Latest revision as of 14:40, 18 June 2015

After the death of Emperor Gracus Dimorii, the nobles rushed to place one of their own on the throne.

Ferdinand von Alphaeus von Cavalii was born in 508 IY. Born of noble blood, well-educated and highly intelligent, as a young noble he was well-respected by his peers. As he aged, his influence, along with his renown, grew steadily. A powerful political presence even before his election, his candidacy was decided swiftly.

Duke Alphaeus was crowned Emperor Alphaeus I in 561 IY. Alphaeus I was a strong, calculating, even ruthless ruler. He recognized the value of a powerful military and a strong industry. It is under his rule that the foundations were laid for the military superpower Halmoria is today. The many foundries that dot the capital and the surrounding area were built during his time.

Alphaeus’ wife was Astitia, formerly von Marcillus. She bore him two sons and three daughters: Mercatus, Julius, Alexa, Helena and Andrea. After several attempts on the lives of him and his family, Alphaeus showed his ruthless side. He ordered the imprisonment and execution of the heads of all the major noble Houses, and many minor Houses in what is now known as ‘The Verdict of Alphaeus’. This large-scale act of suppression quickly eliminated all opposition, as the Houses that had not crumbled under the devastation were quick to swear fealty.

For the remainder of his rule, he was unchallenged. None dared voice their disagreements, lest the Verdict repeat itself. Alphaeus ruled until 587 IY, succeeded by his eldest son, Emperor Mercatus I.