Quote:" I address you all in the memory of perhaps the worlds most troubled time. In memory have witnessed the ripping of the beatific fabric that binds us all, that had threaten to not only taint Yae Majesties Imperial Empire of Aen, but the whole of our world. Thanks to the wisdom of the druids, the steadfast bulwark of the towers, and the common sense of our friends in Vadalion, Esshar, and now Magnolia can we now say that this supreme threat is no more.-Yae Imperial Majesty. 1965 AC
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With this great evil behind us do I now proclaim a new age for Aegis, one devoid of perversive machines and unbearable taint, but of one blessed by sea, earth, and sky. We will show our kinsmen of this continent the true power of the land they walk, and show the world stage what a fully realized Aen can accomplish. Unburden we shall spread our wisdom across the whole of our land and beyond, and with the spirits on our side there is little we can't accomplish in this new glorious age.As of this day the once defiled by the Barsburg Empire shall be completely dissolve, with its territory reincorporated within Yae Majesties Imperial Empire of Aen. Their taint upon the land will be cleansed, their polluting machines smelted down, and its brainwashed people granted the clarity of our noble guidance. As was demonstrated by our military and our Magnolian allies magi-tech can be an invaluable tool to restore the world and the flow that governs it. The advancements of the Barsburg empire were an outright perversion of its use, taking it too far in many aspects of society. I swear under the will and justice of the spirits that Yae Majesties Imperial Empire of Aen will never allow Barsburg to rise again as it was. We will dismantle their war machine to its roots and restore the dignity of the spirits of Barsbur's land, so that one day it can flow with the cycle, as all things should.-
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Glory to yae Aen! Blessed be of sea, earth, and sky! "
![[Image: j5Oe3AY.png]](https://i.imgur.com/j5Oe3AY.png)
To the east of Esshar and the northwest of Meranthe stands the nation officially known as Yae Majesties Imperial Empire of Aen, or as almost everyone else calls it, the Aen Empire. Founded through a union between landed nobles and druidic orders Aen had stood united against foreign threats well squabbling with the affairs of its internal factions. The Noble fight over long-established titles, the Magister seeks to expand the influence of their sects, all well the Druid tries to bridge the gap not only within Aen, but the realm beyond.
-
Outside observers often wonder how the Aen Empire remains one entity when it’s constantly plunged into succession crises, and power jockeying between the Towers and Nobility. Though all the differences the various factions in Aen have they are all united in their revelation of the spiritual world and the power it brings. Houses may rise and fall but there is always another to rise to their place. Druidic orders might be pushed away from an ever advancing Aen, but they're the ones to always unite the Empire during trying times. The Tower Sects might be rivals trying to become the most favorable in Aen, they all play their part in securing the future of the empire. The people of Aen believe themselves beholden to a spiraling cycle that shifts like the seasons. The world wheels as much as it woes they say, with the state of things shifting from good to bad and back again. When one challenge comes, so shall a solution follow in equal measure and vice versa. The good times should be enjoyed well being cautious about the bad, and the bad should be bared through with the knowledge that the good is within reach.
-
Barsburg as a state was stagnate in this cycle, one that tarnished their land, oppressed their people, and only focused on progress for progressions stake. They feared the toppling of their regime, wanting to bend fate into their own hands by annihilating all of their enemies before they could strike them down. They refused to flow with the rest of the land, and outright spat the ground they walked upon. On the contrary, the Aen Empire is always shifting and changing with the cycles, inward through the towers and crown and outward to the rest of the world. The face of the empire is one that continues to shift and adapt outward to the coming times. They readily adopt new ideas, new technologies, and new people to fuel their Empire well never shying away from respect toward the world and the cycles that drive it. Even the Aen throne is constantly shifting between the houses, a string of great and terrible leaders that might sow chaos at times but equally leads to some of the Empire's best leaders.
-
With the fall of their fated rival Barsburg did Aen find itself on the cusp of a new golden age. The current queen of Aen has launched an initiative to reinvigorate Aen's colonial spirit, intending to reestablish their lost holdings across Eternia. Promising young magi that were once but fuel for the Barsburg meat grinder are instead being sent on expeditions across Aegis. Ships have already been sent to Esshar, Oy-Deniz, and even as far as Agatha, with Meranthe being the next target of this new initiative. Three ships cast their sights southeast of Aen territory, helmed by a captain and several newly enlisted cadets, some as young as eleven. By the grace of the spirits they would arrive in Meranthe waters after their journey from the heartland. Their mission was an open one, a general expedition to reexplore the region well securing what unique resources to be found for the honor of Yae Queen. They are expecting to reestablish contact with the heartland in about three years, plenty of time for this expedition to show the Imperial Court their usefulness beyond a convenient excuse to exile a few troublesome individuals. A new chapter in Aen history begins on the coasts of Meranthe. Possibly a simple footnote, but if the spirits are willing and the flow is true then perhaps it can be a journey for the ages.
-
The Three Glories
Throughout the whole of the Aen Empire are three forces that continue to influence the direction of the empire and define much of its culture, coming to be known as the three glories. The Nobles of the Imperial Court, the Druids of the Orders, and the Magisters of the Tower Sects.
-
Glory to yae Imperial Dominion
One of the proudest things an Aenish could tell you about is the majesty of their nobility, one that rules by right of the spirit's will, and like the wind, these spirits are ever changing their minds. It is a common belief among the Aenish that everyone is granted a chance by the spirits to rise above their humble conditions and enter the nobility, no matter how simple or crazy the method. It is only through the fast thinking and drive of the person to take that chance, for once it's gone it's gone forever. This leaves the average Aenish to be ambitious and daring, always in the eye for a chance to show their commitment to the Empire.
-
To become one of the nobility one must either inherit it or gain the nobility through service in the military or to another noble house, building up connections until one can find an opportunity to qualify for a noble title if one becomes available. This service often manifests in command positions in the army/navy, bodyguards, royal artisans, priests, and other titles that can be appointed with noble favor. Expertly service, diplomacy, and a hint of backstabbing could see one's house rise in the Empire's favor, perhaps high enough to join the prestigious members of the Imperial Court, though that honor rarely happens.
-
The Aen Empire is divided into various providences and important cities that are governed by a handful of major noble houses with minor houses pledged to them. The eight heads of Aen's major houses and Yae Majasity the Queen consolidate their power within the Imperial Court, an administrative body that facilitates communication between the high nobility where they pass laws that affect the whole of Aen. Any member of the court can suggest and vote on new laws but the Queen is given veto powers that is supposed to be used for emergencies, though many Aen monarchs have had varying definitions of what they would consider an emergency.
-
Aen's nobility is an ever revolving door of various houses that rise for on average a century before falling into disrepair and out of the grace of the monarch. This is a common and expected part of Aen nobility given the numerous struggles for succession, the looming threat of being replaced, and simple decline. A house that holds its claims of nobility for a few centuries would be unusual and viewed as suspicious in Aen culture. Due to this history of noble houses rising and falling the vast majority of Aenish have a noble line in their ancestry, and if the spirits are willing they might have the chance to reclaim those old titles.
-
Glory to yae Honored Elders of the Land
To where the Nobles are an ever flowing sea, the Druids are the earth that keeps the Aen on solid ground. When Aen finds itself at the edge of chaos and capitulation the Druids would step in, using their influence to unite even the most quarrelsome nobles and magisters under both the will of Aen and the will of the spirits. Without the Druid's ability to focus Aen against a common threat, Barsburg would have conquered the empire during one of the many succession crises long ago.
-
The Aenish would define druidic magic as the process of a magi attuning themselves to the land and directly linking themselves to the spirits it's made of. If a magi can provide tribute to said spirit, or help shape the world to more suit them, then they can earn enough trust and form a link to not only the spirit, but the land it inhabits. Through this, a druid can borrow the raw power the spirit processes to carry out rituals that can alter the land as they can, and even the Netherworld beyond. This isn't without its risk, for the more one attunes to the world, the more their body begins to resemble the spirits they call upon, gaining elemental characteristics such as burning hair, sap blood, mana crystals, and other features.
-
Druids themselves have organized into various orders based on the spirits they link with, though these are only superficial, with all druids seeing themselves a part of a greater whole. They aren't structured under a strict chain of command, though most of them respect a council of elders that meets every few years and during times of war and crisis. They gather where the Netherworld is most thin to draw upon their links to the world to not only make conditions idle for farming and industry but to turn the world itself against the enemies of Aen. For a time they were Aen's equalizer against the once industrial powerhouse of Barsburg, befalling MECs and routing legions of troops with a well-timed nature disaster or through direct summoning the spirits themselves.
-
Culturally the Druids occupy their own secluded corner of society. They are barred from the Nobility by law and are generally shunned from climbing the towers, but their wisdom and services are valued by those who seek time out. They are both revered as the messengers of the spirits, and shunned for their abnormal appearance and general poor lifestyle. It shocks the average Aenish why anyone would willingly become a druid, though followers of the spiritual arts have their reasons.
-
Glory to yae Sea, Earth, and Sky.
The druids aren't the only ones to draw power from the land. From the beginning the fresh powers of the first age were tapped into and harnessed by the ancestors of the Aenish. Over time these focal points where the environments mana was strongest would see towers constructed upon them, designed both to harness the raw power of the land, and a gathering place for early Aenish magi. Once controlled directly by the Nobility, today they are a collection of 8 sects, each ruled by a magister that seeks to push the very limits of magic well also providing their sect's services to both Crown and Spirit.
-
The Sect themselves are largely structured like an academy, with merit and magical ability determining rank. Positions within the Tower Sects are mostly hereditary given the common practice of mystical inheritance, but it's not uncommon for commoners or even foreigners to clime the tower based on raw magical ability alone. Magic isn't simply and weapon or tool to them, but an art form, one that constantly needs to be innovated and push forward, lest their rival Sects gain an upper hand against them.
-
Magisters aren't technically a part of the nobility but given their influence in industry and magical advancement they can often position themselves as the kingmakers of Aen. They play a pitiable role in educating the next generation of Aen's magi who come far and wide to climb the towers. Whether they stick to the sects after their education or move on to the military or other organizations is often a tossup. No matter where they go however the training they received can grant the young magi head start in power over most self-taught magi.
-
Although most of the Paths often desist druids for their strange rituals and industrial restrictions, they have picked up similar respect for the land. Instead of being the voice of the cycle they are its conduits, the ones who will act upon the world and growth with it. This often feeds into a common belief of ascension among the Tower Climbers. Legend goes that if a magi can reach a level of power unrivaled for their age then they can break out of the cycle of reincarnation and become guardian spirits that not only watch over the towers, but Aen at large.
-
-
A History of the Aen Empire
200 AC – 1970 AC
-
Outside observers often wonder how the Aen Empire remains one entity when it’s constantly plunged into succession crises, and power jockeying between the Towers and Nobility. Though all the differences the various factions in Aen have they are all united in their revelation of the spiritual world and the power it brings. Houses may rise and fall but there is always another to rise to their place. Druidic orders might be pushed away from an ever advancing Aen, but they're the ones to always unite the Empire during trying times. The Tower Sects might be rivals trying to become the most favorable in Aen, they all play their part in securing the future of the empire. The people of Aen believe themselves beholden to a spiraling cycle that shifts like the seasons. The world wheels as much as it woes they say, with the state of things shifting from good to bad and back again. When one challenge comes, so shall a solution follow in equal measure and vice versa. The good times should be enjoyed well being cautious about the bad, and the bad should be bared through with the knowledge that the good is within reach.
-
Barsburg as a state was stagnate in this cycle, one that tarnished their land, oppressed their people, and only focused on progress for progressions stake. They feared the toppling of their regime, wanting to bend fate into their own hands by annihilating all of their enemies before they could strike them down. They refused to flow with the rest of the land, and outright spat the ground they walked upon. On the contrary, the Aen Empire is always shifting and changing with the cycles, inward through the towers and crown and outward to the rest of the world. The face of the empire is one that continues to shift and adapt outward to the coming times. They readily adopt new ideas, new technologies, and new people to fuel their Empire well never shying away from respect toward the world and the cycles that drive it. Even the Aen throne is constantly shifting between the houses, a string of great and terrible leaders that might sow chaos at times but equally leads to some of the Empire's best leaders.
-
With the fall of their fated rival Barsburg did Aen find itself on the cusp of a new golden age. The current queen of Aen has launched an initiative to reinvigorate Aen's colonial spirit, intending to reestablish their lost holdings across Eternia. Promising young magi that were once but fuel for the Barsburg meat grinder are instead being sent on expeditions across Aegis. Ships have already been sent to Esshar, Oy-Deniz, and even as far as Agatha, with Meranthe being the next target of this new initiative. Three ships cast their sights southeast of Aen territory, helmed by a captain and several newly enlisted cadets, some as young as eleven. By the grace of the spirits they would arrive in Meranthe waters after their journey from the heartland. Their mission was an open one, a general expedition to reexplore the region well securing what unique resources to be found for the honor of Yae Queen. They are expecting to reestablish contact with the heartland in about three years, plenty of time for this expedition to show the Imperial Court their usefulness beyond a convenient excuse to exile a few troublesome individuals. A new chapter in Aen history begins on the coasts of Meranthe. Possibly a simple footnote, but if the spirits are willing and the flow is true then perhaps it can be a journey for the ages.
-
Quote: "Rise oh blessed youth of Aen, adventure awaits! "-
The Three Glories
Throughout the whole of the Aen Empire are three forces that continue to influence the direction of the empire and define much of its culture, coming to be known as the three glories. The Nobles of the Imperial Court, the Druids of the Orders, and the Magisters of the Tower Sects.
-
Glory to yae Imperial Dominion
One of the proudest things an Aenish could tell you about is the majesty of their nobility, one that rules by right of the spirit's will, and like the wind, these spirits are ever changing their minds. It is a common belief among the Aenish that everyone is granted a chance by the spirits to rise above their humble conditions and enter the nobility, no matter how simple or crazy the method. It is only through the fast thinking and drive of the person to take that chance, for once it's gone it's gone forever. This leaves the average Aenish to be ambitious and daring, always in the eye for a chance to show their commitment to the Empire.
-
To become one of the nobility one must either inherit it or gain the nobility through service in the military or to another noble house, building up connections until one can find an opportunity to qualify for a noble title if one becomes available. This service often manifests in command positions in the army/navy, bodyguards, royal artisans, priests, and other titles that can be appointed with noble favor. Expertly service, diplomacy, and a hint of backstabbing could see one's house rise in the Empire's favor, perhaps high enough to join the prestigious members of the Imperial Court, though that honor rarely happens.
-
The Aen Empire is divided into various providences and important cities that are governed by a handful of major noble houses with minor houses pledged to them. The eight heads of Aen's major houses and Yae Majasity the Queen consolidate their power within the Imperial Court, an administrative body that facilitates communication between the high nobility where they pass laws that affect the whole of Aen. Any member of the court can suggest and vote on new laws but the Queen is given veto powers that is supposed to be used for emergencies, though many Aen monarchs have had varying definitions of what they would consider an emergency.
-
Aen's nobility is an ever revolving door of various houses that rise for on average a century before falling into disrepair and out of the grace of the monarch. This is a common and expected part of Aen nobility given the numerous struggles for succession, the looming threat of being replaced, and simple decline. A house that holds its claims of nobility for a few centuries would be unusual and viewed as suspicious in Aen culture. Due to this history of noble houses rising and falling the vast majority of Aenish have a noble line in their ancestry, and if the spirits are willing they might have the chance to reclaim those old titles.
-
Glory to yae Honored Elders of the Land
To where the Nobles are an ever flowing sea, the Druids are the earth that keeps the Aen on solid ground. When Aen finds itself at the edge of chaos and capitulation the Druids would step in, using their influence to unite even the most quarrelsome nobles and magisters under both the will of Aen and the will of the spirits. Without the Druid's ability to focus Aen against a common threat, Barsburg would have conquered the empire during one of the many succession crises long ago.
-
The Aenish would define druidic magic as the process of a magi attuning themselves to the land and directly linking themselves to the spirits it's made of. If a magi can provide tribute to said spirit, or help shape the world to more suit them, then they can earn enough trust and form a link to not only the spirit, but the land it inhabits. Through this, a druid can borrow the raw power the spirit processes to carry out rituals that can alter the land as they can, and even the Netherworld beyond. This isn't without its risk, for the more one attunes to the world, the more their body begins to resemble the spirits they call upon, gaining elemental characteristics such as burning hair, sap blood, mana crystals, and other features.
-
Druids themselves have organized into various orders based on the spirits they link with, though these are only superficial, with all druids seeing themselves a part of a greater whole. They aren't structured under a strict chain of command, though most of them respect a council of elders that meets every few years and during times of war and crisis. They gather where the Netherworld is most thin to draw upon their links to the world to not only make conditions idle for farming and industry but to turn the world itself against the enemies of Aen. For a time they were Aen's equalizer against the once industrial powerhouse of Barsburg, befalling MECs and routing legions of troops with a well-timed nature disaster or through direct summoning the spirits themselves.
-
Culturally the Druids occupy their own secluded corner of society. They are barred from the Nobility by law and are generally shunned from climbing the towers, but their wisdom and services are valued by those who seek time out. They are both revered as the messengers of the spirits, and shunned for their abnormal appearance and general poor lifestyle. It shocks the average Aenish why anyone would willingly become a druid, though followers of the spiritual arts have their reasons.
-
Glory to yae Sea, Earth, and Sky.
The druids aren't the only ones to draw power from the land. From the beginning the fresh powers of the first age were tapped into and harnessed by the ancestors of the Aenish. Over time these focal points where the environments mana was strongest would see towers constructed upon them, designed both to harness the raw power of the land, and a gathering place for early Aenish magi. Once controlled directly by the Nobility, today they are a collection of 8 sects, each ruled by a magister that seeks to push the very limits of magic well also providing their sect's services to both Crown and Spirit.
-
The Sect themselves are largely structured like an academy, with merit and magical ability determining rank. Positions within the Tower Sects are mostly hereditary given the common practice of mystical inheritance, but it's not uncommon for commoners or even foreigners to clime the tower based on raw magical ability alone. Magic isn't simply and weapon or tool to them, but an art form, one that constantly needs to be innovated and push forward, lest their rival Sects gain an upper hand against them.
-
Magisters aren't technically a part of the nobility but given their influence in industry and magical advancement they can often position themselves as the kingmakers of Aen. They play a pitiable role in educating the next generation of Aen's magi who come far and wide to climb the towers. Whether they stick to the sects after their education or move on to the military or other organizations is often a tossup. No matter where they go however the training they received can grant the young magi head start in power over most self-taught magi.
-
Although most of the Paths often desist druids for their strange rituals and industrial restrictions, they have picked up similar respect for the land. Instead of being the voice of the cycle they are its conduits, the ones who will act upon the world and growth with it. This often feeds into a common belief of ascension among the Tower Climbers. Legend goes that if a magi can reach a level of power unrivaled for their age then they can break out of the cycle of reincarnation and become guardian spirits that not only watch over the towers, but Aen at large.
-
-
A History of the Aen Empire
200 AC – 1970 AC
-
Chance. For giving me an excuse to finally delve into Aen lore.
Theroi. For writing Barsburg lore which correlates to a few events with Aen.
Enginseer-42. For lore about the towers, the cycle, and mystical inheritance. If you want more details on the towers then check out their lore thread. Empire of Aen Brainstorm Write-up. (chronicles-of-eternia.com)
? AC. A Forgotten Paradise
Legend speaks of a place thousands of years ago situated in an area once known as Paradise. It was described as a land of crystal clear rivers, of a beautiful life, of complete balance. Its people lived in abundance, both in resources and magical abilities, under the guidance of two elder guardians that guided them for ages. Unfortunately, this paradise wouldn't last, for its guardians would turn against their protection. They place a curse upon that land, burning away this paradise into a flat barren desert. Those who could flee did so either southeast to modern day Meranthe, or up north towards cooler climates. It is still debated by scholars why the guardians turned on the Paradise. Were they disgusted by the human's indulgence? Were they corrupted by foul influences? Was there another reason?
-200-411 AC. A Tale of Two Peoples
In the aftermath, many people from this paradise who would settle in what is now modern day Aen would split into two groups. The Materialist and Spiritualist.
-The Materialists believed that paradise was lost due to the betrayal of the guardians. They vowed that only humans could rule humans and sought to rebuild this forgotten nation anew under a new banner. However many of these powerful magi sought themselves as the rightful ruler of this new dominion, leaving them to fracture into eight kingdoms ruled by warrior kings, determined to unite the whole of the land and rebuild what they have lost. Each of these kingdoms sought to emulate what once was with each of them building a grand tower reminiscent of those that once existed in that perfect domain, towers that allowed them to draw upon its raw power well ensuring magic remained in their families as it begins to fade from the majority of the population.
-The Spiritualist believed that paradise was lost due to hubris and disrespecting the land that nourish them. They vowed to learn from the mistakes of their forefathers and seek to understand and join with the land that nourished them. Where the Materialist builds settlements for war out in the plains, the Spiritualists built villages in the woods, trying to find a new connection with the natural world. Through their isolation did they develop a new form of magic. By attunement to various idols and elementals in the spirit realm, they gained the ability to draw from their strength as well as tap into the raw powers of the Lifestream. They would become Aegis's first druids.
-411-430 AC. Union of Crown and Spirit
A lord known as Belifol would take notice of a growing threat to the west, one of Barsburg. What were once disorganized lands were now an imperial coalition that had already taken a new noble holding of the Materialists. Belifol reasoned a divided east would be crushed under Barsburg, and paradise will forever be lost.
They would seek out the Druids telling them of Barsburg's utter disrespect for the land, and that if both of their peoples weren't united then all of them would suffer under their rule. The Druids would agree, and seeing a way to intact the spirit's will on a larger scale they would forge a pact. The Druids would respect the authority of nobility if the nobility respected the authority of the spirits and natural world. And thus a union would be the bridge between the materialist and spiritualist, or Aen as the old tongue of paradise would call it. With the support of the Druids Belifol would unite the entirety of the materialist and spiritualist under his banner, the nobility, and the druids. With their new might, they would launch a counterattack to reclaim cities and capture cities once ruled by materialist aligned nobles, starting Aen's long rivalry with Barsburg Empire.
-
500-650 AC. Dominion over Meranthe
Following a need to acquire more resources Aen would look south to Meranthe. Through a decades long campaign they would colonist much of Meranthe, forcing out the Leotyn dynasty and raising it as a vassal state ruled by Aen Nobles. During this time they would drain the continent of many vital resources and had little respect for the Primordials, with the crown actively trying to purge Nephilim given their threat to their dominion. This wouldn't make Aen popular with the locals, causing a rebellion to form in 645 AC which would completely kick out Aen forces five years later. Aen couldn't afford to reclaim Meranthe given rising tensions with Barsburg, so left the continent to its affairs.
-
720-794 AC. The Seven Wars
Famines and general descent across the continent would cause Barsburg to launch a surprise attack against Aen. This would prompt Aen to respond in kind which dragged both empires into a series of wars that lasted for around seventy years.
-During the last war in the year 790 AC a faction of the Aen nobility pledge their forces to aid Magnolian rebels and Barsburg Witches to overthrow the Magnolian Council. This faction hoped to not only stomp the council but betray everyone within the coalition and claim Magnolia's magi-tech for themselves to defeat Barsburg. Unfortunately, the Magnolian Council would push back the incursion, with many soldiers and resources lost in the attempt. Given their collaboration with foreign elements, especially witches, this faction would be stripped of their noble titles and hunted down by the druids. Aen continue fighting, but the forces lost in the incursion would cost them the war. Barsburg would win the war, taking a huge chunk of Aen territory, crippling much of their finances and manpower.
-
800-1199 AC. The Dark Ages
With the consequences of the last of the wars, Aen would be plunged into an age of chaos and instability. Successions over the Monarch plunged Aen into several civil wars over the centuries. The paranoia against witchcraft grew as the Nobles became suspicious of origin magics and surviving collaborators, prompting several gruesome witch hunts which did nothing but target random civilians and put them to the torch. It was a time of uncertainty and suspicion as Aen turned ever inward, with the only winners of the age being the Tower Sects. During this time they would secure the towers for their ancient organizations, using their newfound powers to benefit the nation as a whole, even when the Nobles and Druids were focused on their own affairs. Over time there would be a consorted effort to codify rules of succession and foster unity in both the Nobles and Druids once again, but Aen wouldn't reach a semblance of true stability until the peace barriers fell.
-1200-1500 AC. The Aen Renaissance
Following the fall of the peace barriers the sea became open to traversal once again, opening up a new frontier to a nation struggling with resources. They would be one of the first nations to establish a naval presence, reestablishing relations with both Esshar and Meranthe well making contact with nations outside of Aegis. Throughout Aegis and beyond Aen would establish a number of trading outposts across Aegis and surrounding islands, both opening themselves to new markets and new resources from outside their borders. During this time Aen would gain new resources and ideas from other continents. Its greatest inspirations were found in Brittania, being the origin of much of Aen's naval tradition and modern architecture. The Aen Empire flourished under this new age of intercontinental trade, welcoming many specialists or anyone looking for a fresh start, leading to populations of beastkin, drakanites, and other peoples from Aegis and beyond to gain stable numbers in Aen.
-1700-1900 AC. Navel Tensions
Barsburg and Aen would engage in a series of naval skirmishes in Aegis waters and beyond, putting each other's outposts under siege and plundering the merchants of their rivals. To where their land based warfare had grounded to a stalemate the high seas morphed into a new battleground over trade and overseas holdings. During this time did the Aen navy gain much of its prestige, with many of its naval traditions and tactics designed to outmaneuver and sink Barsburg ironclads.
- 1941-1950 AC. The Obsidian Betrayal
The Obsidian Tower has always been a controversial institution within the Aen empire, one with many rumors attached to its Tower Path. One of these rumors would become true when it was discovered the Magister of Death was communing with a powerful spirit, but it wasn't a spirit the Druids would approve of. An elder nethradin that was determined to weaken Aen enough for them to get obliterated by Barsburg in the coming decade. They tried to do this silently at first, making mysterious plagues appear, well as making their political opponents disappear. It didn't take long for the other magisters to grow suspicious, and after calling upon druids to divine the Magister of Death's connections discovered them a witch. Getting outed too early they accelerated their plans, rallying their political allies to overthrow the Emperess, plunging Aen into a civil war over the throne.
--
In the end the Obsidian Tower was shattered with its magister and allies either purged or pushed into exile. The Magister of Death never expected to win a direct civil war, though the timing of such an attack would be a decade too soon. During the aftermath of this civil war the Magisters of Heaven, Industry, and Depts were placed in high honor for their support, with them becoming heavily involved in the current ruling dynasty of Aen.
-1961-1965 AC. The War for Aegis
The Imperial Court of Aen would one day receive a surprise representative from the Magnolian Council. They would leak their discoveries of a riftmancy-based superweapon that Barburg was developing, to the High Nobility, estimating they can have enough bombs to level them both of their nations within half a decade. With this weapon Barsburg could not only press Aen into submission but do massive damage to the spirit world in the process.
- Aen would summon what allies they could for what they knew to be the final struggle between the two powers. They summon what allies they had from Valdalion and a certain loose coalition of magi from Meranthe all the way to their trading partners in Esshar. When the time was right Magnolian Operatives would activate a backdoor in the Coalesence that temporarily crashed the entire system, messing with Barsburg communications and preventing them from launching any prototypes. Once the Coalesence went dark the members of this alliance would attack Barsburg from all sides.
-
The battles fought within the war were bloody and cost many lives as both magi-tech and horrific storms tore the Barsburg heartland apart. Towards the end of the war Barsburg would temporarily restore the Coalescence. As a final act of defiance, they would launch all completed rift bombs across the continent, including one on directly on the Barsburg capital so it would never suffer the humiliation of being captured. Hessalia was obliterated, Middlemist wiped off the map, with a few more cities and countless lives lost in the rift. When it was over Magnolians would seize the research on the project and would have hopefully destroyed any trace of it.
-
It came at a great cost, but after millennia of rivalry, Aen stands alone as the most influential nation in Aegis.
-1970-Present. Dominion over Barsburg
Aen would claim the territory of the former Barsburg Empire, intending to make sure their rival will never have the capacity to threaten them ever again. In the span of a few years they would cripple the once industrial heartland of Barsburg, meltdown magi-tech they deemed pollutive (almost all of it), and purged any synth they could find. With their production crippled and much of their magi-tech destroyed millions of Barburgians starve in those first few years when the territory was being consolidated. Even today the area is considered a shell of its former self, filled with industrial ruins, shanty towns, and many rebel groups trying to throw off the Aen yoke.
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Credits.
Chance. For giving me an excuse to finally delve into Aen lore.
Theroi. For writing Barsburg lore which correlates to a few events with Aen.
Enginseer-42. For lore about the towers, the cycle, and mystical inheritance. If you want more details on the towers then check out their lore thread. Empire of Aen Brainstorm Write-up. (chronicles-of-eternia.com)
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