Ækstan Empire

Ruled by Empress Queen Ælfgeifu vom Ækstan, the Ækstan Empire is made up of four kingdoms or nations: The Kingdom of Ækstan , Altenlind, Reisenberg, and Shoa's End. This empire is quite young, being only in the second ruler of its existence.
A couple of decades ago a powerful arch-wizard ruled Ækstan and decided he wanted to conquer neighbouring lands and expand his powers. He managed to more than double the size of his boundaries in the few short years that he ruled. His entire reign was a time of turmoil and strife, for Ækstan was in civil war from the moment he took control. He was betrothed to the previous king’s heir, Ælfgeifu . Before they were wed, however, the old king died. Ælfgeifu then refused his hand in marriage. It was too late. This man had established himself too powerful a base already. He was able to imprison the princess (she was still a princess, as she had not yet been crowned as Queen). This resulted in the start of a civil war, thus giving the new “king” the excuse he needed to begin his expansions.

He made a mistake over the next while, however, and largely ignored part of those who were rebelling against him. This small faction managed to rescue Ælfgeifu. She became their de-facto leader. Under her direction the rebellion flourished. She chose a few select councilors and began a government away from the capital. And she laid plans to gain magical aid that could defeat the arch-wizard. She chose a select handful of adventurous people, led by a fledgling wizard name Æthelwic , to find her the magical aid needed. This was something only hinted at in ancient manuscripts. In three short years they managed to find all that was required and overthrew the arch-wizard. Ælfgeifu was then placed upon the throne, where she now rules as empress of a grand empire that controls the south-western seas.

Maps

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  The Southern Isles

  These islands comprise the Ækstan Empire , Jariklend, and one deserted island at the northern part of these islands, which is reputed to be so dangerous that it cannot be settled.

Type

Geopolitical, Empire