The Emperors and Protectors of Arc

Annai was the troubled daughter of Traedas Ordrish, who grew up desperate for her father's love and recognition. Traedas had one obsession over all else and that was the maintainance of his own personal power. If he had love for his daughter, it was lost over the years as he yearned for greatness, recognition and a legacy of his own. When her father died she married two times, both unhappily, firstly to Yeruthline Kavvar, an old Vannic prince who hoped to re-establish himself in Arc. Annai looked upon him as the father she never had, but he was only capable of causing her misery and betrayal. He died at sea, some have claimed he was murdered by Annai's loyal advisors when his philanderings were revealed. She then married Tovar Andrase, a young knight of Arc from noble lineage. The marriage was looked upon as scandalous, as Annai had married beneath her, but it was cut short when Tovar went to war in Del'Marah and was slain at the battle of Festulys in -2085. As the years passed Annai grew ever more bitter and reclusive, eventually dying in -2040.

In the taverns and debating chambers of Arc, Aymund Gorer's legacy has been the subject of fierce debate. It is widely agreed that he was far more decisive than his elder brother Lathanel, but the extent to which this is viewed as a virtue has freqently been the subject of controversy. To some Aymund was a brutal tyrant who crushed opposition, and to others he was an emperor who understood implicitly how to maintain the power of the Arcish nobility and acted to protect it. Aymund Gorer was never intended to be emperor, and as the youngest of the Gorer line only succeeded his oldest sibling by chance, following the untimely death of his brother Yatre and sister Aumne. Aymund Gorer had served as a general in the Third Army, taking his orders directly from Lathanel, and his opportunity to rise to the throne came during his middle years. Aymund had little direct experience of court politics, something that actually became a virtue during he reign. Recognising that not being in thrall to the aristocracy or the guilds was a key strength, he was able to decide who to support in the endless power struggles between the two. Aymund backed the nobles against the banks and used the power of his own enforcers, the Reeves, to arrest and persecute guild masters who sought to use their growing power to attack inherited wealth and titles. Aymund gained the undying gratitude of the nobles (those noble families who were ejected from Arc but who still live across the Arclands treat him with barely concealed reverence and wait for the next 'Aymund' to return). Guild members in Arc today spit when they hear his name.

Following Solomond Gorer’s assassination, Sharrinde Vryse sought to consolidate his power and establish a dynasty. As the most vocal and public opponent of Gorer’s reforms Vryse had secured the support of the nobility prior to his coup. Arc’s armies were drawn from the vassals of the nobility, lending the army a distinctly reactionary character, and thus were largely supportive of Gorer’s assassination. However, the Arcish bureaucracy and civil service, without which the wheels of Arc’s Empire would stop turning, were largely supportive of Gorer’s agrarian reforms, seeing the mismanagement of Arc’s noble estates as a significant impediment to the expansion and consolidation of Arcish power in the wake of an increasingly powerful, and hostile, Dran. Sharrinde feared that officials aligned with Gorer could present an insidious fifth column that could slowly cripple the Arcish state, instigating a popular revolt. Sharrinde understood that his support base among the nobility could easily dry up in the face of popular resistance and that it was necessary to mitigate any potential economic fallout, to avoid being branded a tyrant. Though Sharrinde intended to consolidate the interests of the nobility, it was necessary to make temporary concessions to the Arcish people, to allow enough time for his dynasty to entrench itself, and to safeguard against a popular revolt. Sharrinde declared a unilateral amnesty to civil servants who had spearheaded Gorer’s reforms, he bequeathed each of them an auresian ductat, a gold signet ring inscribed with the insignia of the noble house. These rings were given to loyal aldermen of a noble estate. Aldermen could use them to as a form of collateral on loans, signifying that the noble estate would act as a surety to the loan, with interest being collected in the form of goods produced by the vassals of the estate. Such rings created a relationship of patronage between the nobility and the agrarian reformers, aligning the personal interests of the proponents of reform with the nobility, since the rings would become worthless if the estates were taken out of noble hands. Noble houses, in order to increase the value of the surety of their noble name and crest would make very public ostentatious displays of wealth, often competing with one another. Traditionally such rings were given to the aldermen of minor vassal houses to Arc’s great houses, allowing them to live in accordance with the expectations of their station, and thus maintain face, in the wake of increased impoverishment. The bequeathal of a ring was based on a mutual understanding that their lord would take responsibility for their debts in exchange for service, vassals who abused their ductats, would more often than not find themselves at the bottom of the Arcish sea. It was unprecedented to extend what were previously vassalric privileges to Arcish officials. The bearing of such a ring, entitled its owner to a family crest of their own, as well as a small homestead in the countryside with their own serfs. The source of the greatest tensions between the nobility and the burgeoning administrative class, was that in spite of the latter’s often considerable abilities, they had little official status in the Arcish court, and would be forced to pay deference to the nobility, walking several steps behind even the lowest yeomen of a noble entourage, and eating several tables down from the nobility, with the highest civil servants holding little more status in official ceremonies than the highest ranking of the imperial household servants. Sharrinde sought to co-op Arc’s officialdom by integrating it into the feudal system, giving them the status they craved, and tying their personal prosperity directly to the fortunes of the most powerful noble families. Though not all high ranking officials were receptive to the auresian ductats, and continued to lobby for the reforms, Sharrinde managed to split the reformist officials, since by continuing to insist on their reforms, the dissident officials would be seen by those who took the offer as not only working directly against their personal interests, but also implicitly highlighting the lack of integrity of those who took the rings by their principled stance. This provided Sharrinde with a support base among Arc’s bureaucrats and civil servants. Sharrinde was thus able to leverage officials who had been initiated into the Arcish feudal system to oust the remaining supporters of Gorer’s reforms, exiling them to remote regions of the Arcish mountains in less than favorable conditions without openly attacking the civil service, and thus rallining the administrative classes against the nobility.

Whilst Carrand Croyse was a descendant of Solomund Gorer, there was little in common between the two. Croyse sold himself to the Azure Chamber as a great reformer, much as his ancestor was, but the reality was quite different. His reformism was hollow and there was little real will to improve the lives of imperial subjects, deal with the excesses of the nobility or protect the wealth of the empire, which was steadily being eroded by Arc’s main rival Dran. As the reality for Arc’s mercantile classes sank in that they had produced a ruler who enjoyed the trappings of power but who had no idea how to use it, many began to abandon the city for Dran, including the Greyll family, whose ancestors are among the most powerful families in Dran at the present moment (the year 295). Another reason for mercantile, and eventually even noble families leaving the city was mental and emotional condition of the Emperor himself, who began to hallucinate that he had been visited and controlled by a shadowy presence called Lyniacus. Physicians and scholars from across the Arc Empire were summoned to treat the emperor, who became increasingly reclusive and palid. Sometimes those who were given the task of understanding what ailed him actually heard the voice of the creature that called itself Lyniacus. The Croyses had made the Almeayar Palace their home, and it quickly gained a fearful reputation amongst courtiers, servants and guards. There was a dreaded sense of foreboding along the great empty corridors and in the shadows of its silent, still halls. In the year -1600, Croyse, in one of his more lucid moments, summoned an Olorian Khepi (one of the hermits of the delta, whose traditional tribal role was to ‘spear’ dark spirits in the waters, swimming from the open water inland). The Khepi, called Nalacamat, claimed that Croyse had been visited by a Dokuman, one of the evil beings from Olorian legend that ‘crawled the earth and blackened the waters’. Nalacamat was treated with overall contempt and mistrust by the Emperor’s advisors, but sensing he was close to madness and death, they became willing to try what the Khepi suggested. Croyse, who languished in bed, was placed in the centre of the great imperial throne room and the room flooded to waist height with the waters of the Olorian Delta, transported by sea on the Emperor’s flagship, Almalgon. Nalacamat believed that the Dokuman would show itself in the waters, and he waited with his ceremonial spear. When the creature manifested as a writhing mass of black tentacles, he speared it, and it exploded from the waters creating a pillar of fire that mortally wounded the Khepi and the Emperor, dissipating in a black cloud throughout the city. Croyse’s daughter Amealian, would be the next of the dynasty to content with Lyniacus

In polite Arcish society, it is generally accepted that the Croyse years are never discussed, as the question of what Lyniacus was (a shared madness throughout the entire family is the line that the Aruhvian Church insists upon, as it refuses to accept that evil spirits are able to exist in the mortal world), is too troubling for most Arcish gentry to acknowledge.   The story of Raana Croyse's rule is even more disturbing, because her advisers came to believe that Lyniacus's essence had left the imperial palaces following the death of her mother and had become absorbed into the very stones of Arc itself. For a generation there were terrifying rumours that the city and its people had been cursed. a wave of shocking murders amongst the wealthy of the city, and the appearance of a dark, viscous liquid in the city's wells led to many of Arc's gentry leaving the city for a generation.   Raana Croyse also had to contend with the threat of the 'people of the mist', a strange and terrifying phenomenon that occured for ten seasons in the midst of her reign. A vast sea for called the Haar would roll in from the Greater Arc Sea in the autumn, and in the midst of it tall humanoids with glowing golden eye would stalk the docks and Storm Row, taking their victims out into the mist with them.    Raana was forced to abandon the traditional remoteness that and empress adopts, and was famed for leading her soldiers from the front, and in the final year of her short reign decided to meet the mist people with force on the streets of Storm Row. Perhaps poorly advised, perhaps simply living with the traumas of her forebears, Raana Croyse seemed to have abandoned all trappings of royalty by the end of her reign, and there are plenty who have speculated that she had never been able to fully accept the life of an empress and the formality and protocol that went with it. She vanished on Khelend Road in Storm Row, enveloped by the mist. She was last seen laying down her sword and walking towards one of the people of the mist, who seemed to beckon to her.   Raana Croyse, traumatised by the fate of her mother, was unsure of herself when she came to the throne, but aided by her mother's advisors who had experienced the evil of the creature Lyniacus   Found that Lyniacus had seeped into the stones of Arc, resulting in years of crises, murders, cults, strange ‘walking men’ - Raana is eventually murdered by her courtiers, inspired by the creature.

Amealian Croyse, eldest and favourite daughter of Carrand Croyse, nursed her father through the last years of his life and was present at his death, when the true horror of Lyniacus was revealed. She left the Empire in the hands of her younger sister Raana for long periods of her reign as she journeyed and searched for answers as to what Lyniacus was, and why it had haunted her family. As she searched Aestis, consulting the wisest of the Carathene Order, she began to realise that the spirit had never left Arc, and that it existed in latency in every stone, every wooden beam, every cobbled street of the city. Lyniacus revealed itself again to her when she returned to the city and to the newly built royal residence, the Khovendria Palace. It would appear in mirrors, whispering its incomprehensible language. Amealian was transfixed, desperate to learn what the creature wanted. Gradually she began to believe that it meant her no harm, that it was somehow trapped and needed her help. To outsiders, it appeared that she had been driven to insanity like her father. Raana attempted to have all the mirrors in the palace smashed, their shards buried as her sister became more and more transfixed by them, and by Lyniacus. It was Raana who saw her mother's last moments surrounded by a hurricane of shards as she stepped towards, and was swallowed up by the great Anyrus mirror in the Emperess's  chambers. Raana, realising that her family's tormentor was real and not the figment of two tormented imaginations, created a story, along with her most trusted courtiers, that her sister had taken her own life, consumed with some deep melancholy. Raana and her son Tolver did not make the same mistake and draw Lyniacus to them, but they remained vigilant for the rest of their days for signs that the creature had returned.

Tolver Croyse was the eldest son of Raana Croyse and was ten years old when she vanished. During the first six years of his reign, the Lord Counsel Arriland Hyrdes ruled the empire in his stead; the years of the Arriland Regency saw no let up from what was described as the 'Curse of the Croyses', the seeming weakness of the dynasty inspired Arc's enemies, particularly in Dran to extract greater concessions from the city. Arriland Hyrdes was despised by the Arcish nobility as weak, but subsequent historians have been more sympathetic. The declining fortunes of Arc and the horrific events of the Croyse years meant that he began his reign from a weakened position. When Tolver came of age he seemed unable to focus on his royal duties, his mind constantly drifting, wandering. Within three years of ruling he absented himself from the throne in -1531 and left Arc with a small retinue of followers, he travelled to Harenis in order to find out if the library itself contained the answers to the horrors that had plagued his family, or to the whereabouts of his mother. He spent the vast majority of his reign away from Arc, with Arriland Hyrdes and his two sons Vandan and Thorle Hyrdes ruling as regents until Tolver returned to rule in -1509 for the final three years of his life. Tolver died a broken man, his mind crushed under the weight of the enigmas and riddles that he had pursued. His youngest son, Lorunder, came to the throne as a boy, once again under the supervision of the Hyrdes family.

In his final dying years, Tolver Croyse would draw and whisper, though much of what he wrote seemed incomprehensible and for hours he would endlessly repeat the mantra 'A fire, a fire, a fire in the heart of knowing," smiling as he did. Lorunder Croyse was deeply affected by his father's death and by the belief that the family was cursed, but he was prepared for the throne by Behane Hyrdes, daughter of Arriland (the Hyrdes family became the young emperor's closest companions, though the belief that they coveted the throne for themselves was widespread). Lorunder seems to have anticipated the return of Lyniacus (perhaps from making sense of his father's dying words), and in the year -1500 travelled westwards to Wardenhal and from there to the The Firg Lands, where he crafted a weapon of immense power, the Hautryan Maul, which he intended to use in order to slay the creature once and for all. When Lyniacus returned to silently walk the halls of Arc's palaces and to terrorise the Croyse family, he did so as a being called The Man of Ancient Faces, who was able to change his appearance, but appeared to Lorunder wearing a grnarled wooden mask that spoke in a hideous rasp and claimed to have seen through dead eyes long before humans ruled the lands, and during the time that the Keeper waged his blood war on the Fey kingoms. Lorunder had learned to fight with the maul in the halls of the Firg master warriors and dealt a mortal blow to the Man of Ancient Faces. The eternal enemy of the Croyse dynasty stabbed Lorunder in the side with a poisoned blade before he died, and Lorunder passed away hours later. Those that saw him lying at rest remarked on how peaceful he seemed, perhaps knowing that the torment of the Croyse dynasty was over at last.

When Aeshan Croyse died without a surviving heir, the Lord Counsel of the Empire sponsored the obscure Varraline family to the throne, determining that they were the nearest acceptable branch of the Croyses that could rule with legitimacy, whilst being acceptable to the Azure Chamber and the nobility alike. The Varralines were warriors and their eldest daughter, Loriland, was a member of 'Young Vannists', junior commanders in the army and diplomats who believed that Dran had defied and humilated Arc for long enough. Loriland Varraline wished to demonstrate to Dran that if it chose to break away or to challenge Arc for supremacy, that it would have to pay an unbearably high price in order to do so. From the moment of her coronation, Dran's rulers looked upon her as a divisive and agressive figure and began to train huge numbers of soldiers and mariners at Nurian's Rock. The Lord of the Mondrias family, Exharion, believed that a show of strength by Dran would discourage Loriland from taking any rash, warlike future actions and he instructed Dranian warships to block sealanes to Arc and to blockade ports of cities and coastal fiefdoms loyal to Arc. His expectation that the untested and younger Loriland would back down were dashed and instead she arrested Khoden Glarin, Dran's ambassor in Arc and his entourage in response to this provocation. When the ships were not withdrawn, she put the entire Arc navy to sea and offered up sufficient gold as to hire every privateer and every fleet between Arc and the Molvar peninsula. Her message to Dran was simple and Exharion's ships withdrew. It became customary to remark that Loriland had shown that the 'purse always beats the sword'.

Mereal Varraline -1365 -1300 (-1325 First Council of Harenis called by Kheraas Mondrias. Dran’s war of Independence starts the following year -1324. Until this point, Dran had been effectively a dominion and a general thorn in Arc’s side)   In -1319 Dran wins the war of independence when the Arcish Armies were defeated in the epic battle of Martanas (half way between Arc and Dran, where the Arcish army had built up its forces in preparation to laying seige to Dran, but was surrounded by the Dranian Army and ground into submission).

When Yagand Varraline came to the throne, the war that his father had fought against Dran seemed to be a distant memory. Despite the worst fears of Arcites, Dran had not split the empire, in fact the removal of Dran from the empire had been beneficial for Arc. Not only had the most divisive of the cities in the Arclands ceased to wield any power within the empire, but other city states (Gol, Harenis, Wardenhal and Hothis) rallied to Arc's banner out of a sense of familiarity, but also because their leaders weren't foolish enough to assume that Dran's promises of economic and cultural rejuvination were possible outside the empire. The careful planning of his father's generals had brought about an unexpected economic benefit, the opening of the Prayadine caravan route between Arc and the newly settled lands of Veska. The lands in the east had always been avoided because of the presence of the great, hideous giant creatures, the Gorins. As Veskans slowly fought back the vile creatures, learning the secrets of Gorin Stones, great plains opened up for the cultivation of wheat, maize and for the rearing of cattle. Arcite generals and diplomats recognised that this massive source of food and wealth would would cancel out the insurrection of Dran and reduce its rebellion to an irrelevance.

Harriland Varriline does not command the impressive historical legacy of his father, Sourchun and in many ways did much to reverse his forebear's achievements. A bored and spoiled young man, Harriland came to the throne interested in glory and adventure as much as he was interested in the continuance of the Arc Empire. He used his family's connections to Veska in order to involve himself in Veskan politics, at one point even suggesting that he as Arc Emperor become protector of the Veskan people and King Saigh An Cul be reduced to the position of a nobleman in service to the emperor-king. Relations soured with Veska, but nobles and merchants on either side, made enormously rich by the trade in grain, had a vested interest in discouraging this behaviour. The culture of political language and courtly manners in Arc was direct and unambiguous, however Veskan manners were much harder for the emperor to read, and the existence of the Veskan Underkingdom was completely hidden to him. It was decided not to assassinate Harriland, though plans to end his life were widely discussed in both Arc and Veska. However, his fate at the hands of the Veskans was if anything more damaging to the future of the empire. He was gradually ostracised from the country of his birth and when he made rash and hot headed plans to invade Veska, claiming that the crown belonged to him, he found a wall of inaction and resistance from every courtier, general and bureaucrat in the empire. The Veskans found it far easier to influence matters in Arc than the other way round. Harriland died in a hunting accident in the Arching Mountains years after his plans for war against Veska had collapsed. The combined merchant classes of Arc and Veska had ensured that the relations between the empire and the kingdom were unaffected by Harriland's folly, and this made the position of merchants in Arc largely unassailable.

Saralas Varraline's attention was focused exclusively on his enemies in Dran (who periodically allied themselves with their fairweather Ghothar friends) over the years of construction of the canal. It did not occur to him to consider that opposition might forment within Arc. Despite his focus on the great historical engineering project that he was certain would save the Arc Empire and finally bring Dran to its knees, he was a poor politician and was deaf to the rising anger of the nobility. The Arc empire's nobles grew wealthy from the landed estates they controlled across the Arclands, but their grain barns were dwarfed by the vast output of Veska, whose harvests offered the urban poor of Arc's cities endless cheap food. In addition to Arc's nobles feeling angry and resentful towards Saralas Varraline, so to did the Del'Marahi (emperor of Del'Marah) Shius Asai. Del'Marah, as a dominion of the Arc empire, had a ruling class that only leant its consent to the empire in the expectation that its agricultural produce would fill the markets of the Arclands. The decision to find another source of cheap food caused an economic crisis in Del'Marah and hardened the will of Shius Asai and his satraps to break away from Arc for good. Shius sent emmisaries to Dran in order to forge an alliance with Arc's mortal enemy, all the while maintaining seemingly cordial and loyal relations with the emperor. It was the Arcish nobles who assassinated Saralas Varraline, and with his demise, the ambitious house of Varraline also came to an end, setting the stage for the final twlight kings and the end of the empire.

It was Veder's younger brother Yorul a Dryn who created the greatest calamity in the history of the empire since the destruction of Arc's armies at Martanas. The new Del'Marahi Aroy Skar continued his father's quest of open defiance against and empire that was not only despised by the Del'Marahan court but also by the all important Del'Marahan satraps, who controlled power across Del'Marah. They had grown increasingly resentful and impoverished as a result of the Prayadine Canal and they saw the Dryn dynasty as weak enough to finally lose control over the southern portion of their empire. Aroy set a trap for Yorul, hoping that the emperor's pride and arrogance would lead him to ruin; he was not to be disappointed. After demanding that Del'Marah be ruled directly from the holy city of Pheff, he dared the emperor to use force to prevent this. Aroy knew that if Yorul decided not to, his weakness would be announced to the world, and if he landed an army and marched on Pheff, he would have to cripple his empire to keep it in the field, fighting to control a people who were now far beyond the control of the city of Arc. Yorul, against the expectations of onlookers, with the reluctant help of the southern Hipostic knights along with the Army of the Southern Banner, occupied Pheff for nearly two years before being starved into submission by a besieging Del'Marahan army. The final surrender was an enormous humiliation for Arc and pushed the empire close to the point of collapse. Yorul took his own life in disgrace, and his generals withdrew to northern Del'Marah, which they occupied until the year -900.     Yorul a Dryn leads an expedition to Del’Marah to depose the Del’Marahi and rule as emperor there. Surprisingly successful for a year or two, but is besieged in Del’Marah and finally killed

Ataukan Khyle (-900 to -882), the first Protector, was a seasoned general and shrewd strategist who played a critical role in the establishment of the Protectorate after the collapse of the Arc Empire. He understood the importance of maintaining stability during the transition, as the empire's provinces had become fractured and tensions ran high. Under his leadership, Arc navigated through these uncertain times, and Ataukan Khyle set the stage for future Protectors to build upon his legacy. Throughout his reign, Ataukan Khyle faced recurring threats from various regional powers, who sought to exploit Arc's vulnerability during the transition. He skillfully employed diplomacy and military prowess to counter these threats, ensuring that Arc remained strong and united. One of his most significant diplomatic achievements was establishing cordial relationships with Arc's traditional enemies, Dran and Del'Marah. Through careful negotiations, he fostered an environment of mutual respect and cooperation, which proved crucial for Arc's long-term stability.   Ataukan Khyle was also a visionary leader who recognized the need for economic reforms to support the growth and prosperity of the Protectorate. One of his most revolutionary ideas was the creation of a new currency, the Levat, which was the first Fiat currency not based on the intrinsic value of gold or silver. Instead, the Levat's value was based on the perceived worth of the note itself, backed by the confidence of the people in the Protectorate's financial system.   To support the Levat's value, Ataukan Khyle devised a system of debt bondage in Arc, understanding that this would create a continuous demand for the currency. This innovative approach to finance paved the way for the construction of the debtors' fortress, the Oboline, which served as a symbol of the Protectorate's economic power and the stability of the Levat. The Oboline stood as a testament to Ataukan's foresight and his commitment to solidifying Arc's position as an economic powerhouse.   During his 18-year reign, Ataukan Khyle laid the foundation for the First Age of the Protectors, setting in motion a series of events that would shape Arc's destiny for centuries to come. His focus on consolidation of power, stability, and economic innovation established key themes that would continue to define the era, providing guidance and inspiration for the Protectors who would follow in his footsteps.

Miras Valanth (-882 to -868), the second Protector, ascended to power following Ataukan Khyle's eight-year reign. Renowned for his diplomatic acumen, Miras Valanth's primary focus was to strengthen Arc's relationships with neighboring states and promote trade. His reign marked a period of prosperity and growth for Arc, as the city's economy flourished and its influence across the region expanded.   Continuing the themes established during Ataukan Khyle's rule, Miras Valanth sought to build upon the diplomatic groundwork laid by his predecessor. He engaged in numerous negotiations and treaties with neighboring states, including Arc's traditional enemies, Dran and Del'Marah. These diplomatic efforts further solidified the relationships with these nations and ensured a lasting peace.   Under Miras Valanth's leadership, the emphasis on trade and commerce became a driving force for Arc's economic success. With the Levat firmly established as a stable currency, the Protectorate's financial system continued to thrive. Miras Valanth championed policies that encouraged trade, supporting the growth of merchant guilds and investing in infrastructure to improve transportation and trade routes. As a result, Arc became a hub of commerce, attracting merchants and traders from across Aestis.   During his reign, Miras Valanth also continued the tradition of focusing on Arc's security and stability, ensuring that the city remained well-defended against potential threats. He maintained a strong military presence and continued the construction and expansion of the debtors' fortress, the Oboline, as a symbol of Arc's economic might and the strength of the Levat.   Miras Valanth's 14-year reign was characterized by diplomatic and economic achievements, which significantly bolstered Arc's power and influence in the region. By fostering strong relationships with neighboring states and promoting trade, he successfully continued the legacy of Ataukan Khyle and ensured that Arc's growth and prosperity would continue for generations to come.   The completion of the Oboline in Arc had far-reaching consequences for its citizens, as it became a symbol of both the power of citizenship and the consequences of failing to meet the obligations that come with it. Arcite citizenship held significant value, as it afforded its citizens various rights, such as private property ownership, protection from enslavement, and the right to marry. However, the state of Arc also used citizenship as a means of control and leverage, with citizens becoming indebted to the state by default. As Arc's power declined and its economy shifted to focus on debt, the Oboline became a crucial tool to maintain Arc's influence and deter potential threats from rivals like Dran and Taeor. The introduction of the Arcish levat, a fiat currency backed by Arcite citizenship, further tied the city's financial system to the value of its citizenship.   The Houses of Coin capitalized on this situation by requiring even the smallest loans to be guaranteed by the borrower's citizenship. The threat of losing their citizenship and becoming a 'Ward of the City' pushed debtors to settle their debts at any cost. This system granted the Houses of Coin immense power over the citizens of Arc and allowed them to manipulate the populace through fear of the Oboline.   The Oboline also played a role in the rituals of citizenship. Prospective citizens underwent a series of trials and were required to place a brooch within the wall surrounding the Temple of the Eyeless, known as the Apertures of the Faceless. This brooch represented their commitment to upholding the responsibilities of citizenship. Failure to meet the terms of a contract or loan led to the retrieval of the brooch and a lifetime of servitude in the Oboline.   The Oboline served not only as a means of control over Arc's citizens but also as a constant reminder of the potential consequences of failing to fulfill the duties and responsibilities associated with Arcite citizenship. By intertwining the Oboline with Arc's financial system, the state ensured that its citizens would remain indebted and subservient to its interests.

Jorast Grendal, who ruled as Protector of Arc from -853 to -835, was a visionary leader whose focus on infrastructure and defenses cemented the city's status as a regional powerhouse. Recognizing the need for a strong intelligence network, he created the Starrandan Runners, a sophisticated spy organization that would eventually hold significant influence over the reigns of future protectors. During the time of the Arc Empire, information flowed seamlessly between the various territories and the Emperors, making large-scale intelligence networks unnecessary. However, with the transition to the Protectorate, Jorast realized that Arc had become 'blind' to the activities and ambitions of other states, leaving it vulnerable to potential threats.   In response to this growing concern, Jorast established the Starrandan Runners, a network of spies that spanned the Arclands and reached beyond its borders. Under his guidance, the Runners collected vital intelligence, monitored the actions of rival powers, and helped maintain Arc's position as a formidable force in the region.   As the Starrandan Runners grew in influence and stature, they began to shape the policies and decisions of subsequent protectors, ensuring that Arc's interests were always prioritized. Their ability to gather information and influence events made them an indispensable asset to the Protectorate, and their legacy can still be felt in the realm of Arcite espionage.   However, the Starrandans soon discovered that they were not the only players in the game of international intrigue. In their efforts to gather intelligence, they encountered the Veskan underkingdom, a formidable rival with a sophisticated intelligence and sabotage operation of their own. This unexpected challenge would force the Starrandan Runners to adapt and evolve, testing the limits of their abilities and shaping the future of espionage in Arc.   In conclusion, Jorast Grendal's reign was defined by his visionary approach to governance, his focus on infrastructure and defense, and his creation of the Starrandan Runners. His foresight and determination ensured that Arc remained a dominant power in the region, and his legacy as a pioneering leader in the realm of intelligence continues to influence the city's strategic decisions to this day.

Lysandra Vortis, who ruled as Protector of Arc from -822 to -808, was a wise and pragmatic leader who placed great emphasis on the importance of education and knowledge. As half-sister to Belisar Caelum, her ascension marked the first shift toward dynastic succession amongst the Protectorate, a departure from the previous selection process. Recognizing the vital role that education played in the prosperity and success of a society, Lysandra was responsible for the establishment of several prestigious academies and libraries throughout the city of Arc. While there had been academies dedicated to scholastic learning in the past, Lysandra was the first ruler to argue that a more educated mercantile and scholastic class would enrich Arc and give it a competitive edge against its rivals.   Under her leadership, Arc became a center for learning and intellectual development, attracting scholars, artists, and thinkers from far and wide. Her commitment to education extended to all levels of society, as evidenced by the founding of the Tarvender, a house for the learning of foundlings. This initiative ensured that even the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society had the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills, fostering social mobility and nurturing the city's intellectual capital.   Lysandra's reign was marked by a focus on pragmatic and forward-thinking policies that aimed to strengthen the city's foundations and secure its future. By investing in education and promoting the cultivation of knowledge, she ensured that Arc would remain a vibrant and thriving hub of intellectual and economic activity.   In summary, Lysandra Vortis's legacy as a wise and pragmatic leader is defined by her unwavering commitment to education and the pursuit of knowledge. Her efforts to establish prestigious academies, libraries, and learning institutions contributed to Arc's flourishing intellectual landscape and reinforced the city's standing as a center of learning and progress. By prioritizing the development of a more educated and skilled population, Lysandra helped to secure Arc's prosperity and position it as a formidable power in the region.

Varen Thalmor, who ruled as Protector of Arc from -792 to -778, was a charismatic leader known for his commitment to the welfare of the city's citizens. His reign was marked by the implementation of numerous social programs and public works projects aimed at improving the quality of life for Arc's inhabitants. As the city's population swelled, Varen recognized the need for substantial reforms to address the growing needs of his people.   One of Varen's most notable achievements was the transformation of the city's almshouses, infirmaries, and foundling homes. These institutions, which provided aid and shelter to the poor, the sick, and orphaned children, were expanded and modernized under his rule. By ensuring that these facilities were well-funded and properly managed, Varen improved the living conditions for the city's most vulnerable residents.   In addition to his focus on social welfare, Varen Thalmor also dedicated resources to public works projects that benefited the entire city. He oversaw the construction of new roads, bridges, and public buildings, which not only improved the city's infrastructure but also provided employment opportunities for Arc's growing population. These projects also served to boost the city's economy, as improved infrastructure facilitated trade and commerce both within and beyond Arc's borders.   Under Varen's leadership, the city of Arc underwent a period of significant social and economic growth. His policies and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable, earned him the respect and admiration of the people. Varen Thalmor's legacy as a compassionate and forward-thinking ruler remains an integral part of Arc's history.   In summary, Varen Thalmor's reign as Protector of Arc was characterized by his dedication to the welfare of the city's citizens and the implementation of social programs and public works projects. Through his transformative efforts in improving almshouses, infirmaries, and foundling homes, as well as his investment in the city's infrastructure, Varen left a lasting impact on the quality of life in Arc, solidifying his reputation as a compassionate and visionary leader.

Drakon Silvarin ruled as Protector of Arc from -763 to -747. A seasoned diplomat with a keen understanding of international relations and trade, his reign was marked by a focus on economic growth and prosperity. Under Drakon's leadership, Arc's wealth and influence reached unprecedented heights, strengthening its position as a major power in the region. With an emphasis on fostering robust trade relations, Drakon Silvarin worked tirelessly to forge and maintain strong alliances with neighboring states. He recognized that trade was the lifeblood of Arc's economy, and that by establishing mutually beneficial agreements with other nations, the city could unlock new opportunities for wealth and development.   During his tenure, Drakon oversaw the expansion of Arc's trading network, reaching far and wide across the known world. This not only brought an influx of valuable goods and resources to the city, but also facilitated the exchange of knowledge, technology, and culture, enriching Arc's society as a whole.   Drakon Silvarin was also committed to investing in Arc's infrastructure and industry. He understood that, to capitalize on the growing wealth generated by trade, the city needed to develop a strong economic foundation. Under his guidance, Arc saw the construction of new roads, ports, and marketplaces, as well as the expansion of its manufacturing and artisan sectors.   In addition to his economic achievements, Drakon maintained a commitment to diplomacy and international relations. He valued cooperation and peaceful negotiation, skillfully navigating the intricate web of political alliances to protect Arc's interests on the global stage.   The reign of Drakon Silvarin marked a golden era for the city of Arc. His forward-thinking approach to trade, diplomacy, and economic development laid the groundwork for a prosperous future. His legacy as a skilled diplomat and visionary leader endures, and his contributions to Arc's growth and prosperity are remembered with great admiration.

Qintara Sylreth, Protector of Arc from -717 to -707, was a visionary leader with a keen eye for innovation. She understood the importance of staying ahead of the curve in an ever-changing world and invested heavily in technological advancements and infrastructure projects. Her rule laid the foundation for Arc's continued growth and success in the years to come. However, Qintara's reign was not without challenges. The city faced various issues that threatened to undermine its unity and progress:   Internal Strife: As the Protectorate system matured, tensions began to rise within the Azure Chamber. The various factions and interest groups vied for power and influence, leading to increased political infighting and instability. The once unified front that had guided Arc through the First Age started to fracture.   Economic Challenges: While Arc had experienced significant economic growth during the First Age, the rapid expansion also resulted in some unsustainable practices and an overdependence on trade. As Arc's trading partners experienced their own economic difficulties, Arc's wealth began to stagnate, exacerbating internal tensions.   External Threats: Arc's rise in power and influence during the First Age attracted the attention of other regional powers who saw the city as a threat to their own dominance. These nations began to form alliances and engage in covert actions against Arc, seeking to weaken and undermine its position.   Despite these challenges, Qintara Sylreth remained steadfast in her commitment to innovation and progress. She believed that technological advancements and modern infrastructure were crucial to Arc's future success. Under her leadership, the city saw the construction of new roads, bridges, and public buildings, as well as the development of cutting-edge technologies in various fields.   Qintara's untimely death in -707 created a power vacuum in the Protectorate, as the Azure Chamber struggled to agree on her successor. This stalemate further exacerbated the city's internal divisions and left Arc vulnerable to external pressures. Yet, the foundation laid by Qintara Sylreth during her rule would prove vital to Arc's resilience and ability to weather the storms of the Second Age. Her legacy of innovation and progress continues to inspire future generations of Arc's leaders and citizens.

Derren Ranniger, the second ruler of the Ranniger Dynasty and son of Lukas Ranniger, came to power after orchestrating a coup against his own father. The coup was driven by Lukas Ranniger's increasingly tyrannical rule and his controversial consideration of abolishing the Oboline, which caused alarm among the mercantile classes. Derren understood the importance of the Oboline to Arc's economy and was able to garner support from the influential mercantile classes to successfully overthrow his father. Under Derren's rule, Arc experienced a period of relative stability, as he sought to rebuild the relationships between the Protectorate and the city's various factions that had been strained under his father's dictatorship. Derren made it his mission to ensure the Oboline remained unchallenged, understanding its significance in maintaining Arc's wealth and influence.   During his reign, Derren Ranniger focused on strengthening Arc's trade networks and expanding its territories through diplomacy and strategic alliances. He was a skilled negotiator and managed to bring several rival city-states under Arc's sphere of influence, bolstering the city's power and prestige.   While Derren's rule marked a departure from his father's heavy-handed approach, he still maintained a firm grip on power and was not afraid to use force when necessary to suppress dissent and protect Arc's interests. However, he was careful not to repeat his father's mistakes and always kept the mercantile classes in mind when making decisions that could impact the Oboline.   Derren Ranniger's reign would set the stage for future Protectors of the Ranniger Dynasty, as they learned to navigate the delicate balance of power within Arc and ensure the continued prosperity of the city through the unquestioned importance of the Oboline.

Oran Van-Ranniger, the fourth ruler of the Ranniger Dynasty and first to bear the "Van" prefix in his name, came to power during a time of great change and innovation in Arc. The origin of the "Van" in his name was the result of a unique and unexpected union that would have lasting effects on the city's history.   Oran's mother was a skilled diplomat and emissary from the powerful maritime nation of Vanaria. During a diplomatic mission to Arc, she met and fell in love with Maland Ranniger. Their union symbolized a powerful alliance between two great nations, and the joining of their family names reflected this new bond. Thus, Oran, their firstborn son, was bestowed with the name "Van-Ranniger" to honor both his Arcish and Vanarian heritage.   Oran's dual heritage endowed him with a unique perspective on governance and diplomacy, which would greatly benefit Arc during his reign. With strong ties to both Arc and Vanaria, Oran worked diligently to strengthen the relationship between the two nations, resulting in increased trade, cultural exchange, and political cooperation.   Under Oran's rule, Arc experienced a period of unprecedented cultural and technological growth. The infusion of Vanarian art, architecture, and knowledge into Arcish society led to a renaissance of sorts. Oran encouraged this exchange of ideas and made substantial investments in infrastructure, education, and scientific research to foster a climate of innovation.   Oran Van-Ranniger's reign also saw the expansion of Arc's territories and influence, as he utilized his diplomatic skills and military prowess to secure advantageous alliances and favorable treaties. The marriage of Arcish ambition with Vanarian ingenuity and maritime expertise under Oran's guidance solidified Arc's position as a regional powerhouse.   Ultimately, Oran Van-Ranniger's reign was defined by a fusion of cultures and ideas that propelled Arc into a new era of prosperity and influence. His inventive approach to governance, diplomacy, and cultural exchange set the stage for a lasting legacy that would shape the city's trajectory for generations to come.

The last ruler of the Ranniger Dynasty and the Second Age of Protectors, Tyle Van-Ranniger was a determined and strategic leader. However, his reign would be marked by a growing discontent among the various factions of Arcish society, ultimately leading to the restoration of the Azure Chamber and the conclusion of the Second Age. Tyle continued to focus on maintaining the strong alliances and economic prosperity of Arc that had been a hallmark of his predecessors. He was an avid patron of the arts and sciences, further enriching Arc's cultural landscape and supporting the development of new technologies. He also continued to invest in Arc's military and naval forces, ensuring the city's dominance in the region.   However, as Tyle's reign progressed, the cracks in Arc's social and political structure began to widen. The once-unified front that had existed during the First Age of Protectors had long since fractured, with various factions and interest groups vying for power and influence. This growing unrest was exacerbated by the ongoing dominance of the Ranniger Dynasty and their centralized control over the city's affairs.   In response to this unrest, Tyle attempted to appease the various factions by implementing policies aimed at addressing their concerns. However, his efforts were not enough to quell the rising tide of discontent. As tensions continued to mount, the call for a return to the Azure Chamber, a symbol of Arc's earlier unity and shared governance, grew louder.   Recognizing the need for change, Tyle made the difficult decision to relinquish some of his power and restore the Azure Chamber. This act, while painful for the Ranniger Dynasty, was seen as a necessary step toward healing the divisions within Arcish society and ushering in a new era of shared governance.   With the re-creation of the Azure Chamber, the Second Age of Protectors came to an end. Though Tyle Van-Ranniger's reign was marked by strife and upheaval, his willingness to adapt and compromise ultimately paved the way for a new chapter in Arc's history, as the city once again sought unity and prosperity through shared leadership and cooperation.