Archadian Empire
The greatest empire lost to time. Well, actually, no. For some races, the memory is still fresh and they were able to do enough changes that they lasted for centuries after they were gone. The Archadian Empire started its beginnings in the Third Age, Kingdoms. The Archeron continent was mostly uninhabited as the Elves lost their lands due to the Second Age, Godswar and the north to many humans. Thus, the biggest populace belonged to the Dragons but they didn't stay for long. The continent rose to prominence long after and it was due to it being mostly unexplored. People who came here looking for a new home, for the place quite alluring but the most number of immigrants went to magic users. But not to any magic users, those that wanted to be left alone to do their studying or experimentation. Why not find for your tower or cult in an unexplored region of the world? Many flocked here and over the generations, the continent grew in strength. Many nations would rise and fall, like in any part of the world. However, these conflicts were unique to the rest and it was because they were isolated by the grand politics of Tethys. You had Sailan versus Old World, Arakhor trying to influence others, Azura plotting to become the rulers of the world and Venland getting rich of wars. Thus, all conflicts in Archeon stayed in Archeon, allowing the people of the continent to focus on themselves more than countries in other continents. This allowed a small nation to form in the center of the continent called the Kingdom of Archadia. Over the centuries, they were able to gather many magic users, and compared to their neighbors, they quickly became the most powerful magic nation. However, instead of war, they brought peace and diplomacy. There are some rumors that they used magic to sway people to their cause, while it is true that they used magic, there are tells that it wasn't used against their will but they traded magical knowledge for alliances. Over a millennia after the first cities were built on Archeon, the continent became united in the Unification of Archeron event. The Archadian Empire was born.
Having such an array of magic users in their grasp, the nation focused on revealing the secrets of the arcane arts. Before any other empire could stop them, the Arcanite was discovered and over the next years, decades, the Archadian Empire grew in prominence and strength. The sheer power they wielded in magic users alone was enough to make other nations think twice about war and after their technological prowess was revealed, a war would be a futile effort. The Arcanetrain visited many places around the world, travelling faster than any creature or airship. This was the last closing horn for other empires. They lost the race. In the end, it wasn't the Jadeite Empire or the Divine Empire or any other, it was the Archadian Empire. Through the usage of diplomacy, smarts, they were able to conquer the world. Build many universities and schools, that are used long after they are gone, the technology they created still works. However, everything good had to come to an end. The Fourth Age, The Calamity dawned and the council that ruled the empire fell in the Blood Crown Assassinations, the Divine Hollow struck and shortly after it was revealed that they worked with the Icons, the greatest city of all was attacked by the Warmonger. The Magic Threads were shattered and the city fell, killing millions. Fall of Magnumpoli was the true beginning of the end. Over the coming years, more cities would fall. The empire collapsed to its knees before the Iconian Empire. It was over. At least, that's what the historians say as the Archadian Empire did rise up once more after the Icons were defeated, but it was for a short while as Vecna's plot to become an Overgod began and when it ended, the continent shattered.
Centuries after the remnants of the empire can be found in many places, either in the Archadian Confederacy, Freedom Isle, Feohanagh, Cinthelia, Savillia and many more. The descedants of this grand empire still live but they do not dream of returning to their once glory days. It is just a dream. They live their lives to the fullest. Some still on the lands of the lost nation, either in the skies or on the seas. Some still search as the Magitech was so superb, it can't be denied by anyone. There are still ruins, places you can find these lost relics. You just need to know where to search.
Comments