Excerpt from The Annals of the Eternal Sun, Vol. XI
Compiled under the mandate of the Imperial Historical Bureau, 7th Era Revision
I. The Rise of the Eternal Sun
The origins of the Empire of the Eternal Sun trace back to the reign of Emperor Revario I, widely regarded as the Unifier of Sol. Emerging from the fractured remnants of Earth’s post‑industrial dark age, Revario consolidated the Sol system through a series of decisive military campaigns and political reforms. His establishment of the Church of the Light provided the ideological foundation upon which the Empire would be built.
Shortly after the unification of Sol, the ancient Apsu Gate in orbit around Neptune reactivated. Its awakening enabled humanity’s rapid expansion across the galaxy and marked the beginning of the First Stellar Diaspora.
II. The Arwenic Schism
Three thousand five hundred years after the unification of Sol, the Empire entered a period of instability under Emperor Arwen III, whose isolationist policies severed long‑standing trade relations with several alien civilizations. While the Imperial Congress supported these measures, the nobility—accustomed to the luxuries such trade afforded—expressed deep dissatisfaction.
Upon Arwen III’s death, his illegitimate son Arwen IV ascended to the throne. His reign intensified the ideological divide; declaring alien cultures and technologies “impure” and contrary to the Eternal Sun’s divine mandate, Arwen IV initiated a sweeping campaign of xenophobic reform. Public sentiment shifted rapidly as state propaganda vilified alien influence.
To enforce these decrees, Arwen IV authorized the creation of Nightwatch, a shadow organization tasked with identifying and eliminating the use of alien technology. Notably, Nightwatch operatives employed cybernetic augmentations—technologies outlawed for all other citizens—under the justification of “sacred exception.”
III. The Sanhathos Purge
The world of Sanhathos, renowned for its deposits of Hazar Gems, became a focal point of imperial scrutiny. These gemstones, prized by the Empire’s elite, were notoriously difficult and dangerous to extract. For generations, Sanhathos miners had relied on alien‑derived tools to survive the work.
When Nightwatch uncovered the continued use of such technology, Arwen IV ordered a punitive purge. Thousands were executed, including the parents of Lania Rosfara, who would go on to reshape the Empire’s destiny.
Following the purge, the Empire mandated “traditional” mining methods. Fatalities soared. Reports of exploitation and mass death spread throughout the outer systems, fueling widespread resentment toward the central government.
IV. The Outer Rebellion
In response to the atrocities, then Fleet Master Venihan, along with other disillusioned officers, began organizing resistance cells across the outer bands. Their efforts were covertly funded by Duke Henkra Xaraks and Queen Landra Ventis, whose domain included Sanhathos and who had long opposed Arwenic policy.
Underground recruitment centers proliferated. At the age of sixteen, Lania falsified her records and enlisted. Her exceptional skill and disregard for personal safety quickly distinguished her among the recruits. Her first taste of notoriety came after she nearly died rescuing squadmates during a training accident.
Two years after the Sanhathos Purge, coordinated rebel forces launched simultaneous uprisings across the outer systems, marking the official beginning of the War of the Outer Reaches.
V. The No King’s Company
Following her decisive actions during the Defense of Tutura, and having made a name for herself across the revolutionary armies for her ability to lead the highly regarded No King’s Company, Lania was promoted to the rank of Viceroy of Arms. Her leadership, characterized by tactical brilliance and fierce loyalty to her soldiers, made her a symbol of the revolution.
As the war progressed and word of the atrocities committed by forces on Sunshau spread, Lania became a prominent public figure, appearing across empire media networks to advocate for an end to the conflict and demand the abdication of Arwen IV. Her growing popularity led to her ascending to the rank of Shield of Sol, the highest honor in the revolutionary army and a title that gave her near-total control of revolutionary ground forces.
VI. The Fall of Arwen IV
The war endured for ten years and claimed billions of lives—primarily among rebel populations. Yet the revolution persisted. Its turning point came when the Shield of Sol, leading the No King’s Company, infiltrated the Imperial Palace and assassinated Emperor Arwen IV upon the Sun Throne itself.
The death of Arwen IV marked the collapse of the Arwenic regime and the end of the most devastating internal conflict in the Empire’s recorded history.
