Geralt Exion

The Grandfather of The Aisles

Summary

Geralt Exion was the son of Huralk Exion and the father to Arkantos Exion, the first Emperor of The Empire of the Aisles, making Geralt the Grandfather of The Empire. Geralt's father Huralk, as weel as many generations of Exion's before, was a blacksmith. The Exion forge was known throughout The Aisles for its quality. Geralt grew up helping his father and grandfather in the forge leading to a dirty, hard, but secure life. While Geralt's grandfather was still alive, Huralk left to pursue wealthy and powerful clients of the forge and convince them to join into an alliance with the other islands for security and profit. Huralk was a key component behind the The Alliance which was governed by the Council of the Aisles. The Alliance was created in the wake of increasing attacks from The Raiders who would sail down from the north to pillage the unprotected islands. The Alliance main purpose was to increase protection by way of fortifications and an Alliance based navy. The Council also helped promote trade and communication between The Aisles of the Speckled Sea (until the Dawn of The Empire).

Geralt rose through the ranks of the Navy and became a leading naval commander as well as a strong political leader known across The Aisles. Geralt did everything in his power to increase military strength in the northern region of The Aisles but due to political squabbling, and the Council Elders' personal goals the defenses in the north went lacking for years. Throughout Geralt's career, he saw how much good the Alliance could and did do for The Aisles but he also knew it was lacking in efficiency and strong leadership to bring it to its fullest potential. The best way of achieving this potential, in Geralt's eyes, was to create a mighty empire with a responsible and competent leader at its helm with ultimate authority and the people's best interest at heart. Though Huralk and Geralt's wife, Shor, did not see this dream as a probable, or possible, solution Geralt told his children (and anyone else who's listen) all about his dream every chance he had. The old Exion home was on an island in the north-eastern region on the Speckled Sea, far from the usual raiding targets. After another failed appeal to the Council Geralt went home to visit with his family. On the last night Geralt was home his island was attacked by the raiders' capital ship helmed by their Commander, known within The Aisle as The Son of Death. Much of Geralt's home town was burned down and many of its inhabitants were killed or captured. Geralt's father, daughter, and wife all escaped while Geralt and his son, Arkantos, stayed behind to help defend the town. Geralt would fight the raid commander in one on one combat but would be slain by The Son of Death before Arkantos' eyes.

Arkantos was knocked unconscious and taken captive. Aboard the raiders' ship, the Arkentos' captors had their way with the women and children they had captured and put the older boys against each other in fights to the death. Through these fights, Arkantos became the favorite fighter of the raiders and their commander. One night, Arkantos found an opening and took it, killing The Son of Death, freeing the other prisoners, killing most of the ship's crew, and bringing back the raiders' capital ship as a trophy. His great act of bravery made Arkantos a hero across The Aisles which he would use to his advantage later in his life to bring his father's dream to life. Arkantos would join the Alliance Navy and eventually fill his father's boots and a military leader and political icon. Geralt's dream of a unified and powerful empire would become a reality thanks to his son's conviction, bravery, and intelligence.

Historical Basis

Numerous first and second hand acounts which were authenticated and writen down by Imperial scribes at the order of Emperor Arkantos.

Spread

Across the Speckled Sea and even to some of the surrounding contenants.

Cultural Reception

Within the Empire the story of Geralt Exion's life is seen as a story of told of one's own grandfather and many feel that Geralt was is some way every Imperial citizens' grandfather making the story even more personal. Outside of the Empire the story of the Empire's creation is less known but still largely seen as truth.

In Literature

There are fewer books based around just Geralt Exion but nearly every book about Arkantos, the creation of the Empire, school history texts, military doctron, etc. talks about or at the very least mentions Geralt in some way and always with a high amount a respect and reverence. Many poems and songs have been writen and sung about Geralt, Grandfather of The Empire.