Procto Cius

His Royal Majesty, the Imperator of Arcanaan

The reigning Imperator of the Arcanaan Empire, Procto Cius ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Maximus Cius VI, in the Year 0 AA (or Arrival Year). The laurel of the imperator passed to him at 20 years old (or about 32 in Tellan years).

Raised in the rigid traditions of the imperial court, he was groomed for leadership from a young age, though his reign has been marked by unprecedented turmoil. His rule began with high expectations—many saw him as a strong yet pragmatic leader, capable of balancing the demands of the nobility, military, and common citizenry. However, the sudden eruption of the chimera-led slave rebellion has tested his authority like never before.

Procto is known for his sharp intellect, austere demeanor, and an uncompromising sense of imperial duty. Unlike his father, who ruled with an iron fist, Procto prefers a calculated approach, using diplomacy and manipulation as much as force. However, as the rebellion spreads and fractures the empire, he has become increasingly ruthless, determined to crush the uprising before it threatens the imperial heartlands.

His marriage to Imperatress Consort Tribellia Cius-Senilis was one of both political necessity and genuine affection, a rare combination in the imperial court. Together, they have five children, with his heir, Casio Cius II, still in his youth. This makes the preservation of his dynasty all the more urgent, as any sign of weakness could invite internal strife among ambitious noble houses.

As the empire teeters on the brink of a prolonged civil war, Procto must navigate a treacherous landscape of rebellion, disloyal vassals, and political intrigue—all while ensuring that the Cius dynasty survives to see another generation.

Mental characteristics

Education

As heir to the Arcanaan Empire, Procto Cius received an elite education under the private tutelage of the Violet College, the esteemed institution responsible for instructing all noble-born in the empire. From a young age, he was immersed in a rigorous curriculum designed to mold him into a scholar, statesman, and ruler.
His tutors—renowned magisters of the Violet College—provided instruction in a wide array of disciplines:
Matters of State & Governance – Procto studied imperial law, administration, and diplomacy, learning to navigate the intricate web of imperial bureaucracy, noble politics, and military command. He was trained in the art of negotiation, taxation, and logistics, with case studies drawn from past emperors’ successes and failures.
Etiquette & Courtly Conduct – As the future Imperator, he was expected to embody the height of courtly decorum. Procto mastered the formalities of imperial audiences, diplomatic gatherings, and ceremonial functions, ensuring he could command respect with both his words and bearing.
Language & Rhetoric – Fluent in the imperial tongue, he was also taught the languages of the empire’s vassals and rivals. His studies emphasized classical oration and persuasive speech, training him to deliver commanding decrees and diplomatic appeals with equal finesse.
Philosophy & History – He was well-versed in imperial philosophy, particularly the doctrines of imperial supremacy, duty, and order, which justified the empire’s dominion. He also studied histories of past reigns, rebellions, and conquests, ensuring he could draw upon precedent in times of crisis.
Mathematics & Economics – From taxation systems to trade routes, Procto's education in mathematics was deeply practical. He learned how to balance the empire’s treasury, calculate provisions for armies, and manage coinage devaluation.
Poetry & Literature – Like all high-born heirs, he was expected to appreciate the cultural arts. Though he lacked the temperament for idle poetic musings, he could compose formal verse when required and understood the use of poetry as propaganda to glorify imperial rule.
Magic & the Arcane – Though not a mage himself, Procto was trained in the theory of magic—enough to understand its applications in war, governance, and espionage. He was educated in imperial magical laws, the uses of enchantments in administration, and countermeasures against arcane threats.

The Making of a Ruler

Unlike some imperial heirs who indulged in decadence, Procto took his education seriously, knowing the weight of imperial responsibility. Though he displayed natural cunning, his upbringing emphasized pragmatism over cruelty, diplomacy over brute force—lessons that would later shape his reign. However, as the rebellion threatens the empire, the cold, calculated strategies of his youth may give way to the harsh necessities of war.

Morality & Philosophy

Pragmatic Imperialism:

Procto Cius is, above all else, a pragmatist. His moral compass is guided not by sentimentality but by the necessity of preserving order and stability in the Arcanaan Empire. He was raised on the doctrine of imperial supremacy, believing that the empire’s dominion is not merely a matter of power but of duty—without it, the world would descend into chaos. However, unlike some of his predecessors, he does not rule with blind arrogance or cruelty; he sees governance as a careful balance of force, diplomacy, and calculated compromise.

The Weight of the Crown:

Procto views the imperial throne as both a privilege and a burden. He does not indulge in excess or surround himself with sycophants—he expects competence from his advisors, and in return, he rewards loyalty and ability. He believes that an emperor cannot afford personal indulgences; his will must be the empire’s will, his desires secondary to the needs of the realm.

Order Over Freedom:

To Procto, freedom is a luxury, one that only the strong and stable can afford. A tightly governed empire is preferable to the chaos of rebellion and unchecked ambition. The rebellion, in his eyes, is not just an attack on his rule—it is an existential threat to the world’s natural order. He acknowledges that many chimeras were wronged, and he understands the appeal of their cause to some—but to tear down the empire over past injustices is reckless madness. A flawed order is better than no order at all.

Strength, Not Cruelty:

Unlike some of his ancestors, Procto does not rule through mindless brutality. He does not see cruelty as strength—strength is control, the ability to direct power efficiently. Executions, suppression, and war are tools, not indulgences. He believes in precision over excess—why burn a city when its people could be taxed, conscripted, or brought back into the fold? This calculated approach makes him neither a merciful nor a sadistic ruler; he will do what must be done, but nothing more.

Loyalty is Earned, Not Assumed:

Procto does not trust blindly, even among his court. He sees the noble houses, the Violet Entente, and even his own council as useful, but dangerous. He rewards loyalty and competence, but he keeps a watchful eye on those who serve him, ensuring that fear and respect, not complacency, keep them in line.

The Rebellion: A Threat, Not an Ideological Rival

He does not view Gaelan Petra or Mika as revolutionaries with a legitimate cause—to him, they are warlords tearing the empire apart with naive idealism. He understands why they rebel, but he does not believe in their vision. The rebellion, to him, is not an argument to be won—it is an insurrection to be crushed.

A Calculating, Cunning Emperor

Procto Cius is neither a benevolent idealist nor a ruthless tyrant—he is a coldly pragmatic ruler, one who understands that power must be wielded carefully. His philosophy is built on the idea that the empire is a vast, fragile machine, and his role is to keep it running, no matter the cost. If that requires war, suppression, or negotiation, so be it. His only true loyalty is to the Arcanaan Empire itself.

Social

Family Ties

Imperatress Mother, Nadya Penfold (35) Procto respects his mother as a pillar of imperial tradition, though their relationship is formal rather than affectionate. Nadya, once a key influence in his upbringing, has taken a more passive role in governance since her husband’s death. While he values her insights, he does not always seek her counsel, as she is more concerned with courtly decorum than military and statecraft. Still, she remains a respected figure in the imperial court, and he ensures she retains her status.
Imperatress Consort, Tribellia Cius-Senilis (21) Procto’s marriage to Tribellia was a political arrangement, strengthening ties with the powerful Senilis family. While there is mutual respect between them, their relationship lacks the warmth it once had—Procto sees her as a competent partner in courtly matters, but not as a confidante. Tribellia, for her part, understands the nature of their marriage and plays her role as Imperatress dutifully, securing alliances and managing the imperial household.
First Prince, Casio Cius II (10) Casio is Procto’s heir and primary focus among his children. The Imperator has high expectations for him, ensuring he receives the best education from the Violet College. However, Casio is still young, and Procto remains uncertain whether his son possesses the strength and cunning necessary to rule. Their relationship is distant but built on discipline and preparation—Procto does not coddle him, believing that hardship forges strong leaders.
Second Prince, Aulus Cius (10) & Third Prince, Quintus Cius (10) Aulus and Quintus are largely overshadowed by Casio but are still expected to serve the empire in key roles. Procto sees them as potential commanders or governors rather than rivals, and he ensures they are properly educated. They are aware that their futures depend on their usefulness to the empire, and Procto fosters an unspoken competition among them.
First Princess, Celica Cius (9) Celica, though not a direct player in imperial succession, is a valuable asset for diplomacy. Procto sees her as a potential match for a powerful noble house or even a foreign ally. While he does not involve himself deeply in her upbringing, he ensures she is trained in courtly intrigue and politics.
Fourth Prince, Julian Cius III (5) Julian is still too young to be a concern in Procto’s mind. His education has begun, but Procto has yet to determine his future role.
Fifth Prince, Callian Tilus (8) & Concubine Dorenia Tilus (20) Callian is the son of Dorenia Tilus, a noblewoman Procto took as a concubine for political reasons (to smooth over a poorly acted-upon passionate one). The Tilus family was a lesser but influential noble house. Though Callian is not in the direct line of succession, Procto ensures he is given an education befitting a prince, likely to be positioned as a governor, military leader, or diplomat in the future.
Dorenia herself remains at court but holds no real power beyond her status as the mother of a royal child. Procto treats her with distant respect, masking the personal affection between them.

Species

Humans

Honorary & Occupational Titles

High Sovereign of the Empire, Lord of the Nine Realms, Warden of the Creator's Truth

Age

22 Adaran, 32 Tellan

Date of Birth

20 BA, Maximus VI Year 4

Sex

Male

Eyes

Emerald green

Hair

Blond

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

White, Fair

Aligned Organization

The Arcanaan Empire