First Empress - Revision history

GuiltyConscience: /* Early life and Election */

2026-04-19T12:57:51Z

Early life and Election

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:57, 19 April 2026
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	It is difficult to be certain which of these deeds if any can be directly ascribed to the First Empress, not least because of the stories that claim that she enjoyed the assistance of a number of notable individuals. Some scholars claim she carefully selected seven Companions, one for each virtue. Another popular account describes her as having five Luminaries, a Navarr [[brand]], a Dawnish [[troubadour]], a Varushkan [[Varushka_religious_beliefs\|wise one]], a Marcher [[landskeeper]], and a [[Tassato\|Tassatan]] [[The_League_leadership\|merchant prince]].		It is difficult to be certain which of these deeds if any can be directly ascribed to the First Empress, not least because of the stories that claim that she enjoyed the assistance of a number of notable individuals. Some scholars claim she carefully selected seven Companions, one for each virtue. Another popular account describes her as having five Luminaries, a Navarr [[brand]], a Dawnish [[troubadour]], a Varushkan [[Varushka_religious_beliefs\|wise one]], a Marcher [[landskeeper]], and a [[Tassato\|Tassatan]] [[The_League_leadership\|merchant prince]].

	These companions further complicate the issue of identifying who the First Empress was, and which deeds she accomplished herself. For example it is widely known that the First Empress sent ~~Bridgit~~ of Dourfen, a landskeeper and a close adviser to negotiate with the Marcher [[steward\|stewards]] on her behalf. But the famous quote that ''"I will take all of you, or none of you"'' that led to the Cousin's War is always attributed directly to the First Empress even though most records describe the key meetings taking place between ~~Bridgit~~ and other Marchers.		These companions further complicate the issue of identifying who the First Empress was, and which deeds she accomplished herself. For example it is widely known that the First Empress sent Brigit of Dourfen, a landskeeper and a close adviser to negotiate with the Marcher [[steward\|stewards]] on her behalf. But the famous quote that ''"I will take all of you, or none of you"'' that led to the Cousin's War is always attributed directly to the First Empress even though most records describe the key meetings taking place between Brigit and other Marchers.

	Regardless, few historians contest that the First Empress was a key figure - perhaps the most important individual - in bringing about the creation of the Empire. While she may not personally have undertaken all the deeds ascribed to her, and while the precise details of many events are now impossible to ascertain (thanks to [[Emperor Nicovar]] and his destruction of so many Imperial archives), there is no doubt that the Empire in its current form rests on the foundation of her vision of a united humankind.		Regardless, few historians contest that the First Empress was a key figure - perhaps the most important individual - in bringing about the creation of the Empire. While she may not personally have undertaken all the deeds ascribed to her, and while the precise details of many events are now impossible to ascertain (thanks to [[Emperor Nicovar]] and his destruction of so many Imperial archives), there is no doubt that the Empire in its current form rests on the foundation of her vision of a united humankind.

Hailmur at 17:07, 2 March 2026

2026-03-02T17:07:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:07, 2 March 2026
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			<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=The First and the Last.jpg\|align=right\|caption=The First Empress and her horse, painted in 386YE by Winterfolk artist '''Kolnýr'''\|width=350}}</div>
	===Reign: 0YE - 22YE===		===Reign: 0YE - 22YE===
	<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><box>'''Caveat'''<br>Surprisingly little is known with any certainty about the First Empress, and the events surrounding the actual founding of the Empire are often couched in terms of myth and legend. As a consequence, this page tried to differentiate between generally accepted facts and commonly believed stories. An in-character [[historical research]] document also exists, which can be found [[Myfanwy_of_Hercynia\|here]], and delves a little further into the stories surrounding the events in the First Empress' life. More than any other historical event, the foundation of the Empire - and the life of the woman credited with its creation - is swathed in mystery.</box></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><box>'''Caveat'''<br>Surprisingly little is known with any certainty about the First Empress, and the events surrounding the actual founding of the Empire are often couched in terms of myth and legend. As a consequence, this page tried to differentiate between generally accepted facts and commonly believed stories. An in-character [[historical research]] document also exists, which can be found [[Myfanwy_of_Hercynia\|here]], and delves a little further into the stories surrounding the events in the First Empress' life. More than any other historical event, the foundation of the Empire - and the life of the woman credited with its creation - is swathed in mystery.</box></div>
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	At some point, the First Empress underwent a [[liao#True Liao\|true liao]] vision that profoundly moved her. While the details of the vision are unknown, it inspired her to spread the revelation that the Labyrinth does not distinguish between nations. That all human souls are re-incarnated on the same wheel, regardless of whether they were Highborn. She claimed that the only way in which Highborn souls that were reborn would know their heritage and the Way of Virtue was if all humanity were united under a single banner.		At some point, the First Empress underwent a [[liao#True Liao\|true liao]] vision that profoundly moved her. While the details of the vision are unknown, it inspired her to spread the revelation that the Labyrinth does not distinguish between nations. That all human souls are re-incarnated on the same wheel, regardless of whether they were Highborn. She claimed that the only way in which Highborn souls that were reborn would know their heritage and the Way of Virtue was if all humanity were united under a single banner.
	<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=The First and the Last.jpg\|align=right\|caption=The First Empress and her horse, painted in 386YE by Winterfolk artist Kolnýr.\|width=350}}</div>
	In the years following her vision, and with an eye to both the looming threat of the orcs and the constant conflict between humans who should have been allies, the woman who would become the First Empress gathered a small group of like-minded individuals from various nations. With their assistance, she brought together the leaders of humanity around the [[Bay of Catazar]] to discuss an alliance against the barbarians. Her vision and charisma - and the hard work of her allies - convinced many of them to accept the need to form a lasting alliance.		In the years following her vision, and with an eye to both the looming threat of the orcs and the constant conflict between humans who should have been allies, the woman who would become the First Empress gathered a small group of like-minded individuals from various nations. With their assistance, she brought together the leaders of humanity around the [[Bay of Catazar]] to discuss an alliance against the barbarians. Her vision and charisma - and the hard work of her allies - convinced many of them to accept the need to form a lasting alliance.

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

2026-01-15T12:49:06Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:49, 15 January 2026
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	To all intents and purposes the First Empress created the Empire. While her successors, especially [[Emperor Giovanni]], [[Empress Richilde]], and [[Empress Teleri]] refined the idea and helped build the institutions familiar to modern Imperial citizens, they did so on the firm foundation she already laid.		To all intents and purposes the First Empress created the Empire. While her successors, especially [[Emperor Giovanni]], [[Empress Richilde]], and [[Empress Teleri]] refined the idea and helped build the institutions familiar to modern Imperial citizens, they did so on the firm foundation she already laid.

	She is credited with the creation of the [[Imperial Constitution]], and with formally recognising [[The Way]] as the religion of the Empire. This included the creation of the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]], though the early institution bore comparatively little resemblance to the Synod as Imperial citizens recognise it today. Some historians claim that the Empress and many of her Highborn supporters favoured a theocratic model of government for the Empire, but were unable to convince everyone of the wisdom of this approach. Instead they settled for ensuring the role of the Synod as a vital guardian of the spiritual well-being of the Empire.		She is credited with the creation of the [[Imperial Constitution]], and with formally recognising [[The Way]] as the religion of the Empire. This included the creation of the [[Synod]], though the early institution bore comparatively little resemblance to the Synod as Imperial citizens recognise it today. Some historians claim that the Empress and many of her Highborn supporters favoured a theocratic model of government for the Empire, but were unable to convince everyone of the wisdom of this approach. Instead they settled for ensuring the role of the Synod as a vital guardian of the spiritual well-being of the Empire.

	She is also credited with establishing the [[Senate]], basing it on the [[Wintermark]] model of the ''Witan''. The Senate provided a way for the Empire to govern itself that appears to have been essential to convince many nations that joining the Empire would not mean being ruled over by a foreigner. Despite this the first Senate seems to have played a mostly advisory role, with the strict legal definitions of powers and responsibilities coming later.		She is also credited with establishing the [[Senate]], basing it on the [[Wintermark]] model of the ''Witan''. The Senate provided a way for the Empire to govern itself that appears to have been essential to convince many nations that joining the Empire would not mean being ruled over by a foreigner. Despite this the first Senate seems to have played a mostly advisory role, with the strict legal definitions of powers and responsibilities coming later.

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

2026-01-15T12:48:03Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Bourse" to "[[Bourse"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:48, 15 January 2026
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	While the First Empress was a warrior, she firmly believed that the business of war and the business of politics must remain separate. This belief led to the constitutional imperative that [[Senator\|Senators]] are not allowed to attend meetings of the [[Military Council]]. While some have argued that this was to prevent the Senators interfering in the generals' decisions, others maintain that her true concern was to preserve the idea that the Senators would strive always to secure the peace, [[Imperial_Constitution#The_Imperial_Constitution\|prosperity, liberty, and dignity]] of their fellow citizens free from the spectre of violence or bloodshed.		While the First Empress was a warrior, she firmly believed that the business of war and the business of politics must remain separate. This belief led to the constitutional imperative that [[Senator\|Senators]] are not allowed to attend meetings of the [[Military Council]]. While some have argued that this was to prevent the Senators interfering in the generals' decisions, others maintain that her true concern was to preserve the idea that the Senators would strive always to secure the peace, [[Imperial_Constitution#The_Imperial_Constitution\|prosperity, liberty, and dignity]] of their fellow citizens free from the spectre of violence or bloodshed.

	The Imperial Conclave and the Imperial Bourse were established after the reign of the First Empress, during the time of Emperor Giovanni. But Giovanni claimed on the floor of the Senate that the First Empress told him that she wanted the [[~~Imperial~~ Bourse]] to be free from Senatorial control to ensure that senators were not motivated by matters of wealth and personal enrichment. If that was true, then it suggests that her vision continued to guide the development of the Empire even after her death.		The Imperial Conclave and the Imperial Bourse were established after the reign of the First Empress, during the time of Emperor Giovanni. But Giovanni claimed on the floor of the Senate that the First Empress told him that she wanted the [[Bourse]] to be free from Senatorial control to ensure that senators were not motivated by matters of wealth and personal enrichment. If that was true, then it suggests that her vision continued to guide the development of the Empire even after her death.

	As with the formation of the Empire, the First Empress is often described as the author of changes or innovations that were likely the result of motions passed by the Senate. For example, she is credited as "ruling" that the official language of the Empire would be "Imperial" and that [[Languages#Latin\|Old Asavean]] would remain a tongue for scholars and historians. It is possible that the Throne was able to rule by decree at the beginning of the Empire, but most historians think it is more likely that the early Senate made this decision with the support of the Synod. Nobody questions the critical involvement of the First Empress in these decisions, but it is difficult to be certain if she really instigated all of them. At least some of the crucial ideas and motivations appears to have come from her advisers.		As with the formation of the Empire, the First Empress is often described as the author of changes or innovations that were likely the result of motions passed by the Senate. For example, she is credited as "ruling" that the official language of the Empire would be "Imperial" and that [[Languages#Latin\|Old Asavean]] would remain a tongue for scholars and historians. It is possible that the Throne was able to rule by decree at the beginning of the Empire, but most historians think it is more likely that the early Senate made this decision with the support of the Synod. Nobody questions the critical involvement of the First Empress in these decisions, but it is difficult to be certain if she really instigated all of them. At least some of the crucial ideas and motivations appears to have come from her advisers.

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

2026-01-15T12:47:56Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:47, 15 January 2026
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	She is credited with the creation of the [[Imperial Constitution]], and with formally recognising [[The Way]] as the religion of the Empire. This included the creation of the [[Imperial Synod]], though the early institution bore comparatively little resemblance to the Synod as Imperial citizens recognise it today. Some historians claim that the Empress and many of her Highborn supporters favoured a theocratic model of government for the Empire, but were unable to convince everyone of the wisdom of this approach. Instead they settled for ensuring the role of the Synod as a vital guardian of the spiritual well-being of the Empire.		She is credited with the creation of the [[Imperial Constitution]], and with formally recognising [[The Way]] as the religion of the Empire. This included the creation of the [[Imperial Synod]], though the early institution bore comparatively little resemblance to the Synod as Imperial citizens recognise it today. Some historians claim that the Empress and many of her Highborn supporters favoured a theocratic model of government for the Empire, but were unable to convince everyone of the wisdom of this approach. Instead they settled for ensuring the role of the Synod as a vital guardian of the spiritual well-being of the Empire.

	She is also credited with establishing the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]], basing it on the [[Wintermark]] model of the ''Witan''. The Senate provided a way for the Empire to govern itself that appears to have been essential to convince many nations that joining the Empire would not mean being ruled over by a foreigner. Despite this the first Senate seems to have played a mostly advisory role, with the strict legal definitions of powers and responsibilities coming later.		She is also credited with establishing the [[Senate]], basing it on the [[Wintermark]] model of the ''Witan''. The Senate provided a way for the Empire to govern itself that appears to have been essential to convince many nations that joining the Empire would not mean being ruled over by a foreigner. Despite this the first Senate seems to have played a mostly advisory role, with the strict legal definitions of powers and responsibilities coming later.

	While the First Empress was a warrior, she firmly believed that the business of war and the business of politics must remain separate. This belief led to the constitutional imperative that [[Senator\|Senators]] are not allowed to attend meetings of the [[Military Council]]. While some have argued that this was to prevent the Senators interfering in the generals' decisions, others maintain that her true concern was to preserve the idea that the Senators would strive always to secure the peace, [[Imperial_Constitution#The_Imperial_Constitution\|prosperity, liberty, and dignity]] of their fellow citizens free from the spectre of violence or bloodshed.		While the First Empress was a warrior, she firmly believed that the business of war and the business of politics must remain separate. This belief led to the constitutional imperative that [[Senator\|Senators]] are not allowed to attend meetings of the [[Military Council]]. While some have argued that this was to prevent the Senators interfering in the generals' decisions, others maintain that her true concern was to preserve the idea that the Senators would strive always to secure the peace, [[Imperial_Constitution#The_Imperial_Constitution\|prosperity, liberty, and dignity]] of their fellow citizens free from the spectre of violence or bloodshed.

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

2026-01-15T12:22:44Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:22, 15 January 2026
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	She is also credited with establishing the [[Imperial Senate]], basing it on the [[Wintermark]] model of the ''Witan''. The Senate provided a way for the Empire to govern itself that appears to have been essential to convince many nations that joining the Empire would not mean being ruled over by a foreigner. Despite this the first Senate seems to have played a mostly advisory role, with the strict legal definitions of powers and responsibilities coming later.		She is also credited with establishing the [[Imperial Senate]], basing it on the [[Wintermark]] model of the ''Witan''. The Senate provided a way for the Empire to govern itself that appears to have been essential to convince many nations that joining the Empire would not mean being ruled over by a foreigner. Despite this the first Senate seems to have played a mostly advisory role, with the strict legal definitions of powers and responsibilities coming later.

	While the First Empress was a warrior, she firmly believed that the business of war and the business of politics must remain separate. This belief led to the constitutional imperative that [[Senator\|Senators]] are not allowed to attend meetings of the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council]]. While some have argued that this was to prevent the Senators interfering in the generals' decisions, others maintain that her true concern was to preserve the idea that the Senators would strive always to secure the peace, [[Imperial_Constitution#The_Imperial_Constitution\|prosperity, liberty, and dignity]] of their fellow citizens free from the spectre of violence or bloodshed.		While the First Empress was a warrior, she firmly believed that the business of war and the business of politics must remain separate. This belief led to the constitutional imperative that [[Senator\|Senators]] are not allowed to attend meetings of the [[Military Council]]. While some have argued that this was to prevent the Senators interfering in the generals' decisions, others maintain that her true concern was to preserve the idea that the Senators would strive always to secure the peace, [[Imperial_Constitution#The_Imperial_Constitution\|prosperity, liberty, and dignity]] of their fellow citizens free from the spectre of violence or bloodshed.

	The Imperial Conclave and the Imperial Bourse were established after the reign of the First Empress, during the time of Emperor Giovanni. But Giovanni claimed on the floor of the Senate that the First Empress told him that she wanted the [[Imperial Bourse]] to be free from Senatorial control to ensure that senators were not motivated by matters of wealth and personal enrichment. If that was true, then it suggests that her vision continued to guide the development of the Empire even after her death.		The Imperial Conclave and the Imperial Bourse were established after the reign of the First Empress, during the time of Emperor Giovanni. But Giovanni claimed on the floor of the Senate that the First Empress told him that she wanted the [[Imperial Bourse]] to be free from Senatorial control to ensure that senators were not motivated by matters of wealth and personal enrichment. If that was true, then it suggests that her vision continued to guide the development of the Empire even after her death.

Rafferty at 12:34, 3 May 2025

2025-05-03T12:34:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:34, 3 May 2025
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	The situation is further complicated due to the nature of the few surviving documents from the foundation of the Empire. Accounts written during the foundation identify the significant actors only by name, whereas later documents overwhelmingly identify the key protagonist simply as the First Empress.		The situation is further complicated due to the nature of the few surviving documents from the foundation of the Empire. Accounts written during the foundation identify the significant actors only by name, whereas later documents overwhelmingly identify the key protagonist simply as the First Empress.

	====Early life and Election====		====Early life and Election====
	Although little is known of her early life, the one thing almost all historians agree on is that the First Empress was born in [[Highguard]]. Most credible accounts that identify the First Empress describe her as a powerful Highborn warrior. She must have trained extensively in the arts of war as she was granted the privilege of riding one of the few remaining Highborn warhorses. Stories of her accomplishments are likely embellished, but while historians often focus more on her charisma and vision than her fighting ability, there is little doubt that she was a practised combatant and an experienced military leader from an early age.		Although little is known of her early life, the one thing almost all historians agree on is that the First Empress was born in [[Highguard]]. Most credible accounts that identify the First Empress describe her as a powerful Highborn warrior. She must have trained extensively in the arts of war as she was granted the privilege of riding one of the few remaining Highborn warhorses. Stories of her accomplishments are likely embellished, but while historians often focus more on her charisma and vision than her fighting ability, there is little doubt that she was a practised combatant and an experienced military leader from an early age.
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	At some point, the First Empress underwent a [[liao#True Liao\|true liao]] vision that profoundly moved her. While the details of the vision are unknown, it inspired her to spread the revelation that the Labyrinth does not distinguish between nations. That all human souls are re-incarnated on the same wheel, regardless of whether they were Highborn. She claimed that the only way in which Highborn souls that were reborn would know their heritage and the Way of Virtue was if all humanity were united under a single banner.		At some point, the First Empress underwent a [[liao#True Liao\|true liao]] vision that profoundly moved her. While the details of the vision are unknown, it inspired her to spread the revelation that the Labyrinth does not distinguish between nations. That all human souls are re-incarnated on the same wheel, regardless of whether they were Highborn. She claimed that the only way in which Highborn souls that were reborn would know their heritage and the Way of Virtue was if all humanity were united under a single banner.
			<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=The First and the Last.jpg\|align=right\|caption=The First Empress and her horse, painted in 386YE by Winterfolk artist Kolnýr.\|width=350}}</div>
	In the years following her vision, and with an eye to both the looming threat of the orcs and the constant conflict between humans who should have been allies, the woman who would become the First Empress gathered a small group of like-minded individuals from various nations. With their assistance, she brought together the leaders of humanity around the [[Bay of Catazar]] to discuss an alliance against the barbarians. Her vision and charisma - and the hard work of her allies - convinced many of them to accept the need to form a lasting alliance.		In the years following her vision, and with an eye to both the looming threat of the orcs and the constant conflict between humans who should have been allies, the woman who would become the First Empress gathered a small group of like-minded individuals from various nations. With their assistance, she brought together the leaders of humanity around the [[Bay of Catazar]] to discuss an alliance against the barbarians. Her vision and charisma - and the hard work of her allies - convinced many of them to accept the need to form a lasting alliance.

Dre at 18:03, 29 December 2023

2023-12-29T18:03:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:03, 29 December 2023
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	In the years following her vision, and with an eye to both the looming threat of the orcs and the constant conflict between humans who should have been allies, the woman who would become the First Empress gathered a small group of like-minded individuals from various nations. With their assistance, she brought together the leaders of humanity around the [[Bay of Catazar]] to discuss an alliance against the barbarians. Her vision and charisma - and the hard work of her allies - convinced many of them to accept the need to form a lasting alliance.		In the years following her vision, and with an eye to both the looming threat of the orcs and the constant conflict between humans who should have been allies, the woman who would become the First Empress gathered a small group of like-minded individuals from various nations. With their assistance, she brought together the leaders of humanity around the [[Bay of Catazar]] to discuss an alliance against the barbarians. Her vision and charisma - and the hard work of her allies - convinced many of them to accept the need to form a lasting alliance.

	The meeting at Anvil has passed into Imperial legend. History records that the Navarr, ~~lead~~ by the indefatigable Myfanwy, served as messengers to bring powerful and influential people to hear the First Empress' proposal. Some scholars speculate that the meeting was actually intended to take place in Bastion but was moved to [[Anvil]] at the last minute due to opposition from a coalition of chapters ~~lead~~ by the Stone Banners who opposed the Empress' vision. The representatives of [[Urizen]] declined to join, but sufficient folk from [[the Brass Coast]], [[Dawn]], [[Highguard]], the newly-formed [[The League\|League]], the fractious [[The Marches\|Marches]], [[Navarr]], [[Varushka]] and [[Wintermark]] agreed the alliance that ~~lead~~ to the formation the Empire.		The meeting at Anvil has passed into Imperial legend. History records that the Navarr, led by the indefatigable Myfanwy, served as messengers to bring powerful and influential people to hear the First Empress' proposal. Some scholars speculate that the meeting was actually intended to take place in Bastion but was moved to [[Anvil]] at the last minute due to opposition from a coalition of chapters led by the Stone Banners who opposed the Empress' vision. The representatives of [[Urizen]] declined to join, but sufficient folk from [[the Brass Coast]], [[Dawn]], [[Highguard]], the newly-formed [[The League\|League]], the fractious [[The Marches\|Marches]], [[Navarr]], [[Varushka]] and [[Wintermark]] agreed the alliance that led to the formation the Empire.

	The First Empress is a key figure in many of the stories of the Founding of the Empire. Indeed she is central to so many historical events, some of which are believed to haven taken place contemporaneously in different parts of the Empire, that many scholars believe that she could not have been responsible for all the heroic acts ascribed to her. Deeds attributed to her include:		The First Empress is a key figure in many of the stories of the Founding of the Empire. Indeed she is central to so many historical events, some of which are believed to haven taken place contemporaneously in different parts of the Empire, that many scholars believe that she could not have been responsible for all the heroic acts ascribed to her. Deeds attributed to her include:
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	She is also credited with establishing the [[Imperial Senate]], basing it on the [[Wintermark]] model of the ''Witan''. The Senate provided a way for the Empire to govern itself that appears to have been essential to convince many nations that joining the Empire would not mean being ruled over by a foreigner. Despite this the first Senate seems to have played a mostly advisory role, with the strict legal definitions of powers and responsibilities coming later.		She is also credited with establishing the [[Imperial Senate]], basing it on the [[Wintermark]] model of the ''Witan''. The Senate provided a way for the Empire to govern itself that appears to have been essential to convince many nations that joining the Empire would not mean being ruled over by a foreigner. Despite this the first Senate seems to have played a mostly advisory role, with the strict legal definitions of powers and responsibilities coming later.

	While the First Empress was a warrior, she firmly believed that the business of war and the business of politics must remain separate. This belief ~~lead~~ to the constitutional imperative that [[Senator\|Senators]] are not allowed to attend meetings of the [[Imperial Military Council]]. While some have argued that this was to prevent the Senators interfering in the generals' decisions, others maintain that her true concern was to preserve the idea that the Senators would strive always to secure the peace, [[Imperial_Constitution#The_Imperial_Constitution\|prosperity, liberty, and dignity]] of their fellow citizens free from the spectre of violence or bloodshed.		While the First Empress was a warrior, she firmly believed that the business of war and the business of politics must remain separate. This belief led to the constitutional imperative that [[Senator\|Senators]] are not allowed to attend meetings of the [[Imperial Military Council]]. While some have argued that this was to prevent the Senators interfering in the generals' decisions, others maintain that her true concern was to preserve the idea that the Senators would strive always to secure the peace, [[Imperial_Constitution#The_Imperial_Constitution\|prosperity, liberty, and dignity]] of their fellow citizens free from the spectre of violence or bloodshed.

	The Imperial Conclave and the Imperial Bourse were established after the reign of the First Empress, during the time of Emperor Giovanni. But Giovanni claimed on the floor of the Senate that the First Empress told him that she wanted the [[Imperial Bourse]] to be free from Senatorial control to ensure that senators were not motivated by matters of wealth and personal enrichment. If that was true, then it suggests that her vision continued to guide the development of the Empire even after her death.		The Imperial Conclave and the Imperial Bourse were established after the reign of the First Empress, during the time of Emperor Giovanni. But Giovanni claimed on the floor of the Senate that the First Empress told him that she wanted the [[Imperial Bourse]] to be free from Senatorial control to ensure that senators were not motivated by matters of wealth and personal enrichment. If that was true, then it suggests that her vision continued to guide the development of the Empire even after her death.

Hailmur: Added missing link

2023-03-27T10:45:40Z

Added missing link

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:45, 27 March 2023
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	===Reign: 0YE - 22YE===		===Reign: 0YE - 22YE===
	<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><box>'''Caveat'''<br>Surprisingly little is known with any certainty about the First Empress, and the events surrounding the actual founding of the Empire are often couched in terms of myth and legend. As a consequence, this page tried to differentiate between generally accepted facts and commonly believed stories. An in-character [[historical research]] document also exists, which can be found [[~~First Empress~~\|here]], and delves a little further into the stories surrounding the events in the First Empress' life. More than any other historical event, the foundation of the Empire - and the life of the woman credited with its creation - is swathed in mystery.</box></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><box>'''Caveat'''<br>Surprisingly little is known with any certainty about the First Empress, and the events surrounding the actual founding of the Empire are often couched in terms of myth and legend. As a consequence, this page tried to differentiate between generally accepted facts and commonly believed stories. An in-character [[historical research]] document also exists, which can be found [[Myfanwy_of_Hercynia\|here]], and delves a little further into the stories surrounding the events in the First Empress' life. More than any other historical event, the foundation of the Empire - and the life of the woman credited with its creation - is swathed in mystery.</box></div>
	===Called: ''the First'' ===		===Called: ''the First'' ===
	There is a great deal of disagreement between scholars and historians on the actual identity of the First Empress. The historical records are incomplete and full of inconsistencies. Various Highborn figures including the [[Highguard_military_concerns#Cataphracts\|cataphracts]] Regan of the White Tower, Naomi of [[Casinea#Syrene\|Syrene]], and Irida Swiftlance, and the priest Sherber have all been identified as potential names for the founder of the Empire. As a result of this uncertainty, and in spite of two centuries of scholarship devoted to definitively identifying her, the First Empress is generally referred to by her title rather than by a given name.		There is a great deal of disagreement between scholars and historians on the actual identity of the First Empress. The historical records are incomplete and full of inconsistencies. Various Highborn figures including the [[Highguard_military_concerns#Cataphracts\|cataphracts]] Regan of the White Tower, Naomi of [[Casinea#Syrene\|Syrene]], and Irida Swiftlance, and the priest Sherber have all been identified as potential names for the founder of the Empire. As a result of this uncertainty, and in spite of two centuries of scholarship devoted to definitively identifying her, the First Empress is generally referred to by her title rather than by a given name.

Apoth: /* Reign */

2020-12-30T23:43:15Z

Reign

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:43, 30 December 2020
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	She is credited with the creation of the [[Imperial Constitution]], and with formally recognising [[The Way]] as the religion of the Empire. This included the creation of the [[Imperial Synod]], though the early institution bore comparatively little resemblance to the Synod as Imperial citizens recognise it today. Some historians claim that the Empress and many of her Highborn supporters favoured a theocratic model of government for the Empire, but were unable to convince everyone of the wisdom of this approach. Instead they settled for ensuring the role of the Synod as a vital guardian of the spiritual well-being of the Empire.		She is credited with the creation of the [[Imperial Constitution]], and with formally recognising [[The Way]] as the religion of the Empire. This included the creation of the [[Imperial Synod]], though the early institution bore comparatively little resemblance to the Synod as Imperial citizens recognise it today. Some historians claim that the Empress and many of her Highborn supporters favoured a theocratic model of government for the Empire, but were unable to convince everyone of the wisdom of this approach. Instead they settled for ensuring the role of the Synod as a vital guardian of the spiritual well-being of the Empire.

	She is also credited with establishing the [[Imperial Senate]], basing it on the [[Wintermark]] model of the ''Witan''. The Senate provided a way for the Empire to govern itself that appears to have been essential to convince many nations that joining the Empire would not mean by ruled over by a foreigner. Despite this the first Senate seems to have played a mostly advisory role, with the strict legal definitions of powers and responsibilities coming later.		She is also credited with establishing the [[Imperial Senate]], basing it on the [[Wintermark]] model of the ''Witan''. The Senate provided a way for the Empire to govern itself that appears to have been essential to convince many nations that joining the Empire would not mean being ruled over by a foreigner. Despite this the first Senate seems to have played a mostly advisory role, with the strict legal definitions of powers and responsibilities coming later.

	While the First Empress was a warrior, she firmly believed that the business of war and the business of politics must remain separate. This belief lead to the constitutional imperative that [[Senator\|Senators]] are not allowed to attend meetings of the [[Imperial Military Council]]. While some have argued that this was to prevent the Senators interfering in the generals' decisions, others maintain that her true concern was to preserve the idea that the Senators would strive always to secure the peace, [[Imperial_Constitution#The_Imperial_Constitution\|prosperity, liberty, and dignity]] of their fellow citizens free from the spectre of violence or bloodshed.		While the First Empress was a warrior, she firmly believed that the business of war and the business of politics must remain separate. This belief lead to the constitutional imperative that [[Senator\|Senators]] are not allowed to attend meetings of the [[Imperial Military Council]]. While some have argued that this was to prevent the Senators interfering in the generals' decisions, others maintain that her true concern was to preserve the idea that the Senators would strive always to secure the peace, [[Imperial_Constitution#The_Imperial_Constitution\|prosperity, liberty, and dignity]] of their fellow citizens free from the spectre of violence or bloodshed.