Arterian I (5E 52 to 5E 61)**

Jonos Arterian I founded the Arterian Empire by merging the Kingdom of Blackwood from the South with the Sorilan Kingdom of Satheeris through marriage to Queen Elemia Reign. This new Empire was instrumental in ending the Second Havish Invasion. Jonos then sought to unify the rest of Soril, bringing the Kingdom of Arteris under his rule through diplomacy and the Kingdom of Andera under his rule through military domination. Jonos and Elemia had a daughter, Loreen Arterian. Both Jonos and Elemia were poisoned at a feast by the Order of the Serpent. As this order had also kidnapped Loreen, leadership of the Empire fell to the Grand Councilor, Elauthen Miaden.

### **Regency of Elauthen Miaden (5E 61 to 5E 62)**

Elauthen Miaden's period as Imperial Regent in the stead of the missing Loreen Arterian was contentious. The Imperial Council denied the claim to the title of Regent of Sir Ryon Reign, brother of the late Queen, leading to a brief Civil War to break out within the Empire. This Civil War was ended through diplomacy after Loreen was recovered, with the neutral Lord Bahn Corbray being installed as the Imperial Regent until Loreen came of age.

### **Regency of Bahn Corbray (5E 63 to 5E 74)**

Lord Bahn Corbray's regency was one of consolidation. Having just survived the Culling, the Empire looked to its leadership to regain control of the frightened citizens. Corbray spent many months attempting to repair the damage left by the Asp of Sankor.

### **Loreen Arterian I (5E 74 to 5E 151)**

Loreen Arterian I took the Imperial Throne when she came of age. Her rule was peaceful, just, and decisive. She was responsible for establishing the roles of the Imperial Council and extending all rights to women and non-humans, a move that would ultimately result in Elauthen Miaden being removed from Imperial rule. She eventually married Lord Edward Ophren and had three children: Kamron, Iona, and William. She ruled for 77 years, dying of naturally causes, and was succeeded by her grandson, Jonos II.

### **Jonos Arterian II (5E 151 to 5E 190)**

Jonos Arterian II ruled complacently but peacefully. He was noted for having little interest in the affairs of his kingdom as his rule went on, often delegating much of the governance to the Imperial Council. However, his leadership is credited for dissolving the Merchant's Guild within the Empire's borders, which opened foreign and domestic trade opportunities and reduced overall corruption. Jonos II was married to Olivia Mordaine and fathered one child: Edward. He died of natural causes and was succeeded by Edward in 5E 190.

### **Edward Arterian I (5E 190 to 5E 202)**

Edward Arterian I, also known as Edward the Reckless, attempted to expand Imperial territory by invading Eddlebraun. After two failed campaigns and numerous loses to the Korosan League, Edward eventually was killed in battle. He was succeeded by his son, Lucian.

### **Lucian Arterian I (5E 202 to Present)**

Lucian Arterian I took the throne at the age of 28. He was a gifted swordsman and strategist. However, instead of continuing his father's campaign of war, he made peace with Erolith Mortoris, the King of Terrix. After diplomatic negotiation, Erolith gave up his crown in favor of the title of Viceroy of Eddlebraun. Incorporating Terrix caused many of the members of the league to join the Empire rather than face its military, while others failed to combat the strategies of Lucian and his First General, Lukas Krayk. By 5E 209, all of the Korosan League had been annexed by the Arterian Empire, creating the new Eddlebraun Province.

## **Government**

###### *See also: Imperial Council*

The Arterian Empire is ruled by the Emperor, an individual with supreme power over all matters of state. Serving the Emperor as advisors and legislators are the members of the Imperial Council. Each member of the Council is appointed to handle matters pertaining to different facets of the Empire. Additionally, the Imperial Viceroys also hold a seat on the Council, and work to ensure that their respective territories have a voice in Imperial State.

## **Military**

The Imperial Military is divided into the Army and the Navy. The ranks of the Army are further divided into specialized Legions (like the 1st Defense Legion). The Army is overseen by the First General. The Navy is divided into three different Fleets: the defense fleet and the first and second attack fleets. These ships are deployed by their respective admirals, but the Navy is under the command of the First Admiral.

Unlike many other nations across Mor, the Arterian Military is a standing military, with great incentive for recruits by providing a good wage as well as food, housing, and pension for military families.

## **Appearances**

*The Swords of the South: Part 1*

*The Swords of the South: Part 2*

*The Swords of the South: The Undying Thirst*

*Shadow of the Ancients*