The Archeological Institute

'Knowledge through history, power through discovery'

Organisation:

The Archeological Institute is a public branch of the government that wields tremendous power considering it began as privately funded ventures into the desert. It was officially funded and taken over by the government in 2309 by The Emperor. It has become the behemoth that it is today due to the discover of The Ruins of Khana and the wealth hidden beneath The Sabal'Har Desert.

The main role of the organisation is to find, identify and categorise all objects and relics of 'The Ancients' that are found in the sands. Most of the caravans that venture into the Sabal'Har are funded and managed by the institute, though private firms try to muscle in or steal away artefacts, and sometimes even bandits raid caravan trains to steal the precious cargo and whisk it away for sale elsewhere. However, the majority of artefacts make it to the Institute without a problem and from there they are studied by the highest scholars for their use and value. Some are sent to Sab Dubar and distributed to family, trusted agents and allies, while he keeps some for himself, secreted away. Others are sent to where they can do the most good in the Empire and a small amount are even sold to other nations for a hefty sum. The wealth generated from the artefacts has given Sabal an incredible amount of power, and many rush to The Sabal'Har to get a cut of that power.

The Council

The council of three preside over the distribution of artefacts, making the decision for every one themselves. They are also tasked with the day to day running and research taking place in the Archeological Institute. Two of them are The Emperors own children, so important is this venture that he installed them himself, choosing them for their skills and intelligence.

Keleran Lakis Silnor Sallab

Appointed in 2476 AC, the sixth son of The Emperor, Keleran is likely one of the most level-headed and shrewd men within the Empire. He has a mind for organisation, logic and reasoning, and spends many days and nights solving problems long before they arise. Some within the family believe he has inherited their fathers gift of foresight so good is he at avoiding problems and dealing with things before others would notice them, though on a far less grand scale. He often oversees distribution of caravans, supplies and ultimately artefacts, knowing with unnatural instincts almost exactly where they can do the most good. He is responsible for running almost 80% of the institute, but is not only known for his shrewd mind, having seen off dozens of assassins without breaking a sweat, and returning the favour to those that sent them himself.

Areven Gilna Uwen Sallab

Appointed in 2458 AC, the fourth daughter of The Emperor, Areven is just shy of a hundred years old, though looks barely twenty, a disarming quality that has been the death of men and warriors that have underestimated her. She is the mightiest sorcerer within the Emperor's family, rivalling her father himself for the powers she wields. Her knowledge, often hard won and her loyalty to her father and the family put her as an obvious candidate for such an important task. Personally she is intrigued by the fall of Famala and 'The Ancients', likely knowing more about that time than any in the world, though for her it is not enough and the need to understand the puzzle of history and the artefacts drives her on.

Draknis Enden III

Appointed in 2485 AC, the great great grandson of the original caravan owner Arlec, his family has been a staple of the Archeological Institute, knowing every detail of every find since his great great grandfathers time. The years have been good to his family with wealth and prosperity as well as status and education. He and his family have proven themselves invaluable to the Institute and the Emperor, and Darknis holds no ill will for the disappearance of his great great grandfather, but instead takes it as a lesson to learn. Never take from The Emperor.

Founded: year 2309

By: The Emperor

Headquarters: Sab Narath, The Great University (A sprawling building of white, covering a vast quarter of the city)

Type

Governmental, Department

Founding:

The first collection of expeditions into the desert came when a slave dug a trench during a regular caravan stop. He struck something hard, pulling it out of the sand and turning to solid steel. After a while others came to find his statue holding a smooth artefact. The caravan proprietor scooped it from his hands, before himself turning to steel. The second in command, a man named Arlec took over, used cloth to wrap and take the item and instructed the slaves to continue digging around the statues. He found a trove of ancient treasure and dozens of bones beneath thick mortar. He returned to Sab Narath and almost overnight became the richest man in the city. He traped back and forth into the desert as subtlety as he could, before others began to follow, discovering this cache of wealth and killing for it. Skirmishes and battles in the desert became a regular thing, until Arlec suggested they found a society to continue this without bloodshed and make it lucrative for all. Soon after The Emperor heard of it and summoned the heads of all the caravans.

They were never seen or heard from again, but soon after their seconds were elevated to positions of power amongst a new Institute founded by The Emperor. The Archeological Institute.