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Map of the Empire

"The Empire", as it is known throughout Drak, has one of the stablest, most respected societies on the planet. The government in power today was founded in 1002 PK, just over 2,000 years ago. The nation is quite diverse in its peoples and cultures, and has a reputation for many years of generally ethical and peaceful relationships with other nations. Lacking the agricultural wealth of the neighboring Merliad Confederation, and the accumulated familial wealth of Qitlan to the north, trade has always been the preferred path to Imperial power.

There are five regions within the Empire. The northern forests, collectively referred to as MORNINGWOOD, were apparently the cradle of life on Felinio. As mentioned earlier, archaeological finds at the Great Ruins of Argoth, north of Felinio City, and in coastal areas around the mouth of the River of Adventure, south of Yalicia, have presented evidence that intelligent life was in that area as early as 13000 PA, and probably earlier. Populated primarily by elves, felines, and orcs, Morningwood has always been a particularly beautiful, amenable, and not too dense collection of individual wooded areas interspersed with small villages.

To the south, the FELINIAN HIGHLANDS are an equally glorious region, particularly in the spring of the year. Unlike the other mountainous areas of Felinio, the Highlands are heavily forested, and fairly densely populated on (and in) the mountains, as well as in the ample, fertile valleys between them. The population of the Highlands was primarily dwarven and human at the time of the founding, and those races predominate today, although felines live there in lesser numbers.

The OUTBACK comprises the flat areas to the west of the Highlands up to the borders of the Confederation, and south to the Southern Ocean Coast. This area is somewhat dryer than the rest of the Empire, but does raise reasonable crop yields. Much of this area came to the Empire as a result of the Woodmen Wars, and has special value because of extensive mineral deposits, including a massive gemstone mine. The Outback, especially its coastal areas, are known for its active participation in black market shipping. Ships carrying nominally illegal merchandise to and from the coastal ports find no trouble with interdiction ... if they have paid the "right people". Those who knowingly or unknowingly have not paid their "special taxes" find themselves surrounded by naval forces based at nearby Aviantana Island, who usually convince them to contribute to the support of the convenient ports.

The center of Empire civilization, education, and trade is the ADVENTURE VALLEY, 400 miles wide formed by the deep and easily navigable Adventure River, separates the Highlands from Morningwood. Felinio City, the Imperial Capitol, and largest city on the continent, sits 800 miles inland, on the Morningwood River, which is the deepest branch of the Adventure. It is a well-kept city, much of it modern, but with sections that go back a millenium before the founding. Yalicia, the port city located north of the river mouth, has been the center of maritime culture in eastern Felinio for thousands of years. The river valleys were settled by felines at least as early as 10,000 years ago, although todays population is relatively diverse.

Finally, the EASTERN COAST on the Central Ocean is the center of trade. Close cooperation with the other trading nations of the Central Ocean has led to centuries of uninterrupted commercial success, and a great level of wealth for everyone concerned. Contrary to Southern Ocean trade, Central Ocean trade is generally very legal, notably peaceful, and generally quite fair.

THE FOUNDING OF THE EMPIRE

Darick Clon, a feline, was born in 961 PK of mixed human-feline parentage in Gunver's Hill, a small village about 100 miles inland from Kedoran. His mother, Arienne, was Mayor of the village, his father, a wealthy farmer. As he was a younger child, and would not succeed his father as Lord of the Manor, he was trained as a schoolteacher in Kedoran. He soon found that his persuasive skills were more in demand in government circles than among the children of the city, and at the age of 24, was high in the service of the court of the King of Kedoran. As a popular young diplomat, he traveled throughout Adventure Valley representing the court.

In 989, at the age of 28, he made the acquaintance of Encar Dale, a human native of Nodi who had come to Felinio City as a trader some 20 years before, and had risen to reasonable rank as Lord of the Exchequer in the King's court in that city. Through Dale, Clon was introduced to three other diplomats who would play major roles in the drama to come. Landa Laenteria, at 85, relatively young for an elf, was already famous as a wizard throughout Morningwood. Ronar Blood-Ax, at 50, was commander of a dwarven army known for its successful defensive actions in skirmishes on the southern border of the Highlands. Finally, there was Felara Conic, a 30-year-old feline, and daughter of Oravian Conic, Admiral of the Yalician Merchant Navy, and one of the most powerful persons in Adventure Valley. Felara was beautiful, intelligent, and a skilled mariner in her own right, commanding a major river trading vessel, the Seeker. The five soon became good friends.

Encar Dale had long dreamed of a united government in the Valley of Adventure, as no war had touched that area for over 700 years. He had been encouraging contacts with the city-states of the Valley for some years. Through the friendship and intercession of the five young diplomats, direct talks eventually began between the Kings of Kedoran and Felinio City, and Admiral Conic, and continued on and off for 6 years. In 997, an agreement was reached wherein the administration of the entire valley was united under a Royal Council that sat in Felinio City. Councillors from among the royal families of the three cities coordinated trade, food distribution, and military services throughout the valley. The five young diplomats were also appointed to positions as ministers, with Encar Dale responsible for trade issues, Felara Conic concerned with military defense, and Darick Clon supervising food production and distribution. Landa Laenteria and Ronar Blood-Ax were representatives of their respective areas on the Council.

By luck, nature dealt the venture a winning hand. The next five years were distinguished for a combination of perfect weather and continuing world peace. The result was a prosperity that led to many forward strides for the Council and the region. By 1002, the Council had increased in size to 23 members, representing city-states and kingdoms throughout the Valley, Morningwood, and the Highlands. Although Encar Dale served as Chief Councillor throughout that period, it was Darick Clon who most often dealt with the population, and who represented the Council at many outside events.

Military unrest south of the Highlands, beginning early the previous year, underlined the need for somewhat more centralized authority, albeit in limited doses, to emphasize the growing power and success of the Council. It was suggested (by Encar Dale) that the region be designated an Empire, with power to remain in the hands of the Council, but with a puppet Emperor to be elected by the Council to serve as a focal point for the population. The idea was popular among the councillors because it frankly gave them a scapegoat in case anything were to go wrong. The election, however, was another matter, and discussions dragged on for a full year. By the end of the summer of 1002, a compromise decision had been reached. Much to the chagrin of Encar Dale, who had continually served as Chief Councillor, it was Darick Clon who was chosen as Emperor, primarily due to his personality and popularity with the people of the region. On the last day of 1002, Darick Clon was coronated as Darick I, in a lavish ceremony in Felinio City.

At the same time, Ronar Blood-Ax was named Commanding General of the Imperial Army, Admiral Oravian Conic was named Commanding Admiral of the Imperial Navy, Falara Conic became Trade Councillor, Landa Laentaria became the Imperial Wizard, and Encar Dale was named Prime Minister. Also named to the inner circle were two other members of the Council. Erog Greenshield, a well-educated young orc, and bastard son of the King of Cendalion, was named Imperial Master, and Gaetha Windwhisle, a half-elf Carian Cleric was given authority over matters of Religion.

Darick I was a popular figure throughout his reign, which lasted until his death in 1083 PK. Although he never married, he had three children (Darick, Encar, and Syssa) by Felara Conic, and one (Cambria) by Gaetha Windwhistle. Darick succeeded his father in 1083 as Darick II, serving only 10 years before his death. His half-sister, Cambria I, succeeded him, and lived to the age of 143, reigning for 110 years until she died.

GOVERNMENTS & RULERS