Empress Brannan - Revision history

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

2026-01-15T15:57:55Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:57, 15 January 2026
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	Brannan was a skilled battlefield commander, but she appeared to have little regard for the strategic considerations that followed her victory. Inevitably, settlers in Narkyst and the Barrens alike were slaughtered as soon as the armies moved to their next target. Injured soldiers barely had time to recover from their wounds before they were sent back into battle again. The entire Empire began to suffer a little from 'battle fatigue' - the constant demands of the military council drained Imperial reserves and the constant resources expended on resupplying tired armies meant little mithril or weirwood to use either on other projects or on expanding the resources of the citizenry.		Brannan was a skilled battlefield commander, but she appeared to have little regard for the strategic considerations that followed her victory. Inevitably, settlers in Narkyst and the Barrens alike were slaughtered as soon as the armies moved to their next target. Injured soldiers barely had time to recover from their wounds before they were sent back into battle again. The entire Empire began to suffer a little from 'battle fatigue' - the constant demands of the military council drained Imperial reserves and the constant resources expended on resupplying tired armies meant little mithril or weirwood to use either on other projects or on expanding the resources of the citizenry.

	As her reign went on, the Empress made increasingly bold use of powers that other Emperors had used more cautiously. She used her responsibilities as the [[The Throne#Defender of the Empire\|defender of the Empire]] to become effectively the general of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Black Thorns\|Black Thorns]], and attempted more than once to have herself voted the ability to assume more than one generalship. She used her position as [[The Throne#Master of Magic\|master of magic]] to dissolve the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]] repeatedly, whenever they resisted her demands for more mana and magic to assist the armies of the Empire. She even issued demands to the [[Faraden]], [[Iron Confederacy]] and [[Skoura]] for mithril and military support, threatening to [[The Throne#Declaration of war\|declare war]] if her demands were not met. Perhaps most egregiously, she used the [[The Throne#Power of Veto\|power of veto]] to dominate the [[Senate]], bullying them into approving her demands for more troops.		As her reign went on, the Empress made increasingly bold use of powers that other Emperors had used more cautiously. She used her responsibilities as the [[The Throne#Defender of the Empire\|defender of the Empire]] to become effectively the general of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Black Thorns\|Black Thorns]], and attempted more than once to have herself voted the ability to assume more than one generalship. She used her position as [[The Throne#Master of Magic\|master of magic]] to dissolve the [[Conclave]] repeatedly, whenever they resisted her demands for more mana and magic to assist the armies of the Empire. She even issued demands to the [[Faraden]], [[Iron Confederacy]] and [[Skoura]] for mithril and military support, threatening to [[The Throne#Declaration of war\|declare war]] if her demands were not met. Perhaps most egregiously, she used the [[The Throne#Power of Veto\|power of veto]] to dominate the [[Senate]], bullying them into approving her demands for more troops.

	It is difficult to see how she managed to remain on the Throne for as long as she did, but historians point out that for most of her reign she was simply seen as 'hot-headed' and passionate. She listened to advice, and wielded her powers with a moderate amount of restraint for much of her time on the Throne. It was only in the last three years, when it was clear that all the territory she had captured with her armies was being reclaimed by resurgent barbarian forces, that she began to go 'off the rails'.		It is difficult to see how she managed to remain on the Throne for as long as she did, but historians point out that for most of her reign she was simply seen as 'hot-headed' and passionate. She listened to advice, and wielded her powers with a moderate amount of restraint for much of her time on the Throne. It was only in the last three years, when it was clear that all the territory she had captured with her armies was being reclaimed by resurgent barbarian forces, that she began to go 'off the rails'.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

2026-01-15T12:45:51Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:45, 15 January 2026
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	Even more significantly, she had begun to rely further and further on the magical support of certain [[eternal\|eternals]], specifically [[Eleonaris]] and [[Hayaak]] of the realm of Summer. Both eternals offered increasing numbers of magical troops, and in return for certain concessions they offered powerful [[enchantment\|enchantments]] to the armies of the Empire. While the soldiers who received these blessings enjoyed great strength and fervour for war, the number of [[changeling]] births in the Empire began to rise. A number of beasts thought legendary ravaged parts of [[Dawn]] and [[Varushka]]. Magicians of the Conclave quietly warned that the Empress was giving over more than perhaps she should in her increasing desperation to defeat her enemies and secure the territory she had taken.		Even more significantly, she had begun to rely further and further on the magical support of certain [[eternal\|eternals]], specifically [[Eleonaris]] and [[Hayaak]] of the realm of Summer. Both eternals offered increasing numbers of magical troops, and in return for certain concessions they offered powerful [[enchantment\|enchantments]] to the armies of the Empire. While the soldiers who received these blessings enjoyed great strength and fervour for war, the number of [[changeling]] births in the Empire began to rise. A number of beasts thought legendary ravaged parts of [[Dawn]] and [[Varushka]]. Magicians of the Conclave quietly warned that the Empress was giving over more than perhaps she should in her increasing desperation to defeat her enemies and secure the territory she had taken.

	Regardless of the truth behind these allegations, in the end, the Empire had had enough. Even the assemblies of [[Courage]], [[Pride]], and [[Ambition]] could not continue to defend her careless abuse of her position. At the Spring Equinox of 257YE the general assembly of the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] voted near unanimously to [[Revocation\|revoke]] Empress Brannan and remove her from the Throne.		Regardless of the truth behind these allegations, in the end, the Empire had had enough. Even the assemblies of [[Courage]], [[Pride]], and [[Ambition]] could not continue to defend her careless abuse of her position. At the Spring Equinox of 257YE the general assembly of the [[Synod]] voted near unanimously to [[Revocation\|revoke]] Empress Brannan and remove her from the Throne.

	Their actions sent shockwaves throughout the Empire. For the next six months, until [[Emperor James]] took the throne, the Empire endured a time of almost unprecedented crisis while still at war on multiple fronts.		Their actions sent shockwaves throughout the Empire. For the next six months, until [[Emperor James]] took the throne, the Empire endured a time of almost unprecedented crisis while still at war on multiple fronts.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T12:45:45Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:45, 15 January 2026
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	Brannan was a skilled battlefield commander, but she appeared to have little regard for the strategic considerations that followed her victory. Inevitably, settlers in Narkyst and the Barrens alike were slaughtered as soon as the armies moved to their next target. Injured soldiers barely had time to recover from their wounds before they were sent back into battle again. The entire Empire began to suffer a little from 'battle fatigue' - the constant demands of the military council drained Imperial reserves and the constant resources expended on resupplying tired armies meant little mithril or weirwood to use either on other projects or on expanding the resources of the citizenry.		Brannan was a skilled battlefield commander, but she appeared to have little regard for the strategic considerations that followed her victory. Inevitably, settlers in Narkyst and the Barrens alike were slaughtered as soon as the armies moved to their next target. Injured soldiers barely had time to recover from their wounds before they were sent back into battle again. The entire Empire began to suffer a little from 'battle fatigue' - the constant demands of the military council drained Imperial reserves and the constant resources expended on resupplying tired armies meant little mithril or weirwood to use either on other projects or on expanding the resources of the citizenry.

	As her reign went on, the Empress made increasingly bold use of powers that other Emperors had used more cautiously. She used her responsibilities as the [[The Throne#Defender of the Empire\|defender of the Empire]] to become effectively the general of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Black Thorns\|Black Thorns]], and attempted more than once to have herself voted the ability to assume more than one generalship. She used her position as [[The Throne#Master of Magic\|master of magic]] to dissolve the [[Imperial Conclave]] repeatedly, whenever they resisted her demands for more mana and magic to assist the armies of the Empire. She even issued demands to the [[Faraden]], [[Iron Confederacy]] and [[Skoura]] for mithril and military support, threatening to [[The Throne#Declaration of war\|declare war]] if her demands were not met. Perhaps most egregiously, she used the [[The Throne#Power of Veto\|power of veto]] to dominate the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]], bullying them into approving her demands for more troops.		As her reign went on, the Empress made increasingly bold use of powers that other Emperors had used more cautiously. She used her responsibilities as the [[The Throne#Defender of the Empire\|defender of the Empire]] to become effectively the general of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Black Thorns\|Black Thorns]], and attempted more than once to have herself voted the ability to assume more than one generalship. She used her position as [[The Throne#Master of Magic\|master of magic]] to dissolve the [[Imperial Conclave]] repeatedly, whenever they resisted her demands for more mana and magic to assist the armies of the Empire. She even issued demands to the [[Faraden]], [[Iron Confederacy]] and [[Skoura]] for mithril and military support, threatening to [[The Throne#Declaration of war\|declare war]] if her demands were not met. Perhaps most egregiously, she used the [[The Throne#Power of Veto\|power of veto]] to dominate the [[Senate]], bullying them into approving her demands for more troops.

	It is difficult to see how she managed to remain on the Throne for as long as she did, but historians point out that for most of her reign she was simply seen as 'hot-headed' and passionate. She listened to advice, and wielded her powers with a moderate amount of restraint for much of her time on the Throne. It was only in the last three years, when it was clear that all the territory she had captured with her armies was being reclaimed by resurgent barbarian forces, that she began to go 'off the rails'.		It is difficult to see how she managed to remain on the Throne for as long as she did, but historians point out that for most of her reign she was simply seen as 'hot-headed' and passionate. She listened to advice, and wielded her powers with a moderate amount of restraint for much of her time on the Throne. It was only in the last three years, when it was clear that all the territory she had captured with her armies was being reclaimed by resurgent barbarian forces, that she began to go 'off the rails'.

Responsible1: /* Reign */

2022-07-26T11:31:49Z

Reign

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:31, 26 July 2022
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	Brannan was a skilled battlefield commander, but she appeared to have little regard for the strategic considerations that followed her victory. Inevitably, settlers in Narkyst and the Barrens alike were slaughtered as soon as the armies moved to their next target. Injured soldiers barely had time to recover from their wounds before they were sent back into battle again. The entire Empire began to suffer a little from 'battle fatigue' - the constant demands of the military council drained Imperial reserves and the constant resources expended on resupplying tired armies meant little mithril or weirwood to use either on other projects or on expanding the resources of the citizenry.		Brannan was a skilled battlefield commander, but she appeared to have little regard for the strategic considerations that followed her victory. Inevitably, settlers in Narkyst and the Barrens alike were slaughtered as soon as the armies moved to their next target. Injured soldiers barely had time to recover from their wounds before they were sent back into battle again. The entire Empire began to suffer a little from 'battle fatigue' - the constant demands of the military council drained Imperial reserves and the constant resources expended on resupplying tired armies meant little mithril or weirwood to use either on other projects or on expanding the resources of the citizenry.

	As her reign went on, the Empress made increasingly bold use of powers that other Emperors had used more cautiously. She used her responsibilities as the [[The Throne#Defender of the Empire\|defender of the Empire]] to become effectively the general of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Black Thorns\|Black Thorns]], and attempted more than once to have herself voted the ability to assume more than one generalship. She used her position as [[The Throne#Master of Magic\|master of magic]] to dissolve the [[Imperial Conclave]] repeatedly, whenever they resisted her demands for more mana and magic to assist the armies of the Empire. She even issued demands to the [[Faraden]], [[Iron Confederacy]] and [[Skoura]] for mithril and military support, threatening to [[The Throne#Declaration of war\|declare war]] if her demands were not met.Perhaps most egregiously, she used the [[The Throne#Power of Veto\|power of veto]] to dominate the [[Imperial Senate]], bullying them into approving her demands for more troops.		As her reign went on, the Empress made increasingly bold use of powers that other Emperors had used more cautiously. She used her responsibilities as the [[The Throne#Defender of the Empire\|defender of the Empire]] to become effectively the general of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Black Thorns\|Black Thorns]], and attempted more than once to have herself voted the ability to assume more than one generalship. She used her position as [[The Throne#Master of Magic\|master of magic]] to dissolve the [[Imperial Conclave]] repeatedly, whenever they resisted her demands for more mana and magic to assist the armies of the Empire. She even issued demands to the [[Faraden]], [[Iron Confederacy]] and [[Skoura]] for mithril and military support, threatening to [[The Throne#Declaration of war\|declare war]] if her demands were not met. Perhaps most egregiously, she used the [[The Throne#Power of Veto\|power of veto]] to dominate the [[Imperial Senate]], bullying them into approving her demands for more troops.

	It is difficult to see how she managed to remain on the Throne for as long as she did, but historians point out that for most of her reign she was simply seen as 'hot-headed' and passionate. She listened to advice, and wielded her powers with a moderate amount of restraint for much of her time on the Throne. It was only in the last three years, when it was clear that all the territory she had captured with her armies was being reclaimed by resurgent barbarian forces, that she began to go 'off the rails'.		It is difficult to see how she managed to remain on the Throne for as long as she did, but historians point out that for most of her reign she was simply seen as 'hot-headed' and passionate. She listened to advice, and wielded her powers with a moderate amount of restraint for much of her time on the Throne. It was only in the last three years, when it was clear that all the territory she had captured with her armies was being reclaimed by resurgent barbarian forces, that she began to go 'off the rails'.

Hastur at 15:26, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T15:26:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:26, 3 May 2021
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	===Reign===		===Reign===
	Immediately after taking the throne, Empress Brannan initiated a ruthless punitive campaign against the [[Jotun]], seeking restitution for what she saw as the murder of her predecessor. The Empire made significant gains in Narkyst, and it appeared at one point that they might succeed in claiming the entire territory held by the southern Jotun. Before her campaign against the Jotun was complete, however, she launched an attempt to claim the [[The Barrens\|Barrens]] from the [[Druj]] subject ~~tribes~~, and pushed eastwards into the Vore and the area around the Feverwater. Tired, overstretched armies fought increasingly costly battles to the east and the west - some historians theorise that had the [[Thule]] not been so badly defeated by Emperor Guntherm, and able to take advantage of the situation, it is likely that they would have been able to overrun northern [[Varushka]] and [[Wintermark]] with little opposition.		Immediately after taking the throne, Empress Brannan initiated a ruthless punitive campaign against the [[Jotun]], seeking restitution for what she saw as the murder of her predecessor. The Empire made significant gains in Narkyst, and it appeared at one point that they might succeed in claiming the entire territory held by the southern Jotun. Before her campaign against the Jotun was complete, however, she launched an attempt to claim the [[The Barrens\|Barrens]] from the [[Druj]] subject nations, and pushed eastwards into the Vore and the area around the Feverwater. Tired, overstretched armies fought increasingly costly battles to the east and the west - some historians theorise that had the [[Thule]] not been so badly defeated by Emperor Guntherm, and able to take advantage of the situation, it is likely that they would have been able to overrun northern [[Varushka]] and [[Wintermark]] with little opposition.

	Brannan was a skilled battlefield commander, but she appeared to have little regard for the strategic considerations that followed her victory. Inevitably, settlers in Narkyst and the Barrens alike were slaughtered as soon as the armies moved to their next target. Injured soldiers barely had time to recover from their wounds before they were sent back into battle again. The entire Empire began to suffer a little from 'battle fatigue' - the constant demands of the military council drained Imperial reserves and the constant resources expended on resupplying tired armies meant little mithril or weirwood to use either on other projects or on expanding the resources of the citizenry.		Brannan was a skilled battlefield commander, but she appeared to have little regard for the strategic considerations that followed her victory. Inevitably, settlers in Narkyst and the Barrens alike were slaughtered as soon as the armies moved to their next target. Injured soldiers barely had time to recover from their wounds before they were sent back into battle again. The entire Empire began to suffer a little from 'battle fatigue' - the constant demands of the military council drained Imperial reserves and the constant resources expended on resupplying tired armies meant little mithril or weirwood to use either on other projects or on expanding the resources of the citizenry.

Dre at 15:20, 12 November 2018

2018-11-12T15:20:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:20, 12 November 2018
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	It is difficult to see how she managed to remain on the Throne for as long as she did, but historians point out that for most of her reign she was simply seen as 'hot-headed' and passionate. She listened to advice, and wielded her powers with a moderate amount of restraint for much of her time on the Throne. It was only in the last three years, when it was clear that all the territory she had captured with her armies was being reclaimed by resurgent barbarian forces, that she began to go 'off the rails'.		It is difficult to see how she managed to remain on the Throne for as long as she did, but historians point out that for most of her reign she was simply seen as 'hot-headed' and passionate. She listened to advice, and wielded her powers with a moderate amount of restraint for much of her time on the Throne. It was only in the last three years, when it was clear that all the territory she had captured with her armies was being reclaimed by resurgent barbarian forces, that she began to go 'off the rails'.

	Even more significantly, she had begun to rely further and further on the magical support of certain [[~~Eternals~~]], specifically [[Eleonaris]] and [[Hayaak]] of the ~~Realm~~ of Summer. Both ~~Eternals~~ offered increasing numbers of magical troops, and in return for certain concessions they offered powerful [[enchantment\|enchantments]] to the armies of the Empire. While the soldiers who received these blessings enjoyed great strength and fervour for war, the number of [[changeling]] births in the Empire began to rise. A number of beasts thought legendary ravaged parts of [[Dawn]] and [[Varushka]]. Magicians of the Conclave quietly warned that the Empress was giving over more than perhaps she should in her increasing desperation to defeat her enemies and secure the territory she had taken.		Even more significantly, she had begun to rely further and further on the magical support of certain [[eternal\|eternals]], specifically [[Eleonaris]] and [[Hayaak]] of the realm of Summer. Both eternals offered increasing numbers of magical troops, and in return for certain concessions they offered powerful [[enchantment\|enchantments]] to the armies of the Empire. While the soldiers who received these blessings enjoyed great strength and fervour for war, the number of [[changeling]] births in the Empire began to rise. A number of beasts thought legendary ravaged parts of [[Dawn]] and [[Varushka]]. Magicians of the Conclave quietly warned that the Empress was giving over more than perhaps she should in her increasing desperation to defeat her enemies and secure the territory she had taken.

	Regardless of the truth behind these allegations, in the end, the Empire had had enough. Even the assemblies of [[Courage]], [[Pride]], and [[Ambition]] could not continue to defend her careless abuse of her position. At the Spring Equinox of 257YE the general assembly of the [[Imperial Synod]] voted near unanimously to [[Revocation\|revoke]] Empress Brannan and remove her from the Throne.		Regardless of the truth behind these allegations, in the end, the Empire had had enough. Even the assemblies of [[Courage]], [[Pride]], and [[Ambition]] could not continue to defend her careless abuse of her position. At the Spring Equinox of 257YE the general assembly of the [[Imperial Synod]] voted near unanimously to [[Revocation\|revoke]] Empress Brannan and remove her from the Throne.

Rafferty: /* Death and Legacy */

2017-10-18T14:02:37Z

Death and Legacy

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:02, 18 October 2017
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	===Death and Legacy===		===Death and Legacy===
	Empress Brannan died shortly after her revocation. Historians generally believe that she took her own life, but there is no clear evidence one way or the other. Despite having been removed from the Throne, she was still interred in [[Necropolis]] - the Cardinal of Pride at the time of her death lambasted those priests who argued that she should not be accorded such an honour. For much of her reign she had been a heroine of the Empire, and should not be denied the honours she had earnt because of later failings. Still, her tomb is on the very outskirts of the necropolis - a short tower of weirwood surrounded by a maze of white granite walls.		Empress Brannan died shortly after her revocation - on the first night of the following summit in fact. Historians generally believe that she took her own life, but there is no clear evidence one way or the other. Despite having been removed from the Throne, she was still interred in [[Necropolis]] - the Cardinal of Pride at the time of her death lambasted those priests who argued that she should not be accorded such an honour. For much of her reign she had been a heroine of the Empire, and should not be denied the honours she had earnt because of later failings. Still, her tomb is on the very outskirts of the necropolis - a short tower of weirwood surrounded by a maze of white granite walls.

	In some ways, Brannan is almost a footnote, sandwiched between the glorious [[Emperor Guntherm]] and the wise [[Emperor James]]. While she won many battles, she ultimately kept losing the war. Her constant drive to move on to the next fight, to keep expanding at all costs, was seen as ultimately futile. This is not entirely fair - under her reign the Empire ultimately secured several territories that had been in danger of being lost. The raw expression of Imperial military might gave the rulers of [[Faraden]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]] a fine example of what the Empire could achieve if it turned its mind entirely to warfare.		In some ways, Brannan is almost a footnote, sandwiched between the glorious [[Emperor Guntherm]] and the wise [[Emperor James]]. While she won many battles, she ultimately kept losing the war. Her constant drive to move on to the next fight, to keep expanding at all costs, was seen as ultimately futile. This is not entirely fair - under her reign the Empire ultimately secured several territories that had been in danger of being lost. The raw expression of Imperial military might gave the rulers of [[Faraden]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]] a fine example of what the Empire could achieve if it turned its mind entirely to warfare.

Matt: /* Reign */

2017-10-17T17:15:59Z

Reign

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:15, 17 October 2017
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	Even more significantly, she had begun to rely further and further on the magical support of certain [[Eternals]], specifically [[Eleonaris]] and [[Hayaak]] of the Realm of Summer. Both Eternals offered increasing numbers of magical troops, and in return for certain concessions they offered powerful [[enchantment\|enchantments]] to the armies of the Empire. While the soldiers who received these blessings enjoyed great strength and fervour for war, the number of [[changeling]] births in the Empire began to rise. A number of beasts thought legendary ravaged parts of [[Dawn]] and [[Varushka]]. Magicians of the Conclave quietly warned that the Empress was giving over more than perhaps she should in her increasing desperation to defeat her enemies and secure the territory she had taken.		Even more significantly, she had begun to rely further and further on the magical support of certain [[Eternals]], specifically [[Eleonaris]] and [[Hayaak]] of the Realm of Summer. Both Eternals offered increasing numbers of magical troops, and in return for certain concessions they offered powerful [[enchantment\|enchantments]] to the armies of the Empire. While the soldiers who received these blessings enjoyed great strength and fervour for war, the number of [[changeling]] births in the Empire began to rise. A number of beasts thought legendary ravaged parts of [[Dawn]] and [[Varushka]]. Magicians of the Conclave quietly warned that the Empress was giving over more than perhaps she should in her increasing desperation to defeat her enemies and secure the territory she had taken.

	Regardless of the truth behind these allegations, in the end, the Empire had had enough. Even the assemblies of [[~~courage~~]]. [[~~pride~~]] and [[~~ambition~~]] could not continue to defend her careless abuse of her position. At the Spring Equinox of 257YE the general assembly of the [[Imperial Synod]] voted near unanimously to [[Revocation\|revoke]] Empress Brannan and remove her from the Throne.		Regardless of the truth behind these allegations, in the end, the Empire had had enough. Even the assemblies of [[Courage]], [[Pride]], and [[Ambition]] could not continue to defend her careless abuse of her position. At the Spring Equinox of 257YE the general assembly of the [[Imperial Synod]] voted near unanimously to [[Revocation\|revoke]] Empress Brannan and remove her from the Throne.

	Their actions sent shockwaves throughout the Empire. For the next six months, until [[Emperor James]] took the throne, the Empire endured a time of almost unprecedented crisis while still at war on multiple fronts.		Their actions sent shockwaves throughout the Empire. For the next six months, until [[Emperor James]] took the throne, the Empire endured a time of almost unprecedented crisis while still at war on multiple fronts.

Dre at 16:47, 18 September 2015

2015-09-18T16:47:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:47, 18 September 2015
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	The girl who would later become Empress Brannan was born in the ''High Thorn Path'' [[striding]] of the [[Navarr]] in 225YE. She was a talented battlefield magician, and a proficient wielder of [[:Category:Summer Ritual\|Summer ritual magic]]. She served more than once as both the [[archmage]] of Summer and the [[Conclave order#Grandmasters of the Orders\|Grand Master]] of the [[Conclave order\|order]] of the [[Rod and Shield]] as well as being [[warmage]] three times during the reign of [[Emperor Guntherm]], a post she held while fighting alongside him during his final campaigns against the [[Jotun]].		The girl who would later become Empress Brannan was born in the ''High Thorn Path'' [[striding]] of the [[Navarr]] in 225YE. She was a talented battlefield magician, and a proficient wielder of [[:Category:Summer Ritual\|Summer ritual magic]]. She served more than once as both the [[archmage]] of Summer and the [[Conclave order#Grandmasters of the Orders\|Grand Master]] of the [[Conclave order\|order]] of the [[Rod and Shield]] as well as being [[warmage]] three times during the reign of [[Emperor Guntherm]], a post she held while fighting alongside him during his final campaigns against the [[Jotun]].

	In the aftermath of Guntherm's death, Brannan campaigned for and took the throne, vowing to continue the glorious campaigns that her predecessor had begun and gain new territory and new wealth for the Empire, driving ~~it's~~ borders ever outwards. She also encouraged the Navarri [[Navarr magical traditions#Vates\|vates]] to prepare new trods through the territories she would claim, intending to speed the process of corroding the power of the [[vallorn]] and allowing speedy reclamation of the lost Terunael cities.		In the aftermath of Guntherm's death, Brannan campaigned for and took the throne, vowing to continue the glorious campaigns that her predecessor had begun and gain new territory and new wealth for the Empire, driving its borders ever outwards. She also encouraged the Navarri [[Navarr magical traditions#Vates\|vates]] to prepare new trods through the territories she would claim, intending to speed the process of corroding the power of the [[vallorn]] and allowing speedy reclamation of the lost Terunael cities.

	===Reign===		===Reign===
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	Even more significantly, she had begun to rely further and further on the magical support of certain [[Eternals]], specifically [[Eleonaris]] and [[Hayaak]] of the Realm of Summer. Both Eternals offered increasing numbers of magical troops, and in return for certain concessions they offered powerful [[enchantment\|enchantments]] to the armies of the Empire. While the soldiers who received these blessings enjoyed great strength and fervour for war, the number of [[changeling]] births in the Empire began to rise. A number of beasts thought legendary ravaged parts of [[Dawn]] and [[Varushka]]. Magicians of the Conclave quietly warned that the Empress was giving over more than perhaps she should in her increasing desperation to defeat her enemies and secure the territory she had taken.		Even more significantly, she had begun to rely further and further on the magical support of certain [[Eternals]], specifically [[Eleonaris]] and [[Hayaak]] of the Realm of Summer. Both Eternals offered increasing numbers of magical troops, and in return for certain concessions they offered powerful [[enchantment\|enchantments]] to the armies of the Empire. While the soldiers who received these blessings enjoyed great strength and fervour for war, the number of [[changeling]] births in the Empire began to rise. A number of beasts thought legendary ravaged parts of [[Dawn]] and [[Varushka]]. Magicians of the Conclave quietly warned that the Empress was giving over more than perhaps she should in her increasing desperation to defeat her enemies and secure the territory she had taken.

	~~Regadless~~ of the truth behind these allegations, in the end, the Empire had had enough. Even the assemblies of [[courage]]. [[pride]] and [[ambition]] could not continue to defend her careless abuse of her position. At the Spring Equinox of 257YE the general assembly of the [[Imperial Synod]] voted near unanimously to [[Revocation\|revoke]] Empress Brannan and remove her from the Throne.		Regardless of the truth behind these allegations, in the end, the Empire had had enough. Even the assemblies of [[courage]]. [[pride]] and [[ambition]] could not continue to defend her careless abuse of her position. At the Spring Equinox of 257YE the general assembly of the [[Imperial Synod]] voted near unanimously to [[Revocation\|revoke]] Empress Brannan and remove her from the Throne.

	Their actions sent shockwaves throughout the Empire. For the next six months, until [[Emperor James]] took the throne, the Empire endured a time of almost unprecedented crisis while still at war on multiple fronts.		Their actions sent shockwaves throughout the Empire. For the next six months, until [[Emperor James]] took the throne, the Empire endured a time of almost unprecedented crisis while still at war on multiple fronts.

Rosemary: /* Death and Legacy */

2015-03-17T00:18:13Z

Death and Legacy

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	Empress Brannan died shortly after her revocation. Historians generally believe that she took her own life, but there is no clear evidence one way or the other. Despite having been removed from the Throne, she was still interred in [[Necropolis]] - the Cardinal of Pride at the time of her death lambasted those priests who argued that she should not be accorded such an honour. For much of her reign she had been a heroine of the Empire, and should not be denied the honours she had earnt because of later failings. Still, her tomb is on the very outskirts of the necropolis - a short tower of weirwood surrounded by a maze of white granite walls.		Empress Brannan died shortly after her revocation. Historians generally believe that she took her own life, but there is no clear evidence one way or the other. Despite having been removed from the Throne, she was still interred in [[Necropolis]] - the Cardinal of Pride at the time of her death lambasted those priests who argued that she should not be accorded such an honour. For much of her reign she had been a heroine of the Empire, and should not be denied the honours she had earnt because of later failings. Still, her tomb is on the very outskirts of the necropolis - a short tower of weirwood surrounded by a maze of white granite walls.

	In some ways, Brannan is almost a footnote, sandwiched between the glorious [[Emperor Guntherm]] and the wise [[Emperor James]]. While she won many battles, she ultimately kept losing the war. Her constant drive to move on to the next fight, to keep expanding at all costs, was seen as ultimately futile. This is not entirely fair - under her reign the Empire ultimately secured several territories that had been in danger of being lost. The raw expression of Imperial military might gave the rulers of [[Faraden]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]] a fine example of what the Empire could achieve if it turned ~~it's~~ mind entirely to warfare.		In some ways, Brannan is almost a footnote, sandwiched between the glorious [[Emperor Guntherm]] and the wise [[Emperor James]]. While she won many battles, she ultimately kept losing the war. Her constant drive to move on to the next fight, to keep expanding at all costs, was seen as ultimately futile. This is not entirely fair - under her reign the Empire ultimately secured several territories that had been in danger of being lost. The raw expression of Imperial military might gave the rulers of [[Faraden]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]] a fine example of what the Empire could achieve if it turned its mind entirely to warfare.

	The [[Navarr]] in particular remember her with a combination of sadness and pride. She laid a lot of the ground work that allowed the vallorn to be cleared from much of [[Hercynia]], and she launched several attacks against the [[Druj]] with the intention of allowing parts of [[Therunin]] to be reclaimed. She encouraged expansion of the trods where possible, but she also made great use of Navarr scouting expertise in her campaigns. Many [[Wintermark\|Winterfolk]] and [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] likewise consider her reign bittersweet; some of the most glorious engagements of the third century took place during her time on the throne. She made resources available to generals, soldiers and battle-magicians on a scale that has never been repeated, and they were able to demonstrate the victories they could achieve with such support. Unfortunately, her lack of strategic thinking meant that all these victories were ultimately hollow.		The [[Navarr]] in particular remember her with a combination of sadness and pride. She laid a lot of the ground work that allowed the vallorn to be cleared from much of [[Hercynia]], and she launched several attacks against the [[Druj]] with the intention of allowing parts of [[Therunin]] to be reclaimed. She encouraged expansion of the trods where possible, but she also made great use of Navarr scouting expertise in her campaigns. Many [[Wintermark\|Winterfolk]] and [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] likewise consider her reign bittersweet; some of the most glorious engagements of the third century took place during her time on the throne. She made resources available to generals, soldiers and battle-magicians on a scale that has never been repeated, and they were able to demonstrate the victories they could achieve with such support. Unfortunately, her lack of strategic thinking meant that all these victories were ultimately hollow.