The Tribunal

639 to 800 PC

The Empire of the Tribunal was established around 639 PC, uniting Val Miran, Rheydin, and Miruvhor under a single banner of Order. Former Queen Elise Shaenor orchestrated the march of a thousand storm giants upon the treants fortifying Val Miran. The vampire Martineius directed the soldiers of the Tribunal in Miruvhor, sweeping away the Syndicate. Under Lord Izlimak's watchful eye, the Tribunal emerged supreme. Dame Elise spoke three words to the chroniclers: "This is it." Martineius, overseeing the repossession of Miruvhor, added: "When night comes, I will join them."

In one night, the vines were torn down and the bricks re laid. Citizens returned from hiding. Business thrived immediately. Banks circulated funds at an alarming rate. The judicial system divided into companies for each city. The Righteous Palm flew a golden banner in Val Miran, where the city became a monument to the ancient kings and queens who stood for peace and honor. The Crimson Fist, a bastion of vampiric soldiers, placed their red banner in Miruvhor. There, tyranny reigned through fear to crush criminality.

Martineius as High King

Martineius rose to the position of High King over the Tribunal cities around 670 PC. He was almost inarguably the most brilliant political figure in all of recorded Aabahranian history. This vampire, who described himself simply as "a special sort of man," single handedly created and standardized every system of law and every tome of law enforcement protocol. Not one change has been recorded to his creation since his departure.

His philosophy was the "Religion of Pragmatism." Do what is expedient, for both the long and short term. He was kind whenever possible because the goodwill of the citizenry was critical to maintaining harmony. He was ruthless when necessary because goodwill alone does not make an Empire. When bards began openly promoting articles against his rule, he threatened to outlaw and execute them. Then he privately negotiated with them. Nearly the entire bardic guild backed down.

His tongue was as sharp as his sword. Few bested him in combat even once. None bested him twice. He had over five hundred captures to his credit. Despite this, he dismissed his martial skill, declaring: "Even a child could destroy and kill. It is building and constructing which is difficult."

His departure remains a mystery. He expressed contempt for the entire world he ruled. Rumors of a personal vendetta with Chayesh, God of Unlife, persist. His rule lasted over a century and shaped the Empire that endures today.