The Empire

**The Empire** is a collective group of island nations located on an archipelago located to the east of Emeris across the great sea, and to the south east of Artiskan. It is comprised of six islands, each with their own system of governance - Crysynthe, Krysene, Caus, Nerii, Xyst, and Taerynth. The Empire has been one of the longest-ruling sovereign states in Aemeris's recent history, and conventions and customs from the isles - such as the Imperial calendar - have since spread far and wide.

While each of the six islands in the empire has their own local government, each must pay taxes and follow the authority and oversight of Imperial officials.

## The Islands

### Crysynthe

Crysynthe is the central island of the empire, and its seat of power. The throne of the emperor is located here in the alabaster city of Ylara. A vast network of rivers covers the surface of the island, and are used for quick shuttling around the island.

The lands surrounding the cities are very fertile and frequently marshy, making them perfect for farming crops such as sugar and rice. Vast terraced farms dot the surface of the island, and dry foodstuffs are a major export - making Crysynthe a keystone in the seaborne economy of the Empire.

### Krysene

Krysene is the central sister island to Crysynthe. Governed by an Archon appointed personally by the Emperor, the island is politically nearly as important as the Emperor's home. Several wealthy and powerful families hold estates on Krysene, and the island's cities are generally stable and influential.

Krysene is popularly known as the trade center of the empire due to its bustling port towns and robust, diverse, and competitive economy. Quarries dot the isle, primarily for sandstone and granite. The western part of the island grows lots of radishes and carrots, as well as herding sheep and goats. The hunting of wild hares is a noble pastime on Krysene, and many archons compete for skins as a way to settle disputes or simply for sport.

### Caus

Caus is the easternmost island of the empire. Its cliffs hold many watchtowers and lighthouses. There is a large garrison here, although this position is seen as less prestigious than other islands in the empire. Its local inhabitants are mostly simple farmers, hunters, and fishermen. The men here have longer noses, and lighter brown hair.

### Nerii

Nerii is the southernmost island, and the second largest behind Taerynthe. The areas next to the rivers are lush and great farmland, but once you get several miles away it becomes a rocky and arid desert. This is the place the empire first discovered Guilimite, and a few mines still remain here, deep in the desert.

### Xyst

Xyst is, in many ways, the frontier of the empire. The western island is untamed, and there are still many areas here that have not been touched by the imperial colonists. The island consists almost entirely of dense jungle. The natives here live in a tribal society and will often trade with the imperial outposts. They are a very curious people and many join ship crews if they can. They tend to have mottled skin, light brown or sometimes blonde hair, and they have light brown or blue eyes.

### Taerynthe

Taerynthe is the northernmost island. It’s cold for most Imperials, but many go there to hunt the great stags. The local population is sparse, and they tend to be harder and colder than the rest of imperials. Typically shunning many of the luxuries of central imperial life. They usually have darker hair and lighter skin

## History

The Empire has kept extensive records throughout its history.

### Founding of the Empire

The Empire was founded by Drakus, a noble from the island of Crysynthe. The Imperial calendar begins when Drakus united the cities of Crysynthe and Krysene and was declaired the ruler. At this time the two islands were considered to be militarily weaker than any of the others, but within 11 years Drakus had conquered the others.

### Age of Exploration

After conquering the islands Drakus began construction of a fleet to explore the unknown regions of the oceans, but he died in the year 22 before it's completion. His son Aleus had less interest in exploration, and ordered the the supplies to be used elsewhere to stabilize the empire.

## Culture

### Imperials of Note

Emperor Drakus the First Mage

Tellius the Wanderer