Marcus Ferras Rursus
Dominus of the Rasenna Marcus Ferras Rursus (a.k.a. Sotíras, Guztien Maisua, The Great)
Revered commander of the Oltune legions, Emperor during the great troubles and savior of the Empire
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Known as an exceptionally fit commander, Rursus stood quite tall with wide shoulders and firm hands. His sturdy legs and wide frame led to nicknames in his younger years like "Big Boy" or "The Giant Ferro".
Facial Features
In his prime years, Rursus was said to be so handsome as to attract any faithful man or woman to his side, while not exactly ugly as he grew older, his Legions sometimes poked fun at their commander for not being quite the same looker in his later years.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Born in Agrihenia to the Ferras family which had roots as a family of settlers dating back to the reign of Gratius. Rursus was prominent as the son of a powerful and influential family that had a history of serving the Empire faithfully. Rursus however did not want a life of luxury, he sought fame and glory through the military but unlike many of his ancestors, he was given a prestigious position as a prefect to the dreaded Oltune Legions who routinely campaigned past the Oltune subduing the frequent incursions from the peoples across the river who the Rasenna called the Beihan. Fighting bravely and ferociously, Rursus climbed the ladder of command before being appointed Legate of the veteran 15th Legion which would adopt the cognomen "Ferro" meaning Steel, after their commander who they adored as Marcus led personally during campaign. Rursus' campaign against the Beihan had to be cut short as he and his legions were recalled back home in the aftermath of the disaster at Soturas where Emperor Arrius had been disastrously defeated by Shahanshah Razad I and forced to retreat west where he was betrayed and assassinated by a group led by a notable general named Pracclius who assumed control of the empire during these chaotic times. Rursus would be bribed to remain at his post and have some of his legions sent east to assist Pracclius in his defense against the Rasanids. Rursus' legions would appear to be just what was needed as Pracclius won a narrow victory at Sabiela which was dashed as the Rasanids regrouped as Pracclius campaigned further from his supply lines and was ambushed, surrounded and soundly defeated and captured by Razad.
Following the capture and execution of Pracclius, the Rasennan state was in turmoil, much of the east had been recaptured by the dominant Rasanid Shahdom and multiple provinces had declared their sovereignty. In Rasca, the Curia was in shambles and many anticipated the end of the empire as chaos filled the streets and an unprecedented great fear took hold of the Rasennans. In this fear, Rursus was proclaimed emperor by his troops and would dramatically win back the lost territory and restore the stability of the empire. Beginning by defeating rebel groups in Lakia, Rursus lifted Rasca from siege and was hailed as Sotíras, Mykran for Savior. After rescuing Lakia and the capitol, Rursus marched north and engaged Areul separatists and defeated them resoundingly at the Battle of Pestra and saw the entirety of the province rejoin the empire. Rursus then wintered in northern Lakia before moving on Galukia in the spring, there he fought numerous remaining tribes in the highlands and defeated the leader Helvius in Battle at Campe Corrazo where he was proclaimed Guztien Maisua or Master of All in Galuk. Having secured the entire west, Rursus now set his gaze on reconquering the east and he was in luck as Shah Razad had died and his son now ruled as Razad II. This new Razad was notoriously weak and timid compared to his conquering father and the Rasanids were effectively ruled by his master of horse Yazhoras. No matter who seemed to face him, Rursus was victorious as he fought two Rasanid armies sent against him and marched to Durris which opened their gates to him in celebration of their liberation. After recapturing Durris, Rurus marched into Rasanid territory and split his army into thirds and rampaged through the countryside before the young Shah was forced to sue for peace. Now in possession of all former lands of the empire, Rursus began his peacetime reign by establishing the popularity of Victus Oeua the "Victorious Sun" with who he claimed to be in contact. The worship of the sun was to be a religion that united the empire under one god without forcing them to abandon their own. This policy worked greatly as the victorious sun became the main religion of the empire which was now called the Dominate after the title Rursus was addressed, Dominus, which was a title typically slaves used to refer to their masters. After all this success, Rursus would be assassinated by his secretary Baculus, who mistakenly thought Rursus would begin a purge of his inner circle, he was succeeded by his subordinate Appian.
In the aftermath, Baculus was found and killed by troops fervently loyal to their old commander and Emperor. The Curia had attempted to reassert their power to appoint Emperors but the army quickly revolted and proclaimed only one of Rursus' officer corp could be trusted with the power of the Imperial seat. So a man was appointed, Appian. Appian was a loyal subordinate and from a similar background as Rursus, his rule would continue with the shadow of the Great Restorer hanging over it. While the Empire was granted another few centuries of its height, this was the beginning of the end as ineffectual governing, corruption, economic implosion and the untimely death of Emperor Arno in 15 B.E would result in the Empire's fall and the beginning of the Dykairos.
Following the capture and execution of Pracclius, the Rasennan state was in turmoil, much of the east had been recaptured by the dominant Rasanid Shahdom and multiple provinces had declared their sovereignty. In Rasca, the Curia was in shambles and many anticipated the end of the empire as chaos filled the streets and an unprecedented great fear took hold of the Rasennans. In this fear, Rursus was proclaimed emperor by his troops and would dramatically win back the lost territory and restore the stability of the empire. Beginning by defeating rebel groups in Lakia, Rursus lifted Rasca from siege and was hailed as Sotíras, Mykran for Savior. After rescuing Lakia and the capitol, Rursus marched north and engaged Areul separatists and defeated them resoundingly at the Battle of Pestra and saw the entirety of the province rejoin the empire. Rursus then wintered in northern Lakia before moving on Galukia in the spring, there he fought numerous remaining tribes in the highlands and defeated the leader Helvius in Battle at Campe Corrazo where he was proclaimed Guztien Maisua or Master of All in Galuk. Having secured the entire west, Rursus now set his gaze on reconquering the east and he was in luck as Shah Razad had died and his son now ruled as Razad II. This new Razad was notoriously weak and timid compared to his conquering father and the Rasanids were effectively ruled by his master of horse Yazhoras. No matter who seemed to face him, Rursus was victorious as he fought two Rasanid armies sent against him and marched to Durris which opened their gates to him in celebration of their liberation. After recapturing Durris, Rurus marched into Rasanid territory and split his army into thirds and rampaged through the countryside before the young Shah was forced to sue for peace. Now in possession of all former lands of the empire, Rursus began his peacetime reign by establishing the popularity of Victus Oeua the "Victorious Sun" with who he claimed to be in contact. The worship of the sun was to be a religion that united the empire under one god without forcing them to abandon their own. This policy worked greatly as the victorious sun became the main religion of the empire which was now called the Dominate after the title Rursus was addressed, Dominus, which was a title typically slaves used to refer to their masters. After all this success, Rursus would be assassinated by his secretary Baculus, who mistakenly thought Rursus would begin a purge of his inner circle, he was succeeded by his subordinate Appian.
In the aftermath, Baculus was found and killed by troops fervently loyal to their old commander and Emperor. The Curia had attempted to reassert their power to appoint Emperors but the army quickly revolted and proclaimed only one of Rursus' officer corp could be trusted with the power of the Imperial seat. So a man was appointed, Appian. Appian was a loyal subordinate and from a similar background as Rursus, his rule would continue with the shadow of the Great Restorer hanging over it. While the Empire was granted another few centuries of its height, this was the beginning of the end as ineffectual governing, corruption, economic implosion and the untimely death of Emperor Arno in 15 B.E would result in the Empire's fall and the beginning of the Dykairos.
Education
Given a standard provincial education with an emphasis on military theory and strategy
Employment
Legate and Governor of the province of Agihenia Prope
High Auger of the Imperial Cult
Emperor of the entire Rasennan Empire
High Auger of the Imperial Cult
Emperor of the entire Rasennan Empire
Accomplishments & Achievements
Victories beyond the Oltune at Tzimak, Ouesa and Chareckt
Proclamation of his Imperial succession at Nasus
Victor against separatist forces in Lakia, Areul and Galukia
Reconquest of the imperial east following his recapture of Durris and treaty with Razad II
Proclamation of his Imperial succession at Nasus
Victor against separatist forces in Lakia, Areul and Galukia
Reconquest of the imperial east following his recapture of Durris and treaty with Razad II
Intellectual Characteristics
Practical
Charismatic
Authoritative
Charismatic
Authoritative
Morality & Philosophy
Favor the soldiers and scorn all else
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Familial Prestige, Preservation of the Empire and Glory
Social
Contacts & Relations
Commander of future emperors Appian, Bracchus and Macerian
Family Ties
Through maternal links, Marcus Ferras Rursus would be an ancestor of many Rasennan emperors after him through his daughter Lucia.
Religious Views
A fervent believer in the Cult of the Sun, the solar deity was the patron of Rurus and he influenced the further prestigious cult as the primary diety of the Empire, worshipping "Victus Oeua" The Victorious Sun
Social Aptitude
While a somewhat harsh disciplinarian, Rursus had a humble aptitude towards his troops as he frequently partook in battle alongside them and marched from the front when on campaign.
Hobbies & Pets
An avid student of Naturalism, Rurus studied birds as a dedicated hobby of his, this led to a reputation of his as a patron of other natural philosophers such as his contemporary and friend Sastus who's journey gave a detailed account of the Emperor's day to day life.
Speech
Rursus' voice was detailed by his chronicler Sastus as deep, smooth, and controlled, apparently, this was much to the liking of his men who would request their commander to tell them stories and sing them songs while on the march.
Relationships
Divine Classification
Deified Post Mortum
Religions
Current Location
Ethnicity
Other Ethnicities/Cultures
Life
703 B.E
647 B.E
56 years old
Circumstances of Birth
Born to provincials in the Agrihenian town of Nasus
Circumstances of Death
Assassinated by his secretary
Birthplace
Nasus
Spouses
Sophie Vatatzes
(spouse)
Siblings
Children
Gender
Male
Eyes
Dark Brown
Hair
Short, Blond
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Tan
Height
6’3
Weight
210 lbs
Quotes & Catchphrases
"The Blade is the new Law."
Belief/Deity
Patron of Victus Oeua
Aligned Organization
Comments