Ioneisean Empire

The Ioneisean Empire was a country in northern and central Athelonesia and the home domain of the aetherborn people. At the height of the empire's power, Ioneisea controlled northern Athelonesia. However, its power extended across the entire continent through numerous 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 in which the aetherborn lived within a culture of total barbarism.

Elegrim directly guided the aetherborn, seeing them as his children and further seeing their potential. They grew in sophistication, power, and dominance, leading to the birth of the city of Ioneisea. This city is believed to have been the size of a small continent that was once connected to Athelonesia. It is now believed to be largely submerged.

Unceasing Conflict

Ioneisea is known for its centuries-long conflict with dragonkind, which followed a major civil war within the empire. 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 dragonkin, 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.

Decline

Elegrim's tolerance toward the hubris of his chosen people culminated in afflicting the aetherborn with the Starsbourne Curse, with its first victims recorded around -856 PR.

The empire fell when the city of Ioneisea sank in -634 PR. The sinking of the city is believed to have created the circumstances leading to the birth and encroachment of the Marsh of Delcimbre.

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 onset of Elegrim's curse, the city sank below the waves. Whether this was a direct result of the curse is unknown.
• Palmithra: Known as 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. The city would later be overrun by the emerging Andorian Empire.

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.