Forefathers Mausoleum

The **Forefathers Mausoleum** is a an above-ground tomb built between 254 and 256 A.S in Morosea, in the Easterlands region of Sevicia. Originally built by Sevician Imperator Manus I to house the remains of his father, Ascillion the Great, it was later re-purposed into a tomb for every Sevician Imperator to be buried in upon death.

The building was built over a two-year period at great cost, and was finally opened to the public late in the year 256. Access and entrance to the mauseoleum has changed over the years, including multiple periods where it was closed off to public access entirely. In 638, access to the refurbished main hall of the mausoleum, where the bodies of Sevicia's monarchs are interred under marble statues in their honour, was made available to all, for free.

## Origins

The mausoleum was first erected during the reign of Manus I Silvex, who had it built in honour of his late father, Ascillion the Great. Ascillion's remains were interred beneath a great golden statue at the far end of the enormous hall. The original mausoleum was extremely large, so much so that the ceiling was 40 or 50 metres tall. The exterior was fashioned out of stone and polished marble, including an outer gathering area protected from the elements by a pillared roof.

After the death of Manus I in the year 260, it was decided that the mausoleum would be repurposed as a resting place for the bodies of every Sevician Imperator from that point onwards. The interior was redesigned over a three-year period, Ascillion's statue was melted down and replaced with one of marble, and was moved close to the front left side of the main hall. Over the decades the mausoleum was altered and changed in minor ways, with successive Imperators following Manus I being interred there along the left side of the hall.

## Exceptions

Although almost every Imperator since Ascillion the Great has been buried in the mausoleum, there have been a number of exceptions over the years, listed below:

### Manus V

Ruler of the Mios dynasty, who ruled Sevicia as Imperator from 333 to 349. Was killed in battle against the Shimmering Islanders. His body was lost during the melee, said to have taken as a trophy by his victorious opponents. A statue remains in the mausoleum in his honour, with an inscription below that states his body was never found.

### Eidrimanex

Ruled for three years between 449 and 452. Perhaps the most unpopular ruler in Sevician history, he started a constitutional crisis when he refused to abdicate the throne and was forced into suicide by members of his personal guard in late 452. According to legend, his body was thrown in the River Mir.

### Monorius Pons

The second of five (technically six) Imperators during the Year of Five, from 452 to 453. Killed in battle against Vel of Cayna, who succeeded him. His body was never recovered, though a place for him remains in the mausoleum.

### Diovonius

The last of "the five" during the Year of Five. Similarly to Monorius Pons, he was killed in battle by the forces of Mercus Mercator and his body was reportedly buried somewhere in the grasslands near the Nightwoods, south of the capital. A statue for him still remains in the mausoleum.

### Jona Tarvo

Known commonly by the pejorative nickname Jora the Simple for his incompetence. Was assassinated in office, and according to legend his body was thrown off the Sunset Cliffs of Morosea.

### Ifinideia

Ruled for four years between 616 and 620. Drowned in an accident on the River Mir and her body was never recovered.

### Caro Enenbar

Ifinideia's successor, he ruled for four years between 620 and 624. Contracted the White Plague during the outbreak of 624 - 626, which killed more than a million people. For health reasons, his body was burnt and his ashes scattered. A statue to him, including a description of his circumstances, remains in the mausoleum.

## In recent times

The mausoleum has been changed many times over the years, most recently when it was refurnished by Cloe of Ida in 637. A year later it was opened as a sort of museum to the public, and it has remained that way ever since. The mausoleum is looked after by a number of priests and workers, who maintain its cleanliness at all times.