Empire « Azure Skies

" Humanity does not serve the beasts, despite what the mystics might claim. We separate ourselves from the wilderness, seeking progress and safety in both civilization and technology. Yet, Gaia rails back against us attempting to crush our quest to improve our way of life. When faced with such devastation—the razing of our homes and murder of our families—we must decide to stand up and face this cycle of calamity. Our fleet grows stronger every year! We are on the cusp of strength and power enough to venture past the edge of the known and take the fight to all who would oppose us! "

~ Admiral Bernd Herzog – 3rd of March, Year 1231 after the fall.

Emperor Junius
The only son of the first emperor Modius, Junius was destined to claim his spot on the throne when his father passed. Modius was a brilliant military mind, a man that formed the empire his son would inherit through war with his own hands, Junius however has simply seen fit to protect his own position. Though few gain a close relationship with Junius, rumors of his eccentric lifestyle and paranoia for the preservation of his throne have propagated through the empire.

Admiral Bernd Herzog
As a young man Bernd Herzog was adventurous beyond what many people would think safe in such a world. He longed to fly like birds, as the ancient myths said men once had. Discovering a treasure trove of ancient knowledge one of his adventures into the wastes, he was instrumental in the development of the Modian fleet of aerial dreadnoughts as well as the original formation of the empire itself, fighting along side the late emperor.

Ansbertus
A student of the prophecies from an early age, Ansbertus is one of few with such knowledge of the history of Gaia and the secrets which she holds. Serving as personal spiritual aide to emperor Junius, Ansbertus has unparalleled access and influence in the direction of the empire. Much of Ansbertus’ early life is shrouded in mystery, which has led many to speculate about his true motives, though they would never be so bold to make those claims to the emperor.

The sun’s luminous rays refracted through the domed glass window of the dreadnought as it soared, breaking though the cloud cover to reveal the stretching expanse of valley below. The vibrations of the riveted metal body of the dreadnought echoed though the fuselage as the craft turned slightly downward aiming for a open patch of fields in the valley’s center. The bridge was silent, unusually so considering the maneuvers which were being preformed to land the colossal craft in such a place.

   " Engine status?, over. " A voice cut through the silence, speaking into a brass tube which connected the bridge to the engine room.
   " We’re running a little hot, but the boiler seems to be handling the strain, I’d say everything is in order admiral, over. " A voice replied back, echoing in an unusual timbre for a human voice..
   " Very good, I’ll make arrangements for a cool down once we land. Over and out. " The admiral replied before stepping across the bridge towards the large domed view taking in with his own eyes the majesty of the valley for the first time.

The valley was long and mostly narrow except for the southern region which was wide and flat. It was lush and green, the fields rolling spaciously downhill with the stream until it met the jagged lake at the valley’s low point. Towering above the fields the people had built a series of stone windmills to harness the natural power that flowed there. Herzog was impressed and knew that the emperor would be as well.

" Yes, Junius will be very keen on this valley, very keen. " the Admiral said to himself as he took his seat on the bridge, preparing for landing.