Lekaris
Lekaris, one of the 8 Nations
In the aftermath of the Great Division, the Wardens who remained could imitate the King's throne, but they could not restore His Kingdom. Around that imitation they built something new. The Lion remained the ancient standard of the realm, and to abandon it would have been to admit they were not its rightful rulers. Instead, they proclaimed themselves the true continuation of the First Kingdom, preserving its institutions while replacing its spirit.
Under Kelek’s guidance, the Lekaris became a civilization devoted to striving and prideful excellence. Noble houses, courts, academies, and military orders competed endlessly to distinguish themselves through merit, refinement, and achievement. Dignity was expected of every citizen, from emperor to laborer, and every office carried obligations as much as privileges. The Wardens rewarded competence above all else, cultivating a society where advancement belonged to those who demonstrated exceptional ability.
Yet beneath this pursuit of excellence lay a quiet insecurity. The throne upon which the emperors sat was not the King's. They inherited not only an empire, but the burden of proving that it deserved to exist. The Lekaris came to believe that civilization itself depended upon maintaining standards higher than all others. To falter was not merely weakness—it was an invitation for the old rebellion to begin anew.
For thousands of years, the Lekaris stood as the heart of the Empire—not because they ruled every people directly, but because every road, every law, and every province ultimately traced its authority back to the Imperial Throne.
The Lion
The Lion stand as the living image of imperial excellence. They believe leadership begins with example, and that every noble, officer, and soldier bears the responsibility of becoming someone worthy to be followed. Across the Empire, disciplined legions drill tirelessly until every shield rises as one, every spear strikes in perfect rhythm, and every banner inspires confidence before a battle has even begun. Gleaming armor, immaculate standards, and flawless formations reflect the dignity expected of those who carry the Lion into war. The greatest houses of Lekaris fill their ranks with accomplished nobles who command from the front rather than from safety, believing authority must continually be earned through visible excellence. Citizens look upon the Lion not simply as an army, but as the embodiment of everything the Empire strives to become—orderly, accomplished, disciplined, and unquestionably worthy of admiration.
The Eagle
The Eagle embody excellence through vision. They believe the future belongs to those willing to see beyond the next horizon, and so they have made the skies the Empire's greatest advantage. Striking faster and deciding battles before their enemies can respond, their magnificent griffins soar freely above the Empire. Disciplined Pegasus knights descend in devastating air to ground lance charges that shatter enemy formations with terrifying speed and precision. In times of peace they serve as scouts, messengers, navigators, and explorers, charting distant frontiers and carrying vital intelligence across the Empire. In war they become one of Lekaris' most feared weapons, directing armies from above before plunging into battle. Their riders are chosen as much for judgment as courage, understanding that true vision means knowing both when to observe and when to descend. To the Eagle, every horizon is another opportunity, and every battlefield belongs first to those who master the skies.
The Ram
The Ram pursue excellence with relentless resolve. They believe greatness is never gifted—it is earned by those willing to outthink, outwork, and outlast every obstacle before them. Within the Empire they serve as intelligence officers, investigators, diplomats, scouts, infiltrators, financiers, magistrates, and elite operatives entrusted with the missions others cannot accomplish openly. Working quietly beyond public recognition, they gather intelligence, unravel conspiracies, negotiate fragile alliances, and remove threats before they ever reach the battlefield. Their methods favor patience, subtlety, deception, and careful planning over unnecessary violence, believing the finest victories are often those the public never realizes were won. Within the great capital they coordinate a vast network of trusted agents whose reports shape the Empire's decisions long before armies begin to march. To the Ram, the highest achievement is not standing in the spotlight, but ensuring the Lion never fights a fair fight.
