Andlian Empire

Years ago, when the lands of Initium were still ravaged by barbarian tribes, the then small town of Andlia shielded itself from the savagery that surrounded it. The Andlians were a peaceful people who knew little of the ways of combat. They wished only for bountiful harvest and to honor their goddess of life, Vita. Among the Andlians, a young boy named Vinere grew up. Vinere was not like the other Andlians, as he was willing to fight to defend that which he cared for. Vita looked upon Vinere and admired his passion for life. For many years, Vita had watched as the barbarians spread closer and closer to the Andlian’s peaceful village, and had feared soon that her favored people would be wiped from the face of Initium. And so, on the eve of his 18th birthday, Vita appeared before Vinere in a vision. The goddess spoke unto her sovereign: “Go forth and proclaim yourself as the protector of your people. Teach them to defend what is theirs, and preserve your way of life.” And so it was that Vinere did go forth and teach his people the ways of combat, and when the barbarians came, the Andlians defended what was theirs. In the midst of this battle, Vinere fought valiantly, however the barbarians were too vast in number. The protector was struck through the heart with a rusted blade, and he began to fall. As he did so, however, visions of his home in flames burned into his mind. Vinere knew he could not allow such a future to be, and he caught himself in his fall. The mortality in Vinere was struck from him, turning his hair stark white and his eyes sun gold. The blade steeled his heart, and the visions seared his mind. The Protector of Andlia was born, and Vinere was victorious. Yet, an emptiness grow inside of him. He convened with his goddess, and questioned her. “Why hath this longing filled my soul? Have I not done what you have asked?” Vita replied “You have the mind of a warrior, the heart of a protector, and the soul of a conqueror. The lands that surround you are yours for the taking. Go forth and expand your way of life, and protect what you love.” Vinere looked into his mind, his heart, and his soul, and the truth of his goddess’ words was valid. He went to his people and amassed a force to be reckoned with, so that he may expand his dominion to lands unknown. And thus was the birth of Emperor Vinere, first leader of the Andlian Empire. It was from then on that only those heirs of Vinere that had been touched by Vita with stark white hair and sun gold eyes could truly lead the Andlian people.