Dominiq Kosi II Septho

"*The first Dominiq’s empire lasted for four thousand years… mine will outlast the world*"
―Dominiq The Terrible[src]

## Early Life

Introduction: A Dark Legacy Begins

Dominiq Kosi II, known as "The Terrible" of Clan Septho and Al-Domini of the Victrix Dominian Empire, left a dark legacy that reverberated through the annals of history. Born in 4220 A.D. on the island of Mavros, in the province of Corencia, Kosi II was a man consumed by his god complex. He ruled with an iron fist, driven by a narcissistic arrogance that cast a long shadow over his empire.

### The Victrix Dominians

The Victrix Dominians, as they were known during Kosi II's reign, were the descendants of the Septhoes, who had changed their family name after their expulsion from Dominia. Four hundred years later after regaining their position as rulers, the Septhoes they were still reeling from their return to a greater Dominia, and that's when Dominiq's birth arrived like a gift from above - a child Santinal born into the imperial family.

### A Difficult Child

Dominiq Kosi II's early years were marked by difficulty and defiance. He proved to be a challenging child, unruly and disobedient, with a streak of wildness that concerned those around him. As he grew, it became clear that his temperament was not typical of a Santinal.

### The Concern of the Imperial Family

Dominiq's unruly behavior became a cause for concern within the imperial family. They grappled with the enigma of his character. They couldn't ignore the undeniable potential for destruction within him, and his actions seemed to teeter on the edge of chaos. It was a critical juncture in Dominian history. The imperial family couldn't determine whether Dominiq would be the harbinger of their ultimate demise or a catalyst for their triumphant return to glory.

### Containment and Guidance

Recognizing the volatile nature of young Dominiq, the priests played a pivotal role in containing his turbulent disposition. They became instrumental in guiding the young heir, endeavoring to mold him into a Santinal worthy of the Dominian Empire. The priests instilled in him the teachings of control, morality, and mastery of the Art, in an effort to curb his recklessness.

### A Complex Journey Towards the Throne

Dominiq's journey towards the throne was fraught with challenges. The imperial family, the priests, and advisors grappled with the enigma of his character. It was a journey marked by a transformation, one that ultimately defined the trajectory of his reign.

### The Transformation of Dominiq Kosi II

The efforts of the priests and the determination of those around Dominiq paid off. Over time, he began to exhibit a transformation in character. He learned to channel his energy and passion, developing a deeper understanding of the responsibilities that lay ahead. Through their guidance, Dominiq evolved from a difficult child into a Santinal poised to become a potent yet controlled leader. This transformation set the stage for Dominiq Kosi II's tumultuous and relentless reign as "The Terrible," where his potential for destruction and glory found expression through a complex and often brutal legacy.

## A Shift in Power

In 4237 A.D., Kosi II was crowned in Lionsgate and initiated a series of dramatic changes. He abolished the Servantis, who had played a significant role in guarding imperial officials. These guards had evolved over the centuries, from being slaves with no right to own land, marry Dominians, or have children with them, to becoming essential members of Dominian society. They amassed significant wealth by offering their services to prestigious individuals in the empire.

### A New Order

However, Kosi II's coronation saw the establishment of the Dominian Shield, an army tasked with defending Lionsgate. This rendered the Dominian guards and Servantis obsolete within the capital. The nobility found themselves unable to hire private militias within the walls of Blackstone, leaving them defenseless and entirely at the mercy of the emperor.

## The Unrelenting Emperor

Kosi II's rule was marked by cruelty and a relentless pursuit of power. He disregarded the educational traditions mandated for all Dominian-born Santinals, which included the study of Chen IV and his book, "Impehiatri." Chen's teachings encompassed control, humanity, and the mastery of the Art. However, Kosi's arrogance knew no bounds, and he neglected to study his enemies before confronting them, much to the dismay of his council.

### Conquest at Any Cost

The Emperor's ambition extended to the expansion of his empire, no matter the cost. He initiated brutal campaigns that led to the destruction of prominent kingdoms like Alaya, Leso, and Tipho. The only kingdom that resisted his onslaught was Sisteman, which ultimately became an empire of its own, expanding from Alaya to Tipho and even Leberta.

### The Martial Emperor

While Kosi II displayed undeniable martial prowess, he was relentless in his conquests, leading to a reputation as a ruthless conqueror. One significant achievement during his rule was wielding the anchor known as Nightfall, though he lacked precise mastery of the Art. Kosi II aimed to unify the warring countries and restore Dominia to its former glory, but his methods were ruthless and unrelenting.

### Solimar and Beyond

Kosi II, in his relentless pursuit of power, aimed to erase cultural differences among Dominians and unite them under his rule. This ambition led to the invasion of the Kingdom of the Forest and its seven princes. However, the dense forests proved a formidable challenge, and Kosi II settled for a considerable expanse of deforested land, which he named Solimar, after his firstborn child.

## Rebellion

Kosi II was responsible for multiple invasions during his reign. One of the first territories he targeted was the Kingdom of Leso, aiming to reclaim the dominian territories that had been lost over the years. His obsession with reconquering these territories led to prolonged and devastating wars. The people of Leso suffered immensely, and the kingdom was nearly obliterated.

### Fateful Duel

A united rebellion arose in response, formed by the forces of both Leso and Kholimite, who sought the destruction of the Dominian Empire. The leader of this rebellion, Trezege Dol Moyad, issued a challenge to Kosi II, leading to a dramatic confrontation in the Golden Cub. After a sequence of events, Kosi II and Trezege engaged in a brutal duel. The battle ended with Trezege's demise, but it did not quell the rebellion, and the Kholimite people continued to resist the Dominian Empire's rule.

## The Sisteman Empire

### Unintended Wars

Kosi II's relentless aggression led to more wars. He targeted the Kingdom of Alaya, initially attempting to weaken them by attacking their ships. His forces were defeated at the Battle of Fisherman's Bay. However, he adapted to the situation, opting for a land-based strategy, employing chariots and horses to fight the Alayans. When he arrived at Alaya's capital, Carpefondis, he encountered elderly men wielding swords too heavy for them. Kosi II's reaction was extreme, leading to a massacre.

Unbeknownst to him, the people of Carpefondis had already migrated to the Salt Islands. Kosi II's ruthless actions continued as he pushed further into the northwest. The Dominian army ventured into territory controlled by the Sisteman Kingdom, leading to a devastating ambush. The surviving Dominian soldiers returned to Kosi II with news of their failure.

To confront this new threat, Kosi II sent a messenger to Sisteman, offering an ultimatum. King Lefasos III Fortekalo's response was both audacious and unsettling. The Sisteman people were known for their penchant for poison, a cultural trait passed down from Tsosinitatera times. Lefasos declared himself emperor and embarked on a march southward, challenging Kosi II.

Out of anger and hubris, Kosi II bit into a poisoned lion's head, sent as a message by the Sisteman king. The poison contained a flower known as Mountain Lore, which often led to death during sleep. Realizing the impending threat to his life, Kosi II spent sleepless nights, his empire crumbling around him as his forces were slaughtered by the Sistemann Empire.

## The Emperor's Choice

Overwhelmed by his failures and the relentless rebellion, Kosi II could bear the weight of his failures no longer. He embarked on a journey through the streets of Blackstone, moving slowly towards his lion pit his sword, Aslandra in hand. The Blackstone bells tolled as the Dominian Shield frantically searched for their emperor.

### A Terrible Legacy

As he walked, people bowed and prostrated themselves before him, recognizing the inevitable. Kosi II's journey culminated at the gate of the lion pit. He paused, casting a final glance back at his followers. The Dominian Shield, ten meters away, awaited his command. Kosi II yelled "Halt," and his loyal guards obeyed.

With heavy resolve and a heavy heart, he spoke: "I have failed you all, and abdication is not an option. This, I believe, is the least I can do to redeem myself." As he raised the pit's heavy lid, the agitated lions roared within. Kosi II gave his final command to his guards, "When the lion roars, you fall and hold your head high, like the lord in the sky."

With that, he descended into the pit, Aslandra in hand, welcoming his fate. The story of Dominiq Kosi II, the Terrible, came to a tragic and dramatic end, leaving behind a dark chapter in the history of the Dominian Empire.