Overview
The Sunset Empire, spanning from 598 to 361 UT, was ruled by the infamous
Amazar Dynasty. This period began with the
Eannelks' defeat, the remnants of their culture scattered throughout the empire. The Amazars, now at the helm of the empire, zealously endeavored to purge the Eannelk influence, promoting the superiority of the
Drakoyan culture. This had severe ramifications for the northern-adjacent cultures within
Draksineon, including the
Yanoc, who faced much prejudice due to their association with the foreign conquerers, despite being unrelated to the ousted clan.
The Amazars initiated their rule as populist rulers, using a strategy of 'bread and circuses' to win the favor of the common people. Early policies focused on public feasts and grand entertainment, which garnered significant support. However, this decadence also infected the ruling dynasty, leading to widespread corruption within the Amazar family.
The dynasty's reign was characterized by a constant tug-of-war, with certain rulers such as
Brima Amazar attempting to restore the family's reputation and wealth. However, their efforts were drowned out by the majority who contributed to the family's decline. By the end of the period, the Amazars were deep in debt to criminal syndicates in
Galori and
Ceweren due to their gambling habits.
Mages too were embroiled in chaos, as
Sevegal Incodes, a Grandmaster of the
Berythian Order, wasted immense resources in his quest for artifacts from the mystic kingdom of
Devokan, with little to show for his efforts. His excessive lifestyle led to an ideological shift within the order, resulting in the creation of
The Old Robes, a faction that sought to return to the simpler and harmonious teachings of the
The Sage, Beryth.
By the end of the Sunset Empire, the state teetered on the brink of collapse, leading to the fall of the Imperial system altogether. The ensuing period, known as
The Reconstruction (362-Present), clung to feudal norms while integrating new democratic principles. This major political overhaul gave rise to a decentralized government, run by
co-equal heads of the country's eleven Duchies, marking the end of the era of singular imperial rule.
The Enduring Legacy of the North: Grehe and Rhädörei Eannelk and the Youngling States
The Sunset Empire was defined by both the rise of the Amazar Dynasty and the downfall of the Eannelk line. Its early years saw the creation of two key territories,
Surea Hasaep (later
Surrisep) and
Yvengen, collectively known as the
Durhohfa, or
Youngling States. These fiefdoms were intended as neutral territories governed by the children of both northern and southern rulers, symbolizing a fragile peace between the Eannelk and Drakoyan powers. The land division, however, would soon prove contentious, as Callag Eannelk’s great-grandchildren,
Grehe and
Rhädörei, grew into their roles with diverging visions of rule.
Bodur Eannelk, their father, had sought to solidify the Eannelk legacy by ensuring his descendants ruled over this crucial region. His hopes for a lasting and harmonious dominion were dashed as Grehe and Rhädörei’s differences, and the tensions inherent in the north-south divide, came to the fore. Grehe, the elder twin, ruled Yvengen with a heavy hand, earning a reputation as a cruel and uncompromising leader. His disdain for his Drakoyan heritage led him to favor northern customs, which alienated the Drakoyan populations under his rule. His oppressive policies, including enforcing harsh laws such as jus prima nocta and denying southern territories their rightful trade agreements, sparked suffering and unrest. Grehe's animosity toward his sister, Rhädörei, who ruled Surea Hasaep with a far more balanced and lenient approach, only exacerbated the brewing conflict. He saw her sympathetic stance toward Drakoyans as a betrayal of their father’s legacy and, emboldened by his growing power, declared war on her lands.
Grehe’s brutal tactics and his manipulation of Aurimbic mages, whom he forced into service under a legal loophole, drew the attention of both northern and southern powers. His decision to militarize the Aurimbics, once bound by the
Council of Landezon's laws, led to the creation of an entirely new but short-lived branch of the Tradition, called
Keldar's Army - a watershed moment that led to a broader crisis. Many within
The Aurimbic Tradition initially supported him, believing his cause would elevate their political status, especially since they had long been marginalized by the southern-dominated Council. However, as Grehe's methods became increasingly violent and corrupt, a faction within the Aurimbics known as
Kido Kai conspired with
Berythians to bring about his downfall. In 571, through a covert operation, Kido Kai assisted a
Nurhetic mage in luring Grehe into a fatal trap—summoning a phantom stag that led him to his death on a hunting expedition. This bit of history is not well-known and though centuries old is still downplayed by
The Quorum, the Council's secretive wing.
The death of Grehe at age 33 caused a significant shift in power. His sister, Rhädörei, who had always shown herself to be more diplomatic and fair-minded, inherited Yvengen, becoming a unifying figure between north and south. Her ascension to power was a quiet triumph for the Berythians, who had secretly helped orchestrate Grehe’s demise but could never publicly acknowledge their involvement. Under Rhädörei’s rule, Yvengen and Surea Hasaep saw relative stability, and she worked tirelessly to maintain the vision of the Youngling States as neutral, dual-natured territories. She would eventually break her territories into smaller administrative duchies, fostering local governance and laying the groundwork for modern-day regions such as
Surrisep,
Calian, and
Odureas.
However, the broader empire continued to suffer under the weight of poverty, uprisings, and strained resources. The once-glorious Amazar Dynasty, despite efforts to purge northern influence and solidify Drakoyan cultural dominance, found itself mired in corruption, particularly in its dealings with criminal syndicates in
Galori and
Ceweren. By the time of Rhädörei’s eventual death, the empire was on the brink of collapse, its imperial system strained by internal divisions and the failure to integrate its northern and southern regions under a cohesive rule. Rhädörei’s work to keep the Youngling States neutral and inclusive of both Eannelk and Drakoyan interests had delayed the inevitable, but as the empire crumbled around her, the Sunset Empire’s final days were marked by strife, bankruptcy, and civil unrest.
Thus, the period ended not with imperial consolidation but with the gradual decentralization of power. The feudal systems that had begun to emerge under Rhädörei’s careful governance became the new norm across the empire, giving rise to the decentralized, democratic principles of the Reconstruction era. The legacy of Grehe’s brutality and Rhädörei’s pragmatism lingered in the fragmented territories they once ruled, setting the stage for future conflicts and reshaping the political landscape of both north and south.
Bloodline of the Amazar Dynasty
1.
Brimar Amazar (598-574 UT) - Known as "The Decadent", Brimar was renowned for his indulgence in fine wine and the arts. His reign marked the start of the Sunset Empire, a period characterized by indulgence and decadence. Despite his extravagant lifestyle, Brimar maintained strong relationships with the nobility of
Rello, paving the way for the repayment of old debts.
2.
Braimlin Amazar (574-552 UT) - Brimar's son, Braimlin was not known for his administrative prowess. He was more interested in drinking and gambling. His carelessness would be the cause of a significant decline in the respect and authority of the Amazar family.
3.
Brima Amazar (552-522 UT) - Braimlin's eldest daughter took the throne after her father's death. She attempted to restore the family's prestige by focusing on economic development and strengthening alliances with the
Galorican nobility. However, her reign was overshadowed by the legacy of her father's poor judgement.
4.
Braxus Amazar (522-498 UT) - Brima's brother, Braxus was a hedonist who further accelerated the decline of the dynasty. Under his rule, the wealth of the Amazars grew significantly, albeit from dubious sources. Rumours linked the empire's prosperity to the emerging criminal syndicates and the wealthy but unscrupulous Amalfas family, overseers of the
Galorican capital,
Nurum Vos.
5.
Brasca Amazar (498-474 UT) - Brasca, Braxus' son, was a shadow of his father, devoid of his charm but filled with his vices. The empire's wealth continued to grow under his rule, and with it, the corruption and decadence. He spent a lot of time in
Nurum Vos, cementing the suspected alliance with the Amalfas family.
6.
Brigga Amazar (474-461 UT) - Brasca's son, Brigga, was a weak ruler, easily manipulated by his advisors and the Amalfas family. His reign marked another sharp period of decline for the Amazar Dynasty.
7.
Braenna Amazar (461-436 UT) - Braenna, Brigga's sister, was a determined and ruthless ruler. She attempted to break free from the Amalfas' influence but was met with resistance from within the Empire and her family.
8.
Braith Amazar (436-411 UT) - Braith was Braenna's son. His reign was marked by the infamous game of cards in 436 UT wherein his nephew, Braimlin, lost the
Duchy of Bourally to
Ascu Boural, a common rascal. This event had a profound effect on the family, shaking their grip on the Empire and causing significant controversy.
9.
Branweii Amazar (411-361 UT) - Braith's daughter, Branweii, saw the decline of the dynasty. Despite her efforts to restore order and dignity to the empire, the damage was irreversible. Her reign ended with the fall of the Sunset Empire and the rise of
The Reconstruction period (362-Present).
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