Violence and war predated the rise of the empire.  The collapse of several regional power structures led to war across once relatively peaceful lands, as well as civil conflict between warring factions of some noble families.  Increased corruption by several key financial cities enhanced the tensions of neighboring lands, and betrayal amongst former allies and friends proved commonplace.  Key religious organizations attempted to enforce stability through attempts at arbitrary justice, but in turn fell into internecine warfare.  Such chaos called out for strong leadership.

The imperial family’s long-standing philosophy of strength through acceptance appears blasé after centuries of power and, at times, iron rule including tough punishment for dissent.  Few other than imperial historians today recognize the differences that once held sway through this land, where those of non-human parentage were at best tolerated, and often persecuted and even killed for their differences.  The idea that many of the empires most powerful families today would have been banished or maybe even killed purely because of racial differences would shock, and does, those who study the primitive ages before the first empress and her allies unified the majority of the nations of the world into one cohesive force.

Tales of the heroism of the early leaders of the empire abound through children’s stories, and of course, are often commonly referred to during Founding Day Celebrations, and of course Empress Day, celebrating the first empress’s day of birth.  Bardic Week celebrations would be unknown without competitions for the best version of the death of the mythical being Azguld. However, the discovery a few years ago of an unknown archive and laboratory, rumored to have been the primary residence and laboratory of Lord Elyrienne Malethlal has thrown the historical community into a hive of activity and speculation, since many of the written documents bear little relation to the common languages of today.  Obviously, objects of considerable historical value, and many of great monetary wealth, were discovered hidden in this suite of rooms sealed within the seat of the empire long ago.

On a whole, the historical community, regardless of their specialization, are eagerly prowling the archives and documents made available for research.  Linguists and many regional historians as well are overwhelming the imperial archives to re-visit old theories and debates about the early years of the empire.  As such, it is with no little pride that I announce I have had the honor and privilege of having been chosen to review and assist in the editing of the early draft of Sir Eldaan Toren’s upcoming tome, Birthing an Empire: Tales of Old Axana.  Public copies of the work are planned for release later this year, and I know that Sir Eldaan is still considering the finishing touches of the work.   Obviously, I am unable to reveal the details of the work, but even if I could, I truly do not know which sections I would highlight for comment.  We all know Sir Eldaan to be one of the foremost bardic champions of the empire, and, in this, he has surpassed ALL of his previous works.   The bravery, the drama, the barbarism and much, much more flow through these chapters.  I repeat myself unashamedly when I say that this small reference cannot do the work justice.  What I can promise is this:  the little we know of the early empire has been torn asunder!  

Return to us next week as Torien Alders recites for us from a new collection of ancient poetry selected from discoveries in the quarters of Lord Malethlal.  By all accounts, all the works were of Malethlal’s own composition, including what may be the oldest version of the Song of Departure ever discovered, in the ORIGINAL Calethrian.  Who knew?

As always – we are here to answer the questions and address the commentary of our beloved followers. Send all such to us via the warded aethernet channel ImpCult, or of course send a parchment in care of the Bardic Times Weekly Review.

I wish all of you a peaceful, productive, and even more important, cultured week ahead! I am, as always, Aize Cleredon, Bard of the People!