Imperial history - Revision history

Rafferty: /* (380YE - 383YE) Reign of Empress Lisabetta, "Empress of Flowers" */

2026-07-24T23:38:24Z

(380YE - 383YE) Reign of Empress Lisabetta, "Empress of Flowers"

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:38, 24 July 2026
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	===(380YE - 383YE) Reign of Empress Lisabetta, "Empress of Flowers"===		===(380YE - 383YE) Reign of Empress Lisabetta, "Empress of Flowers"===
	Appointed by the Senate at the Spring Equinox, Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg of the House of Seven Mirrors claimed she was inspired by her countryman, the intellectual [[Emperor Frederick]], and by the example of the glorious [[Empress Richilde]], paragon of [[Pride]].		Appointed by the Senate at the Spring Equinox, Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg of the House of Seven Mirrors claimed she was inspired by her countryman, the intellectual [[Emperor Frederick]], and by the example of the glorious [[Empress Richilde]], paragon of [[Pride]].
			===(385YE - ???) Reign of Empress/Emperor Vesna "The Hearthkeeper"===
			Crowned at the Winter Solstice 385YE, the Varushkan Vesna Borkovna Prochnost, Vesna's [[Promising light\|inaugural address]] urged Imperial citizens to embrace a [[Promising_light#United_by_Destiny\|unity]] that had become increasingly fragile in preceding years. Their reign also saw the beginning of a major offensive against the orcs of [[the Mallum]], leading to the liberation of [[Sarangrave]].

	==Other Media==		==Other Media==
	This page was recorded and uploaded to YouTube in March 2021 by the Orcs Planet. It's unlikely that more than a few details will change significantly, meaning these three recordings should remain broadly useful as another way to experience the broad strokes of Imperial History. There are three videos: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZDQKi3fTOk&t=59s Pre history to 22YE], [https://youtu.be/MlaP7jVC5OU 22YE to 209YE], and [https://youtu.be/XiGw__Fu9Ko 209YE to 383YE].		This page was recorded and uploaded to YouTube in March 2021 by the Orcs Planet. It's unlikely that more than a few details will change significantly, meaning these three recordings should remain broadly useful as another way to experience the broad strokes of Imperial History. There are three videos: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZDQKi3fTOk&t=59s Pre history to 22YE], [https://youtu.be/MlaP7jVC5OU 22YE to 209YE], and [https://youtu.be/XiGw__Fu9Ko 209YE to 383YE].
	[[Category:History]]		[[Category:History]]
	[[Category:The Empire]]		[[Category:The Empire]]

Rafferty at 10:45, 7 May 2026

2026-05-07T10:45:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:45, 7 May 2026
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	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Imperial historians date from the foundation of the Empire. Events that happened after the Empire is created are recorded as '''YE''' for "Year of the Empire" and '''BE''' for "Before the Empire." Most nations had their own calendars before the foundation of the Empire so historical documents that predate the Empire use different systems. A very few [[Highguard\|Highborn]] historians stubbornly cling to the numbering '''SL''' for "Since Landfall" dating from the point at which they first set foot on these shores, but this is a largely discredited system.		Imperial historians date from the foundation of the Empire. Events that happened after the Empire is created are recorded as '''YE''' for "Year of the Empire" and '''BE''' for "Before the Empire." Most nations had their own calendars before the foundation of the Empire so historical documents that predate the Empire use different systems. A very few [[Highguard\|Highborn]] historians stubbornly cling to the numbering '''SL''' for "Since Landfall" dating from the point at which they first set foot on these shores, but this is a largely discredited system.

			The history of the Empire is complicated by the fact that until the formation of the Empire every nation used their own system of dating. [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] documents for example tend to date events as taking place in a certain year of the reign of the appropriate [[Dawn monarchy\|monarch]], a stystem that has no real relationship to any other method of determining dates. Interestingly, many Imperial historians took a similar approach referring to events as taking place during the reign of a given [[the Throne\|Throne]] rather than a precise year. This has lead to significant headaches when trying to put together any definitive timelines of events.

	==Before History==		==Before History==

Twiggy at 16:04, 16 March 2026

2026-03-16T16:04:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:04, 16 March 2026
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	===(371YE - 373YE) Reign of Emperor Walter, "the Ham-fisted"===		===(371YE - 373YE) Reign of Emperor Walter, "the Ham-fisted"===
	[[Emperor Walter]] [[Upwold]] was a [[The Marches\|Marcher]] [[naga]] who took the Throne under dubious circumstances and was widely considered to be a disaster for the Empire. Under his 'reign' the Senate fell even further into open bickering and factionalism. He choked to death on an olive pit in 373YE during a state dinner with a group of [[Sarcophan Delves\|Sarcophan]] and [[Principalities of Jarm\|~~Jarmite~~]] diplomats.		[[Emperor Walter]] [[Upwold]] was a [[The Marches\|Marcher]] [[naga]] who took the Throne under dubious circumstances and was widely considered to be a disaster for the Empire. Under his 'reign' the Senate fell even further into open bickering and factionalism. He choked to death on an olive pit in 373YE during a state dinner with a group of [[Sarcophan Delves\|Sarcophan]] and [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarmish]] diplomats.

	In the final year of his reign, the Thule continue their attacks across the northern borders of the Empire, taking control of the Wintermark territory of [[Skarsind]]. Some scholars speculate that the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death may have been linked to the loss of the Winterfolk holdings there.		In the final year of his reign, the Thule continue their attacks across the northern borders of the Empire, taking control of the Wintermark territory of [[Skarsind]]. Some scholars speculate that the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death may have been linked to the loss of the Winterfolk holdings there.

Twiggy: Consistency

2026-01-28T19:06:02Z

Consistency

Show changes

Twiggy at 18:58, 28 January 2026

2026-01-28T18:58:19Z

Hailmur: /* (92YE - 102YE) The First Interregnum */

2026-01-28T17:05:34Z

(92YE - 102YE) The First Interregnum

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	==Expansion==		==Expansion==
	===(~~92YE~~ - 102YE) The First Interregnum===		===(91YE - 102YE) The First Interregnum===
	Following the reign of Empress Teleri there was a period known as the ''First Interregnum'' during which there was nobody seated on the Throne. This period was marked by close co-operation between the Conclave, Bourse, Senate and Military Council with the Imperial Synod serving a vital role as supporters and intermediaries. As the interregnum progressed, however, there was increasing dissatisfaction with the dominance of the Synod.		Following the reign of Empress Teleri there was a period known as the ''First Interregnum'' during which there was nobody seated on the Throne. This period was marked by close co-operation between the Conclave, Bourse, Senate and Military Council with the Imperial Synod serving a vital role as supporters and intermediaries. As the interregnum progressed, however, there was increasing dissatisfaction with the dominance of the Synod.

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

2026-01-16T09:37:28Z

Text replacement - "Synod" to "Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:37, 16 January 2026
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	====(6YE) The Senate, The Synod and the Military Council====		====(6YE) The Senate, The Synod and the Military Council====
	The Empress and her advisors laid the groundwork for Imperial structures to support and empower the Empire. Building on traditions of government in Wintermark, the [[Senate]] was created to advise the Empress and give the nations a voice in the rule of the Empire. Following a plan developed in the Marches, the [[Military Council]] of generals was set up to coordinate the military forces of the various nations. The [[~~Synod\|~~Synod]] was formed by the priests of Highguard, allowing the Imperial Faith to serve as a unifying force with a remit to ensure that the leaders of the Empire did not become corrupt.		The Empress and her advisors laid the groundwork for Imperial structures to support and empower the Empire. Building on traditions of government in Wintermark, the [[Senate]] was created to advise the Empress and give the nations a voice in the rule of the Empire. Following a plan developed in the Marches, the [[Military Council]] of generals was set up to coordinate the military forces of the various nations. The [[Synod]] was formed by the priests of Highguard, allowing the Imperial Faith to serve as a unifying force with a remit to ensure that the leaders of the Empire did not become corrupt.

	====(22YE) Death of the First Empress ====		====(22YE) Death of the First Empress ====
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	The first reversals in the Empire's fortune occurred during the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Initially a brilliant administrator, Nicovar expanded the role of the civil service in support of the Empire. However, a decade of attempting to micromanage every element of the Empire, as well as a reliance on the magic of Day to gather and interpret ever greater amounts of information, eventually caused him to descend into madness.		The first reversals in the Empire's fortune occurred during the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Initially a brilliant administrator, Nicovar expanded the role of the civil service in support of the Empire. However, a decade of attempting to micromanage every element of the Empire, as well as a reliance on the magic of Day to gather and interpret ever greater amounts of information, eventually caused him to descend into madness.

	The [[draughir]] Emperor became increasingly unstable, perceiving patterns in events that appeared paranoid to others. His unpopular policies divided the [[Senate]] and the [[~~Synod\|~~Synod]], and there were rumbles of civil war. He began to demand extreme amounts of record keeping and it became clear that he was not in his right mind.		The [[draughir]] Emperor became increasingly unstable, perceiving patterns in events that appeared paranoid to others. His unpopular policies divided the [[Senate]] and the [[Synod]], and there were rumbles of civil war. He began to demand extreme amounts of record keeping and it became clear that he was not in his right mind.

	Things came to a head in 209 when Emperor Nicovar sent his troops to burn down the Empire's libraries. There was a revolt, which culminated in the destruction of the central repository of records in Highguard and several key spires in Urizen. The mad emperor was executed by the captain of his own guard, the [[Navarr]] [[Thorn]] Isaella. Despite appeals for clemency from the Synod, Isaella took full responsibility. She was convicted as a traitor, but at the same time was both lauded as an exemplar of courage and duty, and a hero of the Empire.		Things came to a head in 209 when Emperor Nicovar sent his troops to burn down the Empire's libraries. There was a revolt, which culminated in the destruction of the central repository of records in Highguard and several key spires in Urizen. The mad emperor was executed by the captain of his own guard, the [[Navarr]] [[Thorn]] Isaella. Despite appeals for clemency from the Synod, Isaella took full responsibility. She was convicted as a traitor, but at the same time was both lauded as an exemplar of courage and duty, and a hero of the Empire.

Matt: Text replacement - "Military Council" to "Military Council"

2026-01-16T09:33:26Z

Text replacement - "Military Council" to "Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:33, 16 January 2026
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	====(6YE) The Senate, The Synod and the Military Council====		====(6YE) The Senate, The Synod and the Military Council====
	The Empress and her advisors laid the groundwork for Imperial structures to support and empower the Empire. Building on traditions of government in Wintermark, the [[Senate]] was created to advise the Empress and give the nations a voice in the rule of the Empire. Following a plan developed in the Marches, the [[~~Military Council\|~~Military Council]] of generals was set up to coordinate the military forces of the various nations. The [[Synod\|Synod]] was formed by the priests of Highguard, allowing the Imperial Faith to serve as a unifying force with a remit to ensure that the leaders of the Empire did not become corrupt.		The Empress and her advisors laid the groundwork for Imperial structures to support and empower the Empire. Building on traditions of government in Wintermark, the [[Senate]] was created to advise the Empress and give the nations a voice in the rule of the Empire. Following a plan developed in the Marches, the [[Military Council]] of generals was set up to coordinate the military forces of the various nations. The [[Synod\|Synod]] was formed by the priests of Highguard, allowing the Imperial Faith to serve as a unifying force with a remit to ensure that the leaders of the Empire did not become corrupt.

	====(22YE) Death of the First Empress ====		====(22YE) Death of the First Empress ====

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

2026-01-15T22:29:09Z

Text replacement - "Senate" to "Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:29, 15 January 2026
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	====(6YE) The Senate, The Synod and the Military Council====		====(6YE) The Senate, The Synod and the Military Council====
	The Empress and her advisors laid the groundwork for Imperial structures to support and empower the Empire. Building on traditions of government in Wintermark, the [[~~Senate\|~~Senate]] was created to advise the Empress and give the nations a voice in the rule of the Empire. Following a plan developed in the Marches, the [[Military Council\|Military Council]] of generals was set up to coordinate the military forces of the various nations. The [[Synod\|Synod]] was formed by the priests of Highguard, allowing the Imperial Faith to serve as a unifying force with a remit to ensure that the leaders of the Empire did not become corrupt.		The Empress and her advisors laid the groundwork for Imperial structures to support and empower the Empire. Building on traditions of government in Wintermark, the [[Senate]] was created to advise the Empress and give the nations a voice in the rule of the Empire. Following a plan developed in the Marches, the [[Military Council\|Military Council]] of generals was set up to coordinate the military forces of the various nations. The [[Synod\|Synod]] was formed by the priests of Highguard, allowing the Imperial Faith to serve as a unifying force with a remit to ensure that the leaders of the Empire did not become corrupt.

	====(22YE) Death of the First Empress ====		====(22YE) Death of the First Empress ====
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	The first reversals in the Empire's fortune occurred during the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Initially a brilliant administrator, Nicovar expanded the role of the civil service in support of the Empire. However, a decade of attempting to micromanage every element of the Empire, as well as a reliance on the magic of Day to gather and interpret ever greater amounts of information, eventually caused him to descend into madness.		The first reversals in the Empire's fortune occurred during the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Initially a brilliant administrator, Nicovar expanded the role of the civil service in support of the Empire. However, a decade of attempting to micromanage every element of the Empire, as well as a reliance on the magic of Day to gather and interpret ever greater amounts of information, eventually caused him to descend into madness.

	The [[draughir]] Emperor became increasingly unstable, perceiving patterns in events that appeared paranoid to others. His unpopular policies divided the [[~~Senate\|~~Senate]] and the [[Synod\|Synod]], and there were rumbles of civil war. He began to demand extreme amounts of record keeping and it became clear that he was not in his right mind.		The [[draughir]] Emperor became increasingly unstable, perceiving patterns in events that appeared paranoid to others. His unpopular policies divided the [[Senate]] and the [[Synod\|Synod]], and there were rumbles of civil war. He began to demand extreme amounts of record keeping and it became clear that he was not in his right mind.

	Things came to a head in 209 when Emperor Nicovar sent his troops to burn down the Empire's libraries. There was a revolt, which culminated in the destruction of the central repository of records in Highguard and several key spires in Urizen. The mad emperor was executed by the captain of his own guard, the [[Navarr]] [[Thorn]] Isaella. Despite appeals for clemency from the Synod, Isaella took full responsibility. She was convicted as a traitor, but at the same time was both lauded as an exemplar of courage and duty, and a hero of the Empire.		Things came to a head in 209 when Emperor Nicovar sent his troops to burn down the Empire's libraries. There was a revolt, which culminated in the destruction of the central repository of records in Highguard and several key spires in Urizen. The mad emperor was executed by the captain of his own guard, the [[Navarr]] [[Thorn]] Isaella. Despite appeals for clemency from the Synod, Isaella took full responsibility. She was convicted as a traitor, but at the same time was both lauded as an exemplar of courage and duty, and a hero of the Empire.

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

2026-01-15T21:31:36Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:31, 15 January 2026
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	====(6YE) The Senate, The Synod and the Military Council====		====(6YE) The Senate, The Synod and the Military Council====
	The Empress and her advisors laid the groundwork for Imperial structures to support and empower the Empire. Building on traditions of government in Wintermark, the [[Senate\|Senate]] was created to advise the Empress and give the nations a voice in the rule of the Empire. Following a plan developed in the Marches, the [[Military Council\|Military Council]] of generals was set up to coordinate the military forces of the various nations. The [[~~Imperial~~ Synod\|Synod]] was formed by the priests of Highguard, allowing the Imperial Faith to serve as a unifying force with a remit to ensure that the leaders of the Empire did not become corrupt.		The Empress and her advisors laid the groundwork for Imperial structures to support and empower the Empire. Building on traditions of government in Wintermark, the [[Senate\|Senate]] was created to advise the Empress and give the nations a voice in the rule of the Empire. Following a plan developed in the Marches, the [[Military Council\|Military Council]] of generals was set up to coordinate the military forces of the various nations. The [[Synod\|Synod]] was formed by the priests of Highguard, allowing the Imperial Faith to serve as a unifying force with a remit to ensure that the leaders of the Empire did not become corrupt.

	====(22YE) Death of the First Empress ====		====(22YE) Death of the First Empress ====
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	The first reversals in the Empire's fortune occurred during the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Initially a brilliant administrator, Nicovar expanded the role of the civil service in support of the Empire. However, a decade of attempting to micromanage every element of the Empire, as well as a reliance on the magic of Day to gather and interpret ever greater amounts of information, eventually caused him to descend into madness.		The first reversals in the Empire's fortune occurred during the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Initially a brilliant administrator, Nicovar expanded the role of the civil service in support of the Empire. However, a decade of attempting to micromanage every element of the Empire, as well as a reliance on the magic of Day to gather and interpret ever greater amounts of information, eventually caused him to descend into madness.

	The [[draughir]] Emperor became increasingly unstable, perceiving patterns in events that appeared paranoid to others. His unpopular policies divided the [[Senate\|Senate]] and the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod\|Synod]], and there were rumbles of civil war. He began to demand extreme amounts of record keeping and it became clear that he was not in his right mind.		The [[draughir]] Emperor became increasingly unstable, perceiving patterns in events that appeared paranoid to others. His unpopular policies divided the [[Senate\|Senate]] and the [[Synod\|Synod]], and there were rumbles of civil war. He began to demand extreme amounts of record keeping and it became clear that he was not in his right mind.

	Things came to a head in 209 when Emperor Nicovar sent his troops to burn down the Empire's libraries. There was a revolt, which culminated in the destruction of the central repository of records in Highguard and several key spires in Urizen. The mad emperor was executed by the captain of his own guard, the [[Navarr]] [[Thorn]] Isaella. Despite appeals for clemency from the Synod, Isaella took full responsibility. She was convicted as a traitor, but at the same time was both lauded as an exemplar of courage and duty, and a hero of the Empire.		Things came to a head in 209 when Emperor Nicovar sent his troops to burn down the Empire's libraries. There was a revolt, which culminated in the destruction of the central repository of records in Highguard and several key spires in Urizen. The mad emperor was executed by the captain of his own guard, the [[Navarr]] [[Thorn]] Isaella. Despite appeals for clemency from the Synod, Isaella took full responsibility. She was convicted as a traitor, but at the same time was both lauded as an exemplar of courage and duty, and a hero of the Empire.
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	===(249YE - 257YE) Reign of Empress Brannan===		===(249YE - 257YE) Reign of Empress Brannan===
	The [[Navarr\|Navarri]] [[Empress Brannan]] followed Guntherm to the Throne, and was another military-minded ruler dedicated to smashing the orcs and expanding the borders of the Empire. Ultimately, her abusive attitude to the powers of The Throne, and allegations of improper relations with certain [[eternal\|eternals]] resulted in her being the only Throne to be [[Revocation\|revoked]] by the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]]. Despite her failings, she showed what the Empire was capable of when sufficient resources were given to its armies. Some of the most glorious battles in Imperial history took place during her reign, and with her support the Navarr in particular made great advances in their fight to destroy the [[vallorn]] and reclaim their lost cities.		The [[Navarr\|Navarri]] [[Empress Brannan]] followed Guntherm to the Throne, and was another military-minded ruler dedicated to smashing the orcs and expanding the borders of the Empire. Ultimately, her abusive attitude to the powers of The Throne, and allegations of improper relations with certain [[eternal\|eternals]] resulted in her being the only Throne to be [[Revocation\|revoked]] by the [[Synod]]. Despite her failings, she showed what the Empire was capable of when sufficient resources were given to its armies. Some of the most glorious battles in Imperial history took place during her reign, and with her support the Navarr in particular made great advances in their fight to destroy the [[vallorn]] and reclaim their lost cities.

	===(257YE - 281YE) Reign of Emperor James===		===(257YE - 281YE) Reign of Emperor James===

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:58, 28 January 2026
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	The [[Highguard\|Highborn]] [[Empress Aenea]] spent most of her reign improving the infrastructure of the Empire. Several border wars occurred during Aenea's time on the Throne, and at various points the Empire was at war with [[Faraden]], the [[Iron Confederacy]], [[Axos]], [[Skoura]] and even (technically) the [[Sumaah Republic]].		The [[Highguard\|Highborn]] [[Empress Aenea]] spent most of her reign improving the infrastructure of the Empire. Several border wars occurred during Aenea's time on the Throne, and at various points the Empire was at war with [[Faraden]], the [[Iron Confederacy]], [[Axos]], [[Skoura]] and even (technically) the [[Sumaah Republic]].

	===(125YE to 167YE) Reign of Empress Varkula, called "the Undying"===		===(125YE - 167YE) Reign of Empress Varkula, called "the Undying"===
	Taking advantage of a weakened and divided Senate the ruthless [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] [[Empress Varkula]] manipulated (and in some cases, allegedly extorted) her way to the Throne. She then set about dramatically increasing the military strength of the Empire. Her reign saw the Empire's borders expand, and also saw a reduction in the powers of the Synod that had expanded in the reigns of more pious Emperors and Empresses.		Taking advantage of a weakened and divided Senate the ruthless [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] [[Empress Varkula]] manipulated (and in some cases, allegedly extorted) her way to the Throne. She then set about dramatically increasing the military strength of the Empire. Her reign saw the Empire's borders expand, and also saw a reduction in the powers of the Synod that had expanded in the reigns of more pious Emperors and Empresses.

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	Steady expansion by the Varushkan boyars over the preceding century led to the inclusion of [[Miekarova]] within the Empire.		Steady expansion by the Varushkan boyars over the preceding century led to the inclusion of [[Miekarova]] within the Empire.

	===(168YE to 179YE) Reign of Emperor Frederick, called "the Philosopher"===		===(168YE - 179YE) Reign of Emperor Frederick, called "the Philosopher"===
	[[Emperor Frederick\|Frederick Ritter van Holberg]] reigned for eleven years, over a time of relative peace during which the Empire consolidated the gains secured in the reign of Empress Varkula. He was a philosopher and political scholar who fiercely protected the rights of the individual over those of the state, and encouraged citizens of all nations to view the prosperity and security of the Empire as both their responsibility and something in which to take great pride.		[[Emperor Frederick\|Frederick Ritter van Holberg]] reigned for eleven years, over a time of relative peace during which the Empire consolidated the gains secured in the reign of Empress Varkula. He was a philosopher and political scholar who fiercely protected the rights of the individual over those of the state, and encouraged citizens of all nations to view the prosperity and security of the Empire as both their responsibility and something in which to take great pride.

	===(180YE to 199YE) Reign of Emperor Barabbas===		===(180YE - 199YE) Reign of Emperor Barabbas===
	The [[Highguard\|Highborn]] [[Emperor Barabbas]] was driven by the desire to expand the Empire to control the entire Bay of Catazar. He was only marginally successful, managing primarily to alienate the people of [[Iron Confederacy\|Surann]] and [[Skoura]] and ultimately seeing his ''Barabbine fleet'' sink in a terrible storm that would have left the Imperial Navy crippled if not for the foresight of his [[The Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] allies.		The [[Highguard\|Highborn]] [[Emperor Barabbas]] was driven by the desire to expand the Empire to control the entire Bay of Catazar. He was only marginally successful, managing primarily to alienate the people of [[Iron Confederacy\|Surann]] and [[Skoura]] and ultimately seeing his ''Barabbine fleet'' sink in a terrible storm that would have left the Imperial Navy crippled if not for the foresight of his [[The Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] allies.

	====(~~183~~) Expansion into Segura====		====(183YE) Expansion into Segura====
	A united front by the hakima of the Guerra and Riqueza led to the Brass Coast expansion into [[Segura]].		A united front by the hakima of the Guerra and Riqueza led to the Brass Coast expansion into [[Segura]].

	==Turmoil==		==Turmoil==
	This period saw the reign of Emperor Nicovar, and his catastrophic effect on the history of the Empire. It was characterised by a sequence of military defeats as earlier conquests were lost to resurgent barbarian forces beginning with Segura in the Brass Coast in ~~204~~ and ending with the war in Karsk in ~~259~~. Most of the defeats were eventually reversed, with the borders moving back and forth. By the end of the years of turmoil, the Empire actually controlled slightly more land than at the beginning, but the period is still regarded as a low point in Imperial history.		This period saw the reign of Emperor Nicovar, and his catastrophic effect on the history of the Empire. It was characterised by a sequence of military defeats as earlier conquests were lost to resurgent barbarian forces beginning with Segura in the Brass Coast in 204YE and ending with the war in Karsk in 259YE. Most of the defeats were eventually reversed, with the borders moving back and forth. By the end of the years of turmoil, the Empire actually controlled slightly more land than at the beginning, but the period is still regarded as a low point in Imperial history.

	===(200YE - 209YE) Reign of Emperor Nicovar "the Mad"===		===(200YE - 209YE) Reign of Emperor Nicovar "the Mad"===
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	The [[draughir]] Emperor became increasingly unstable, perceiving patterns in events that appeared paranoid to others. His unpopular policies divided the [[Senate]] and the [[Synod]], and there were rumbles of civil war. He began to demand extreme amounts of record keeping and it became clear that he was not in his right mind.		The [[draughir]] Emperor became increasingly unstable, perceiving patterns in events that appeared paranoid to others. His unpopular policies divided the [[Senate]] and the [[Synod]], and there were rumbles of civil war. He began to demand extreme amounts of record keeping and it became clear that he was not in his right mind.

	Things came to a head in ~~209~~ when Emperor Nicovar sent his troops to burn down the Empire's libraries. There was a revolt, which culminated in the destruction of the central repository of records in Highguard and several key spires in Urizen. The mad emperor was executed by the captain of his own guard, the [[Navarr]] [[Thorn]] Isaella. Despite appeals for clemency from the Synod, Isaella took full responsibility. She was convicted as a traitor, but at the same time was both lauded as an exemplar of courage and duty, and a hero of the Empire.		Things came to a head in 209YE when Emperor Nicovar sent his troops to burn down the Empire's libraries. There was a revolt, which culminated in the destruction of the central repository of records in Highguard and several key spires in Urizen. The mad emperor was executed by the captain of his own guard, the [[Navarr]] [[Thorn]] Isaella. Despite appeals for clemency from the Synod, Isaella took full responsibility. She was convicted as a traitor, but at the same time was both lauded as an exemplar of courage and duty, and a hero of the Empire.

	The destruction of the libraries left a big hole in the history of the Empire - thousands of books and scrolls were lost. While records still existed, there were many gaps and those that remained were fragmentary. Since then scholars have attempted to recreate the books and records they had lost, but with mixed success.		The destruction of the libraries left a big hole in the history of the Empire - thousands of books and scrolls were lost. While records still existed, there were many gaps and those that remained were fragmentary. Since then scholars have attempted to recreate the books and records they had lost, but with mixed success.