Imperial history - Revision 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

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:05, 28 January 2026
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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===

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

2026-01-15T16:49:15Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:49, 15 January 2026
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	Giovanni approached the people of [[Urizen]] with an invitation to join the Empire, and this time they accepted. In return they offered their expertise as scholars and mages. Urizen scholarship slowly helped to raise levels of education and literacy across the Empire. Harnessing the power of Urizen divination with the expertise of the civil service helped Giovanni to transform the Imperial Civil Service into its current form.		Giovanni approached the people of [[Urizen]] with an invitation to join the Empire, and this time they accepted. In return they offered their expertise as scholars and mages. Urizen scholarship slowly helped to raise levels of education and literacy across the Empire. Harnessing the power of Urizen divination with the expertise of the civil service helped Giovanni to transform the Imperial Civil Service into its current form.

	The Urizen worked with the Empire to create the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]], inspired by experiences during the war with Alderei the Fair in Varushka. The divided magicians of the Empire, each jealously guarding their own secrets, were barely able to neutralise the much smaller force of the Volodya, and the Senate was keen to ensure that this does not happen again.		The Urizen worked with the Empire to create the [[Conclave]], inspired by experiences during the war with Alderei the Fair in Varushka. The divided magicians of the Empire, each jealously guarding their own secrets, were barely able to neutralise the much smaller force of the Volodya, and the Senate was keen to ensure that this does not happen again.

	Giovanni also laid the foundations of the [[Bourse]], and worked with the Senate and Synod to codify the body of Imperial Law. During his reign he established a single [[currency]] based on steel coins issued by the Imperial Mint, based in Tassato under the ultimate control of the Civil Service. Giovanni died in 34YE but his legacy was at least as durable as that of his predecessor. His relentless commitment to civilisation earned Giovanni the epithet "Peacemaker".		Giovanni also laid the foundations of the [[Bourse]], and worked with the Senate and Synod to codify the body of Imperial Law. During his reign he established a single [[currency]] based on steel coins issued by the Imperial Mint, based in Tassato under the ultimate control of the Civil Service. Giovanni died in 34YE but his legacy was at least as durable as that of his predecessor. His relentless commitment to civilisation earned Giovanni the epithet "Peacemaker".

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

2026-01-15T13:03:10Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:03, 15 January 2026
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	The Urizen worked with the Empire to create the [[Imperial Conclave]], inspired by experiences during the war with Alderei the Fair in Varushka. The divided magicians of the Empire, each jealously guarding their own secrets, were barely able to neutralise the much smaller force of the Volodya, and the Senate was keen to ensure that this does not happen again.		The Urizen worked with the Empire to create the [[Imperial Conclave]], inspired by experiences during the war with Alderei the Fair in Varushka. The divided magicians of the Empire, each jealously guarding their own secrets, were barely able to neutralise the much smaller force of the Volodya, and the Senate was keen to ensure that this does not happen again.

	Giovanni also laid the foundations of the [[~~Imperial~~ Bourse]], and worked with the Senate and Synod to codify the body of Imperial Law. During his reign he established a single [[currency]] based on steel coins issued by the Imperial Mint, based in Tassato under the ultimate control of the Civil Service. Giovanni died in 34YE but his legacy was at least as durable as that of his predecessor. His relentless commitment to civilisation earned Giovanni the epithet "Peacemaker".		Giovanni also laid the foundations of the [[Bourse]], and worked with the Senate and Synod to codify the body of Imperial Law. During his reign he established a single [[currency]] based on steel coins issued by the Imperial Mint, based in Tassato under the ultimate control of the Civil Service. Giovanni died in 34YE but his legacy was at least as durable as that of his predecessor. His relentless commitment to civilisation earned Giovanni the epithet "Peacemaker".

	====(27YE) Reclamation of Miaren====		====(27YE) Reclamation of Miaren====

← 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.