The Poisoning of Axsayarad

Summary

In the year 195, flushed with victory after squashing revolts in Raxa and Hetmira in the span of four months, Axsayarad returned triumphantly to the imperial palace at Sarnaras. Winter had recently fallen, and the Munasimuna had many concerns on his mind. Chief among them was plotting revenge against the Venian Commonwealth for dealing his empire a defeat in the First Venian-Satri War. At the new year festival after the Presentation of Tribute, he decided, his glorious plans would be announced to the cream of the Satri Empire. For now, however, he desired to relax and enjoy delectable food, fine drink, and warm embraces of his women.
One night, Axsayarad attended a feast with his inner circle. Among those present included three of his sons: Baradurvas, Porayad, and Karanus, his favorite daughter Gordeya, his wife Asaraya, the grand minister of the royal household, and head of the King's Companions. The choicest foods and wines crafted the finest feast the empire had to offer. Little did the Munasimuna know that it would also be his last.
Late into the evening's festivities, the Munasimuna once again raised his golden, jewel-encrusted goblet for a toast. He threw back his head and drank deep. Soon after, he collapsed. To the great horror of his guests, Axsayarad quickly succumbed to poison. Niregenu- the imperial physician - quickly questioned the guests with the help of the head of the King's Companions. According to those present, after downing the fatal wine, the Munasimuna trembled, fell to the floor convulsing, and lost the ability to speak. Judging by the king's symptoms, Niregenu deduced the cause of death to be poisoning by hemlock.
Baradurvas threw himself at his feet, attempting to comfort his father in his final, unpleasant moments. Visibly grief-stricken, the prince promptly ordered the arrest of the chef who prepared the night's feast, the taster, and one of the nobles present. After brutal beatings and other torture, all three confessed to their involvement in the regicide plot. Several court eunuchs, a concubine, and Baradurvas' half-brother were also implicated. All were sentenced to death by scaphism.

Historical Basis

The events presented above are based in truth, but are based on official inscriptions and court records, all of which stem from the version of the story favored by Baradurvas. The prince was crowned Munasimuna after his father's untimely death. The man blamed the eunuch and a few nobles families most of all for the deed. In truth, the assassination was plotted by Baradurvas, to prevent another war with the Venians after the disaster that was the first one. He, along with Gordeya, and his closest friend Frayadun, were the masterminds of the poisoning.
Baradurvas' rival, Karayamus, was implicated due to patches of hemlock found growing in the gardens in his estates. There, it had sprung up by accident. The noble's gardener had discovered it has suggested its removal due to the toxicity of every part of the plant. Karayamus, however, insisted on keeping it. According to him, he liked the shape of both the plant and its humble white flowers.

Spread

Word spread quickly throughout the Satri Empire in the aftermath of Axsayarad's assassination. Countless rumors sprang up regarding the precise details. Some claimed he was poisoned - which was correct - by his sons, wives, or some court official. A few heard the rumors he was stabbed in the chest by his own bodyguard, which left him bleeding and unable to speak.

Date of First Recording

195

Date of Setting

195

Related People

• Axsayarad

Related Organizations

• Satri Empire