Feloran Palace Coup of 2454 EIE
Feloran society works more through subterfuge and intrigue than through open conflict, and there have been a total of 3 violent internal power shifts in the history of the Feloran Empire. The bloodiest took place as part of the Je'thor Reformations, a tumultuous 2-year period in the Early Imperial Era that lead to the separation of the Steward's Scepter and Feloran Throne and the institution of the Meilëln Dynasty. The Feloran Palace Coup of 2454 EIE was a bloody coup against the court of Thaelin Èrintrèlis by exiled Prince Yuileïa of House Mirenelis.
The Conflict
Prelude
Grilkarian Orc warrior Thröm and Feloran Elf prince Yuileïa had marshalled much of their forces the previous year and taken a couple provincial capitals. The two had allied in order to support each other's goals – the abolition of the Feloran practice of slavery, granting of political rights to the landed peasantry, and the institution of legally-protected advisors and oversight of the Imperial Court. The Èrintrèlis Dynasty had largely resisted such efforts, even exiling the members of the Mirenelis family who sought to return the role of a Feloran Steward distinct from what the Imperial Throne and Court had become.
Deployment
According to record, Prince Yuileïa's forces numbered in the thousands, though presumably a smaller fraction was used in the actual assault on the Imperial Court. It is known that both Orc and Elf fought alongside one another against the forces loyal to the Èrintrèlis Dynasty.
The Engagement
The Emperor's guard put up a valiant fight, even fatally wounding Thröm, but he was revived by the Prince's healing magic and together the duo defeated Emperor Fontriŋ Èrintrèlis II, killing him in the Hall of the Throne.
Outcome
Prince Yuileïa was crowned on the spot, taking the throne and crown and thus becoming Emperor of Felora, however he only took "custody" of the Steward's Scepter, having Thröm refuse his offer of the Stewardship but keeping to his desire to split the two symbols into separate offices.
Aftermath
The coup enabled the Je'thor Reformations to happen, resulting in the creation of quasi-democratic institutions and a constitutional monarchy that would last until the collapse of the Empire. Emperor Yuileïa kept his promise to Thröm and the orcs in the empire, and freed all imperial slaves. Both Orcs and Elves were eligible to participate in Je'thor Councils, local and regional bodies with the authority to set some laws and organise local urban planning.
Historical Significance
Legacy
Though much of the reforms were gradually overturned or weakened, especially after the Kaelbryn Restoration in 1350 LIE, the abolition of slavery by the Feloran Empire put it millennia ahead of other empires and societies, particularly in Galisea, many of which continue to practice slavery. Furthermore, Je'thor Councils still exist in most of the former Empire, though their political influence and legal authority varies widely. In the Dotharan Alliance for example, Je'thor Councils are mentioned in Article II of the Dotharan Charter and are the lowest level of representation in alliance cities and settlements, while in the Sovereignty of Soren their leadership is appointed by the Sovereign and can overrule any of it's decisions.
Conflict Type
Battle
Start Date
13 Druyani 2454 EIE
Ending Date
15 Druyani 2454 EIE
Belligerents
Emperor Thaelin Èrintrèlis II
Je'thor Reformists
Strength
- Yuileïa Miranèlis Meilëln
- Thröm
Casualties
Objectives
Remove the Emperor from the Throne, establish legal rights for Orcish peoples and abolish slavery.
