The Recent History of the Empire of Hardestaan
Although much of the Empire functions in the same way it has for the last two-hundred years, there have been some significant changes, Isle to Isle.
Hardestaanos
The Heartworld continues much as it has since the time of the Answer. Gates are opened slowly, with a great deal of caution, but the need for resources drives the gates, so exploration continues. A radical movement called the “Hardestaanos for Hardestaani Initiative” is gaining traction amongst many of Hardestaani descent. The roots of this movement initially involved incentives for people living on Hardestaanos to move off-world, in order to deal with over-population and dwindling ability to provide self-sustaining resources. The idea was to raze the areas that were abandoned to make new parks and green zones. In recent years, however, this has taken a darker turn, with the initiative proposing that non-Hardestaani inhabitants of the Heartworld be forcibly re-located off-world. The fact that many of the people on Hardestaanos no longer have a home-Isle to return to doesn’t seem to phase them. The primary opposition to this movement comes from a union of different peoples, primarily led by the Chegari clan of Bloodfolk, who promote all people who've lived on Hardestaanos as being Hardestaani, with equal rights.
The current political situation is tense. The former Emperor, Adrakolos the Beekeeper, supported the Hardestaanos for Hardestaani movement, but he died unexpectedly of illness. His successor, to the shock of all, is the youngest Emperor in Hardestaani history, Veldathus, who has yet to be given a title. Veldathis was only 12, the youngest ever to be allowed to take the Tests of Worth, due to the intervention of the Hierophant Aelglis Shadeyeth. When he became Emepror, two years ago, his Archon, Markeldis Kantarn, was named Regent by the Praetorian Council.
This situation is causing difficulty. Archon Markeldis is a bold and progressive man, while 15 year old Veldathis shows a leaning to more conservative thinking. Already, he has begun to publically declare his disdain for some of his Regent’s decisions, and some on the Council and in the public voice are calling for the title of Regent to be put aside to allow Veldathis to begin to rule before his majority at age 18. It may be that a division has begun in the Empire that will lead to less civil conflict.
Hirokumi
The Second Isle of the Reborn Empire is no longer so divided as once it was, at least on the surface. During the last period of the shift between magic and technology, the Kingdom of Fu Lan was conquered by the Empire of Narakuma. Although the tortoise is swaying back to the power of magic, Fu Lan’s people remain under the control of the Narakuma’s cyber-samurai and the rule of a half-Narakuman quisling. The monks of Hai Du Lac, masters of the psionic ways, continue to maintain their official neutrality, but it is widely rumored that they are harboring the true heir to Fu Lan’s crown. Revolution may not be far away.
Faerindae (Faerine)
Things on Faerine remain much the same as they have been, with two exceptions. Firstly, a strong movement has recently arisen supporting an attempt by the Kithkin of Faerine’s moon, Everwyte, to gain independent recognition by the Empire. Secondly, a new subrace of elves referred to as Sylvan Elves, or Lycanae, have appeared. Descendants of Brose and Wynter Aiglos, they appear to have both lupine and elven traits. The fact that they’ve bred so true, so quickly, despite the genetic impossibility, and lacking any sign of genetic dead-end, points to the fact that their progenitors had Fey aid.
Constantius
Unlike many other worlds of the Empire, Constantius has undergone considerable upheaval in the last 70 years. The Faerie Queen is dead, slain by an assassin’s bullet! The allegedly immortal queen was proved all too mortal. Attempts to put a new Faerie Queen on the throne have been futile, and the lands are now ruled by a rather ineffectual Noble Council. Meanwhile, rumors abound that the assassin was a discontent from the Frontierlands who advocated for revolt against the rule of the Courtlands. Civil War may be at hand here as well, and many Frontiersfolk and Courtlanders find themselves at considerable odds, although the veneer of civility remains.
Ta’abu-djeser
Of all the Isles of the Reborn Empire, few have suffered so greatly as Ta’abu-djeser. When the sleeping pharaoh Khehatu awoke, the psychic scream of his undead rebirth echoed throughout the Isle, shattering the land and people alike. The Kerimedu were badly reduced in numbers when the mountains split. The once lush Sebakem Oasis was destroyed when one of the three suns flared and burnt out, causing the near complete destruction of the Kingdom of Tabudjir, and reducing the desert area around the former Oasis to become a sea of glass. Those who remained alive fled into tunnels beneath the earth, once meant for burial of their kings. Among the catacombs, the blind descendants of the once-proud Tabuji have become known as the flesh-eating ghuls, and the remaining people, the nomadic Khaseti, shun them, slaying them when there is no other choice.
Systril
Systril remains very much the same itself. Outraged by the constant perceived status of their kind as second-class citizens and the Hardestaani calls for Systrillians to return to Systril, many have done just that. They find, however, that the Worldmind accepts them back into the collective more and more reluctantly. Perhaps their independence is making them more foreign to Systril itself than familiar. Some Systrilians are even being born off-world and never developing a connection to the Worldmind!
Because of the acceptance on Asylum of Systrillians, and the excellent success that Systrillians had in the colony’s earliest days, many young Systrillians are heading to Asylum to start a new life, free to prejudice and the ever-constant presence of the Worldmind.
Inferno
Inferno is still a fire world of little use to the Empire beyond the occasional mining operation. The Grx of Raask, however, have made the Empire wise to the presence of the Zenille, and the Empire guards it gate to Inferno more carefully now.
Burr Tthok
If many of the Isles now seem more displeased with Imperial rule, Burr Tthok is exactly the opposite. Assuaged by grand gifts from the Emperors over the years, the Cyndir understand now that the Answer wasn't an intentional severing of ties. They have become avid supporters of the empire and have sought to collect more data on the lost tribes of Burr Tthok that seem to make up the Anzou people of Asylum. These efforts have only been stymied by geography, as the mountains of the Anzou seem all but impassible, even by miners and mountaineers of Cyndir descent. With the new railroad to the eastern plateau, however, it is hoped that things will soon change.
Asylum
Asylum is still a fairly rough and rugged colony of the Empire, but the Glorious Ninth, as it's sometimes called, enjoys popularity as a location for those seeking a new life in a largely untamed land. Those who intend to settle there are required to watch the Mina Videos, a firsthand account recorded by a cybernetic entity who was one of the earliest colonists.
Asylum has enjoyed many changes in the last 70 years, but most would call them for the better. The presence of so much gate activity has generated great interest, and, rather than have these delicate resources damaged in conflict, the Empire has found peaceful ways to deal with the natives. Despite the lands of the Great Dogreni Valley being named as tribal lands, the Imperial presence slowly “Civilized” the lands and people through constant influence. This began awkwardly with the Scalesi Wars, but the tribes of the Dogreni slowly got used to the idea of being lumped together as one people again. Leaders like Jehan of the Trive, Althea of the Dogri, Nesset of the Dadollo, and Ximbatik of the Elosi slowly helped the various tribes realize they had more in common with each other than differences. Many of the Tribes now refer to themselves as Dogreni again, if they support Tribal Unity, but also express their tribal heritage. Phrase like as “I'm Elosi Dogreni,” are commonly heard where the tribes meet to trade. A small but vocal faction still councils that the tribes should unite to remove the Imperial presence. Most natives, however, see the Empire has a good thing and welcome them still.
With the support of various locals and colonists, the eastern branch of the New Avinnia & Western was founded. Known as the Dogreni Valley Railroad, this branch reached the Bay of Techuahan quickly, but the difficulty in crossing slowed things to a stop for a time. Completion of the Aiglos Bridge opened the lands east of the Bay, known as the Far Plateau. Here, a martial folk known as the Varangar have stopped the Empire’s further eastern expansion, if only for a time.
Virago
Virago is now officially catalogued as the Tenth Isle of the Reborn Empire, and it still maintains a unique relationship with Hardestaan. Although any Viragee citizens are considered to be citizens of the empire, many refuse to leave Virago and choose to Despite the harsh living conditions, many Viragee choose to remain there, claiming a sort of honor. If we can make it here, they reason, we can be masters of any fate we wish. Virago continues to be a hellish swamp, filled with acidic pools and poisonous vapors.
Earth
Although Earth is not technically an Isle swearing fealty to the Empire, it is still considered the Eleventh Isle of the Reborn Empire, due to trade agreements and ties of friendship. The Western Defense Alliance maintains excellent and close relations with the empire, but the China-Asian Cooperative and the Middle Eastern Alliance continue to make overtures as well. Many assume that Earth refuses to join the Empire due to strong pride. It’s equally likely that the Empire has not extended a formal invitation to join the Empire due to the sort of tension that existed when Hirokumi was warring with those who wanted to call it Kwaelon. Liaison between the Empire and Earth is carefully monitored by the Omega Bureau, many of whom are descendants of Imperial-Earther unions.
Raask
The Isle of Raask, connected via a gate from Asylum, is one that the Empire holds somewhat at arm’s length. The people of Raask, the reptilian Grax, are a capable and adaptable people, but their constant self-interest and inability to get their head around the nobler aspects of Imperial culture have been an obstacle to their being completely trusted. Despite this, the Grax Mercantile Consortium has become well-known in the Empire, working through local Merchant’s Guilds to bring quality goods at a reasonable price. Ironically, the Grax make incredibly excellent merchants, and they are slowly taking over the mercantile class of the Empire.
Varikiis
The urban sprawl of Varikiis, Twenty-Second Isle of the Old Empire, is now the Thirteenth Isle of the Reborn Empire. Following the Answer, their world suffered a catastrophic grid crash, and the Global Communications System experienced a reboot from scratch. Only one of the ancient AI dragons still exists, an entity called Kirriis, who claims to have downloaded himself onto a mainframe and disconnected from the Grid prior to the crash. Bereft of their elaborate virtual existences, the Varikiians have become increasingly obsessed with the self, becoming more and more extreme in terms of body art, genetic modification, cybernetic enhancements, and flesh sculpting. It is claimed that underground arenas for lethal gladiatorial combat have come into being, offering one a chance to prove that one’s self is the most lethal and glorious self yet created.
Nyathas
When a new gate was discovered leading from Faerine, speculation ran rampant. Those who believed they would be finding a new Isle, however, were at first dismayed, as it seemed that Core had been rediscovered. The world seemed to be riddled with a massive system of tunnels, but technology was not as high as had previously been encountered on Core. When they reached the surface, however, they knew they’d discovered a new Isle. Nyathas is a world of constant storms, and the extensive tunnels were built by the Nyathans to escape the extreme weather.
The Nyathans are a race of red-skinned people. They have no hair, but they appear to have various tubes and protrusions from their head that lend a similar appearance. They are a people rich in the energies of fortune, worshipping the Fates openly, and enjoying superior Karma to most people. They also possess a great natural skill at thievery. They do not steal for profit, but they believe that Fate guides one to things one was meant to possess. If that thing once belonged to another, then it is that person’s Fate to have lost the item. While this worked well on their own world, they understand that theft (or Fate-sharing) is not allowed on other worlds. So if they do steal something, they make certain that their fate is not to be caught.
Aelryth
The black-and-white hued world of Aelryth was discovered already in contact with Nyathas, and the vampiric Crosklavi were glad to once again reunite with the Empire that had sheltered them from the emotion-draining Sicrasleinn. These predators were largely driven off by the Unity of Night, an organization consisting of the Crosklavi kingdom of Riordana, the shape-changing vargiri of Nethym, capable of changing shape from human to a wolf-like quadruped, the Dollmakers of Lathris, frail human-like creators of artificial warriors to fight for them, and the sea-dwelling Myrnai, amphibious creatures of monstrous appearance but possessed of a deeply philosophical and cultured society. The Unity of Night quickly petitioned for Imperial status and gratefully accepted becoming the Fifteenth Isle of the Reborn Empire.
Perigatry
Although technically not part of the Empire yet, the most recently discovered Isle of the Newborn Empire would be Perigatry, home of the orcish species known as the Galeesh. The Galeesh are a race of warriors and adventurers, and they pride their courage and willingness to go into battle above all else. A strong philosophical sticking point between the Galeesh and the Empire is that the Galeesh seem to believe in the system of fours, believing everyone is divided into four aspects: Hand, Head, Heart, and Honor. The Galeesh military is clearly in charge of the gate that leads from Perigatry to Asylum. When the Empire began to build a line of the railroad out to the Galeesh gate, Earthers working on the railroad mispronounced the name of the Galeesh homeworld. This mispronunciation has become the name of the local Imperial town: Purgatory Station.
Little is known of Perigatry, although the Galeesh have expressed concern about a shape-changing race that is an enemy of theirs. It is clear from equipment that the Galeesh carry that the Isle must be strong in technology and magic. Whether or not psionics is powerful there as well is uncertain.
Other Known Isles
Besides the Isles of the Old Empire that have yet to be rediscovered, several other Isles are known, as least by name.
Mystegaard, home of a powerful Mageocracy that were the first users of Battle-Magic, remains elusive. If there are any Mystegaard sleeper agents among the Empire, they keep to themselves very quietly.
Lotharia is an Isle known to be connected to Asylum near New Avinnia. Since the defeat of Hargrimm Djal, no gates have opened from Lotharia, and Imperial Savants have yet to determine the gate sequence that would open travel from Asylum to Lotharia. This project is currently cold.
Hellgate is the designation for an unknown technologically powerful Isle that connects to both Hardestaanos and Asylum. Insects from Hellgate are believed to be the cause of the so-called Aberrant Plague. The Empire continues to quarantine the known locations of both gates, but neither one has activated in the last seventy years.
Hiveworld is the theoretical homeworld of the insectile creatures called the Hive. A gate once led from Faerine to Idyll to the Hiveworld, and another gate to the Hiveworld must have existed on Asylum, but Idyll is lost, and the Hivegate on Asylum’s whereabouts is unknown. No new Hive have been spotted since the time of the Answer.
The VoidIsles are a hypothetical series of Isles corrupted and consumed by the entity or entities that have been termed The Void. A gate from the ocean-Isle of Amarasto led to Folly, the name given to the world beyond the Twenty-Fifth gate of the Old Empire. Following the Void’s exodus from Folly to Amarasto, Amarasto has also been designated a VoidIsle. The limited information the Empire possesses about the Void suggests that it consumes and subverts everything it comes in contact with, Although a group of pirates from Amarasto are known to have escaped through a rift from the water-world to Asylum about 75 years ago, it must be assumed that the Isle as a whole is Void Corrupt.
