The Ivory Empire
The longest lasting Yrūn empire in history stood for over 3000 years in Eastern Tassèrus. Referred to as the Ivory Empire, the Empire of Serájarim was ruled with an iron fist by the descendants of its founder, Queen Majira I. During the course of the Empire, the Serajar made numerous advances in math, medicine, and science. The most dramatic and precipitous advance, though some doubt its veracity, was the development of Wizardmaking, a contribution that has affected every kingdom and empire since that time. From a military standpoint, the Serajar demonstrated what could be done with with a diverse military. The Empire supported forces of many kinds (e.g., light infantry, heavy infantry, calvary, magician).
Lands
History
Pre-Empire
In the year 3/1723 of Lyrasti Reckoning, a spectacle unfolded in the City of Caejidarea.
The streets were filled with entertainers and dancing people, the buildings were draped with wreaths and ribbons of all color, the air was filled with festive music and explosions of magical light and sound. When the trumpets blared every person stopped to see the Triumph of Queen Majira I. First came the columns of soldiers marching in formation through the parting crowds. The people of Caejidarea cheered and clapped as they processed with their polished shields, high spears, and colorful pennants streaming behind. Behind the soldiers were drawn twenty wagons containing the prisoners of war, all nobles and officers who had tested the mettle of the kingdom for these passed years. The crowds converged on the prisoners, spitting, yelling, and beating upon them as the passed. Next appeared the chariot riders with their tiger steeds that growled and snapped at those who drew too near. The helmeted riders cracked their whips above the heads of the crowd, and the tigers flinched and moved ahead with their deadly uneven grace. Next marched the musicians with their dancing, juggling, and acrobatic attendants. Again everyone rushed into streets to dance and sing as part of the returning Triumph. Again the crowds were parted by a second formation of soldiers; these bore mirror-like shields and silvery helmets that shone brightly in the sunlight. The crowds looked on in awe as the elite warriors marched through, raising their voices in the words of the Queen’s anthem. Following these soldiers came the gold litter, carried on backs of Talajari slaves. Standing stoically upon the platform stood a white elephant bedecked in gold, jewels, and beautiful fabrics. The tips of its tusks were fitted with gold sheathes upon which were mounted twin giant sapphires. Upon the elephant’s back was draped a gorgeous tapestry, woven into the images of each of the Hundred Serajar. Atop the tapestry was mounted a beautifully carved and painted wooden howdah in the semblance of a serpent coiled upon the great elephant’s back. Within these coils stood the Queen, dressed in a long white layered gown, draped in jewels. In her hands she held the glowing shield and spear of her family. A silver helmet covered her head and eyes, but still her raven hair spilled across her shoulders. As the Queen passed, the crowds waved their arms and yelled along with the trumpeting horns that sounded from the top of every roof. Reaching the avenue’s end a winding staircase was rolled to the side of the elephant litter and the Queen walked down to the stairs of the temple where her ivory Elephant Throne awaited. The throne was carved into the semblance of three elephants, one standing to each side with the seat between them and larger central pachyderm standing on its hind legs at the back. As she turned to face her public, the city grew quiet in stages. When all was silent, a line of priests filed forward. As each priest approached, they kissed her jeweled feet and presented her with one of the Twelve Articles of Rule; each an instrument of rulership confiscated from a kingdom she had conquered. Upon accepting each item the Horns of Azzadir sounded throughout the City and the Ivory Empire was founded.