Early History of the Empire

Hey guys, some great discussion here.

With regards to flaws in the Empire, there are a few. The most notable is the heir apparent - 16 years old and clinically insane, he has been extending his influence with his own inner circle and the current Emperor, who is advanced in age and dotes on his son who he had late in life, is causing some major tensions. It is this heir apparent who has refused to assist the Colonists in the Kingdom of Thane, claiming that they deserve what is coming to them as the colonial expansion is not officially sanctioned but an organic movement.

As this Emperor is the last of the Imperial line, the future of the Empire is uncertain. Perhaps somewhere there is a distant relative who lives in obscurity and is legitimate enough to continue the bloodline if the current Dynasty is extinguished. This could eventually devolve into civil war, as loyalists to the original principles of the Empire may launch a rebellion - grooming the distant heir for greatness..

The above story arc aside, while it is a society where church (Cleric and Paladins) and state bolster each other and are more or less equal (the Emperors authority comes directly from the Paragon) - there will be cases of local corruption, but generally it does not last long.

Part of the reason why the empire is so goody goody is because the people face extisential threats from truly diabolical forces. People rally to and around the concept of the Empire - and it is guided by the hand of the Paragon even to this day through the priesthood and Holy orders, it tends to correct any deviations from its original principles.

The Empire is quite tolerant and not hell bent on conquest and most of their suzerian states became vassals by choice as it benefited them greatly to get access to Imperial trade, defence treaties and other assistance.

Noktorikon should not have anyone there against there will - my thoughts are that it is far removed from the original concepts of exploring the secrets of the universe to much more practical applications of magic to benefit the empire and for military purposes (battle mages). Agents of Nokotikon scour the countryside looking for young people with natural magical talent and offer them training and pay their families an allowance that is generous and makes joining very desirable, not to mention the prestige of becoming an Imperial Battle mage or spell caster. Independent mages exist and are not persecuted unless they commit a crime. If a mage commits a crime, a special 'witch hunter' group will be dispatched to hunt them down - perhaps these witch hunters are warlocks based in Noktorikon too - magic users who use spells to nullify magical attacks and subdue or kill renegade magic users who abuse their powers.

The Sylvan Smith: Good to see you back! I waited a while but have developed the map and basic seed ideas for Silverwater on its own dedicated page like the other areas now. Please have a gander and feel free to make suggestions, changes, etc.