Reign of Emperor Artus I the Wise

Life, Career

The first Emperor of the Gratic Empire. Known for his founding of Gratic City, his victories in the Triland War, and the creation of the Imperial Council.

Artus I was the second son of a minor noble from the city of Calderi when he founded Gratic City. Not much is known of his life prior to his arrival at the site of the city that he would found, but this event would change the world as we know it. The transformation of this region from cultural backwater to center of a growing empire was unprecedented, happening in just a dozen years.   What few citizens it had were from nearby villages, all of whom were caught up in the power struggle between Calderi and Algard, the only two major cities in the Gratica region. Using his skill for diplomacy, he began to quickly gain favour with the nearby villages. This brought him into conflict with the aforementioned cities, who were astounded that a noble could gain power so quickly. Artus later went to war against the two powerhouses - this conflict was known as the Triland War - and won, which brought the entire Gratic Plain and the westernmost portions of Deranti Forest under his control.   At this point, he was getting on in age and settled down to create a stable system of government. As age began to weary him, he began a system of political reform at this point that his eldest son, Artus II, would complete. His death came nary a week following the inauguration of the first Imperial Council. This rudimentary Council was merely composed of his trusted advisor, Ribent the Whispermonk - a mage of some power that had saved his life during the Triland War - and several lieutenants in his army.   Following his death, this council appointed Artus II as his successor. This would be the only time that the Imperial Council chose the Emperor.