Emperor Mikkel IV
Mikkel Graversen Thorup, most commonly known as Emperor Mikkel IV, was the Ether Vin Emperor of Telzia from 186 FE to 35 PM, reigning for over 61 years, and is remembered as one of the most effective Telzian emperors throughout history. His early reign was characterized by a number of anti-corruption measures and standardization throughout the empire, as well as occasionally bloody suppression of rebellions and disloyal nobles.
In the later parts of his reign, he was noted as a strong dissenter within the Union of sending significant troops to Meridia. The Telzian position throughout the Fall of Meridia was that Meridian concerns were not Telzian concerns, and Telzia was more than prepared to hold their border against the marauding threat. This position was partially softened by advice from his trusted generals, who believed that if their projection were wrong, Telzia could itself fall.
Regardless of the Emperor's beliefs, Telzian expeditionary forces were sent to Meridia, and both Telzian ground and sky ship support was instrumental in holding Meridia ground, though it became clear by the later stages of the war that these forces were more concerned with acquiring Meridian land and creating a natural chokepoint than saving Meridia lives, a truth that remains a point of strife between Meridia and Telzia.
During his time, Mikkel IV was noted as a dispassionate man, cold to most and often diplomatically curt, with few redeeming qualities as emperor, only staying in power through the lack of meaningful opposition. He was heavily criticized for declining to uphold Telzian expansionism, instead focusing on industrialization and infrastructure throughout the empire, as well as a staunch policy of border fortification and sometimes unfavorable peace treaties.
However, with the benefit of history, most historians now agree that Mikkel IV was a man of incredible foresight and an unparalleled internal administrator, capable of keeping the entire Telzian empire just happy enough to avoid dissolution, while enforcing countless civil benefits that remain to this day. His policy of defensive warfare on most fronts and quick expansionism through Meridia land has been cited as the primary reason for Telzia's effective domination of the current world stage.
Life
41 FE
35 PM
76 years old
Circumstances of Death
Peacefully in his sleep
Birthplace
Telzia
Place of Death
Telzia
Children
Gender
Male
Height
5'5"
Weight
143lbs