Empress Kelleria Freebrace

Kelleria Freebrace was the first Empress of the Kellerian Empire. A lot of her history from before she ascended to the throne has been lost to the ages. What is known is how she united over a dozen nations under one banner to form the Empire. In the middle of the main courtyard in front of the Imperial Palace in Killiarn there is a statue of Empress Kelleria. She is armored in her famous mithril chainmail and has drawn her famous blade, now known as the Imperial Talon. Flanked on either side of her are two men. One tall, but powerful in appearance wearing scale armor and wielding a poleaxe. On the other side of her is another man, not as tall as the other, but still taller than average. His stature is much broader than the other man and he is wearing heavy plate armor and wielding a hammer and shield. On the shield is the crossed sword and gavel symbol of Horan, the god of justice. The statue was made in the time that Kelleria was still alive and the presence of the warpriest of Horan is a strong indication that the Empress had intended a close relationship with that religious order. The statue has been used as a theme for many artworks over the millennia. And is considered one of the most culturally significant pieces of art in the world. Records that have survived show that the first laws of the Empire were laid down by Kelleria herself. She had a strong sense of loyalty to those under her command and passed many laws that remain in place today that concerned the welfare of her people. Historical texts tell of her warrior’s acumen and keen political mind. She was known to be able to command and maneuver troops in battle with alacrity equal to her ability to get laws passed through the Council of Provinces. She is well documented in the histories of Paltroy and Vicea as well for being an able diplomat and being fair in her dealings with other nations. Every year on the eighth day of the last month of the year, the Empire celebrates Ascension Day. Though the name suggests that it may have been celebrating when Kelleria first took the throne, some scholars believe that it may have been the day that she was born. Perhaps it was both. On Ascension Day there is much eating, drinking, and reveling. Tournaments are held all over the empire and the streets of the cities are filled with entertainers, merchants, and hawkers of exotic foods. Young girls dress up in mock armor and pretend to be Empress Kelleria fighting off monsters.