Ioneisean Empire

The Ioneisean Empire was a country in northern and central Athelonesia and the domain of the near godlike aetherborn people. At the height of the empire's power, Ioneisea controlled northern Athelonesia. However, its power extended the entire continent through tributary states, and scattered colonies and fortresses. Its capital was the near-mythical city of Ioneisea.

History

Awakening

In the Age of Foundation, the aetherborn awoke from The Slumber, a lengthy period during which the aetherborn consider this a time where they lived in a culture of total barbarism. This was prior to their sponsorship by Elegrim.

With Elegrim's guideance, the aetherborn grew in sophistication, power and dominance. This resulted in the birth of the city of Ioneisea, which is believed to have been the size of a small continent that once connected to Athelonesia.

Unceasing Conflict

Ioneisea is known for its centuries-long conflict with dragonkind, which followed a civil war. As a means to restore the unity of his chosen people, Elegrim summoned the dragon kings of the floating continent of Orgoth, who arrived with their legions of their dragon-kin, particularly the descendants of modern dragonborn. Divided, the aetherborn nearly defeated the aetherborn. However, Orgoth's forces fell with the death of their king, Kanthros.

During the warfare against the dragons, an ancient offshoot of humanity known as the Velas grew in power in central Athelonesia. According to ancient Velan records, their civilization collapsed around the -1470s PR after extended warfare with the Ioneisean Empire.

The Ioneisean Empire kidnapped elves from the Feywild or some alternate material plane. It is believed they were taken for arcane experimentation for a still-ambiguous purpose, but most were used as Arcane Thralls because of their inherent magical abilities.

Eventual Fall

After long-suffering the hubris of his chosen people, Elegrim afflicted the aetherborn with the Starbourne Curse, which began around -856 PR.

The empire as a unified political entity is considered to have fallen in -634 PR following the sinking of the city of Ioneisea into the Ioneisean Sea.

Landmarks

Ruins

Coast of Whyte

• Ioneisea: The mythical capital of the aetherborn empire, Ioneisea was a vast and advanced city built upon a series of islands that resided just off the northwestern expanse of the Coast of Whyte. With the common of Elegrim's curse, the city sank below the waves. Whether this was a direct result of the curse is unknown.
• Palmithra: Known as being the home of aetherborn dissidents who abhorred the rule of the Ioneisean god-kings, Palmithra was founded in -1189 PR. Largely independent, Palmithra maintained a republic that included former escaped human and elven slaves and their descendants.

Marsh of Delcimbre

• Ashenteia: Served as the capital of the Neo-Ioneisean Empire following the sinking of the city of Ioneisea. The ruins of the city proper lay at the heart of Delcimbre.