Servants of the Holy Emperor

Prologue

"They call him the 'Spider Emperor' of Cathar, hardly the Holy Man that his father was..." The whispers of such words were all across the Holy Empire of Cathar, each King underneath him firmly believing that. Many were worried just what Emperor Konstantin Gottschall would enact with his waxing power. Every year, more and more noblemen would be imprisoned or killed by the supposed hands of this 'Holy Emperor'.

Such a title was hardly befitting of the man who killed the noblemen that opposed him. The Imperial Knights and the Imperial Guard had become corrupted by the man, shifting from their once heroic image that they had held. The Imperial Family was ever gaining more authority under this Emperor, and the Kings underneath were scared. The Empire had the potential to shatter at any moment.

The Imperial Heartland, Aurelia, was unstable because of the Emperor making connections with the few noblemen under his authority and giving them and himself more power. Aquitaine was running out of money as the Praetorians had been paying to ensure the border with Asmundr was upheld and none of the Dark Ones could cross into the Holy Empire. This is not even mentioning the Umbral Elven troubles that come within Aquitaine's authority. Colovia still had no new King as the Council of Nobles seemed like they were ever going to fall apart at the seams and all the surrounding Kingdoms wanted a piece of the failing Kingdom, however, their Council prevented any from encroaching on the many baronies and counties of the realm.

Elkrund was falling apart due to the King's opposition to the current standing Emperor, and the economic war that they were waging against one another, him losing. Their good graces fail every step of the way as the two human Rulers attempt to gain control over the other. Revjaskar is becoming ever more Isolationist as the Dwarves wish to research into the ancient knowledge of the Titans, fearful of the Archon's next invasion. Then, the two government systems of the Elves of Illyria have led to trouble within the region, the Primordial Elves seeking isolation to worship the gods while the Empyrean Elves dwell within their cities and try to give more power to the Elves within the nation.

All of this strife within the Holy Empire of Cathar, and that is not to mention the other nations surrounding. The Continent of Ezro to the north had refused to serve in the Empire upon its foundation by Enki's Decree, effectively refusing the authority of the God that had saved them in the Second Holy War. The relationship between the Magocracy of Ezro, and the Holy Empire of Cathar has always been contentious, however, in recent years, it has gotten even worse, with Emperor Konstantin once more wishing to assert the Authority of Enki's Decree over the Magocracy. With their own internal issues, it is no wonder they oppose the Emperor and his wishes.

Then, the Floating Cities, created by the God Evaskr, remain as a Semi-Permeable Member of the Empire, apart from one. The Floating City of Ra'ael, a floating fortress that kickstarted the reclamation of the Continent of Cathar after the Second Holy War, is home to the Knights of Sol, alongside the Ecclesiarchy of Sol. These two Radical Orders of Ascended, who wish to bring the war to all the Dark Races, including the Umbral Elves, who are accepted members of the Empire. Despite having caused the most strife, they are one of the most valuable assets of the Empire, and despite being exiled to the edges of the Empire, they remain as a powerful force, in worship to the Dying Savior God, Sol.

With the fears brought about from within, it is not even the greatest threat to the Empire and it's integrity. On the dual islands of Kyncia and within the region of Asmundr lies the Archonate, a state headed by the Archon, an ancient being of pure evil, who has waged war against the Light Ones for thousands of years. Their nation, blocked by Rienemen's Mountain Range, is the greatest threat to the Empire. While the Archon was wounded heavily during the previous Holy War, his strength has grown, and it is believed that he will soon begin his conquest once more to reign over the world with his Dark One subjects.

With all of these threats to the Empire from within and without, the Light One's control over Cathar and the majority of Ether is sure to wane in recent years. To ensure this does not happen, Konstantin Gottschall wishes to create a force of people willing to do his dirty work, to act as paragons when he needs and also to be malefactors at other times. He needs a force that is loyal, all to return stability to the Empire and prevent the Archon from starting the Third Holy War. He needs a force to be loyal to him and him alone, and that is where this troublesome tale begins. 

The Emperor needs servants, and now is the time to collect them.