Eian Smarth

From Valwiki

Though as a Smarth many of you think me a tyrant. Let this be known! I fight for you. I shall watch over you. From this day forward heed my words. As a part of this Triumvirate I will make it my duty to protect you. Let no Kharlian take arms against another Kharlian. Let no lawless braggarts whisper conspiracy to your ear against us. And let no citizen sell their soul against us for power. And to all the enemies of our glorious Empire, seek not to stop us. For we shall run all of you through… No matter the cost.
- Eian Smarth addressing the people of the Empire

Eian Smarth

Assumed Name:

Eian Montgomery Smarth

Title:

Head of the House Smarth
Duke of Eisensvale
Consul of the Third Valikorlian Empire

Age:

~46. Born in 6 PF.

Race:

Human

Eye Colour:

Brown

Hair:

Light Brown

Skin-Tone:

Tanned

Height:

6'2".

Weight:

205 lbs

Alignment:

Lawful Neutral

Eian Montgomery Smarth was a prominent statesman, general, soldier, and politician during The Third Valikorlian Empire and Early Celdin. Smarth is seen as the engineer behind the family's rise of power in the Empire. In addition to being one of the most powerful figures in the history of Kharlian antiquity, he is also one of the first to successfully utilize and analyse political realism, also known colloquially by some scholars as Smarthism, for his own ends. He is also written off by Franz Hauer as the the #1 greatest military mind in all of Kharlia's history.

Biography

Youth

Eian Montgomery was the eldest son born to Henry and Kayrol Smarth a family of nobles from the mountainous region near Second Empire Valikorlia. Smarth, like most noble children, was educated and raised to be civil and well mannered. As a child, Eian reportedly stayed home often and antagonized peasant children who begged. Kayrol Smarth was a strong human supremacist, however, Henry Smarth cared little for Kayrol's avowed racism and had more ambition towards a glorious military career.

As Smarth grew he was reportedly both loved and feared by his old classmates. Smarth is said to have been respected by most, though some "poor-set minds" as Smarth records, saw him as a "haughty, arrogant bigot". Smarth further records that he had the last laugh. He had most of them expelled from the academy and families put out of business.

During Smarth's later years of youth he served under his father and learned the ways of war. And it is rumoured during this time when a young Eian first met the soon to be Alberean King, Jonathan Alber. Chroniclers later cite that it was Eian who planned some of the more intriguing attacks onto Dalmar and not his father, in the times prior to the Viith-Sos War. Smarth was distinct in the sense that he used tactics that were deemed ethically unsound but worked in the end. A few modern scholars gave Eian Smarth the title "Warfare's Gambit" because of his tactical realism and risk management.

Adulthood

After the fall of Meridiallas, records indicate that Smarth's father was forced to retire since he was no longer part of Valikorlia. Eian and the rest of his family is known to have moved to a small manor in the mountains above Lanoth Anun, then called Mournglade Mountains. It was there that Smarth would receive control over a faction of his father's left over men. With these men he would lead small attacks upon the remnants of the Viith.

During this time Smarth gained reputation. As recalled, being later asked to help lead a coup against the 'debauchees' of Staghorn. He was interested in the workings of the budding nation though later admitted to seeing the revolution heads as fools. The revolution followed through with Eian's aid. When Celdin was founded his quicked efforts were rewarded when he was appointed as the nation's General. In the very beginning Smarth is reported to have had little political sway outside military affairs. The leaders of the revolution would split up due to philosophical differences. One faction wished to be technological and industrious while the other wished to form a benevolent pacifist theocracy. It was an internal split caused by an attempt on the Forgelord's life. The assassination attempt remains an unsolved case. Historians still debate as to who the assassin might have been.

Eian is known to have went with the industrious faction. Smarth's critics claim that his reason for this was that he felt no need to worship anything other than himself. As time passed he would make contacts with Charles Arnaude de Lionnes, the soon to be King of Celdin, though de Lionnes was a known figurehead. A trading dispute broke out between East Celdin and West Celdin. East Celdin was low on natural resources and West Celdin lacked a strong, centralized state and remained under a constant barrage of attacks. Smarth would take advantage of the situation and prepare a controversial attack on Hylund to gain the resources needed to end the conflict.

Rise, The First Citizen

Smarth planning out his conquest as portrayed by Maximillien Delarose.

With the help of the council which he persuaded with ease, Smarth was able to pass his law to muster an attack force on the Kenderkin of Hylund. Civilly, Smarth attempted to solve the problem diplomatically. As weeks passed with out a response, he would mobilize troops to strike the Kender. His men would receive equipment and arms due to an agreement with The Lionnes and Tarsonus Trading Company.

The Kender would retaliate with never-before-seen tactics which held Eian at bay in Hylund's Southern Fields. In the beginning the Kender weren't the only problem as they held a randomized strategy. Smarth would alter his approach to use their own chaotic methodology against them. Through an intense effort he would break through with few losses. As the war came to an end, Celdin would seize the land needed and Smarth occupied the area. Scribes at the time report that a few of the occupying men went insane due to the foreign ways of the Kender.

Smarth made enemies through open speeches, propaganda, and his campaign against Hylund for much needed resources. The majority of self-proclaimed enemies were either of 'lesser races' such as Matrim Hakor of the Seanchanni or known violators of the law such as Laurent the Werewolf. Eian notably gained respect from many such as Bromium, later an antagonized Durandalite, and Jegerøks Olafson, a renown and feared warrior of his time. While many daemonized Smarth he was largely regarded as a popular leader due to his strong hand tactics and his improvement of the economic condition. Such as; a vast improvement of living standards with solid roads, accommodated housing, secure merchant routes, respecting veteran soldiers, and an increase in jobs within the lumber and mining industries. A minority of political radicals spread rumours about Eian using spies, hitmen, and conmen to help him gather and cement positions of power in Celdin. Scholars have not been able to prove or disprove rumours to this day.

After civil conflict and deceit from within Smarth established a separation of Church and State, subsidizing much of the theocratic power to the people and the militaristic government. Many other crises would rise after the power seizure. One problem concerned an unruly guild of mages where Smarth required assistance from an infamous Meridiemiese Sorcerer named Elsgradus to shut them down temporary. Historians cite this as being one of the first times of a Meridiemiese person used in Kharlian affairs. The Elves were barred from the Capital City of Greendale, since they felt a supposed oppression, making them lash out in violent attacks against officers. When Celdin was formed it was given a council of leaders, each with their own specific task. With the separation of East and West, the council positions filled in by either side were ill placed. This caused schism in much of the legislation. Feeling this would only hinder Smarth, he took it upon himself as leader of a united Celdin. He donned the title First Citizen, which many claim was a title he chose to lessen the blow to a militaristic uprising.

With the dissolution of the old government Eian had complete control over all matters. Records indicate he used this as an opportunity to increase military funding through heavy taxation and exercise the force needed to face problems all regarding the nation. Rebellions were not as frequent even though elvish outcry remained persistent. Smarth had quelled a few uprisings with reportedly gruesome executions. While this was reviled by some, Smarth redeemed himself by leading a noble crusade against the rising bandit and Haggalist movement that scoured the Southern parts of Kharlia. While away with the majority of the military he would leave in his stead a temporary leader. Eian met the regent in Eastern Celdin. The then unknown Charles Arnaude de Lionnes was both talented and charismatic but held little ambition of his own, completely agreeing upon the Smarthist law in place over Celdin. Most scholars would later cite him as being formally just a 'face' or a 'puppet king'.

[Smarth in the South]

Usurped

While headway to stop the heavy debauchery caused by the lawless men in Valdyr and the surrounding areas Smarth was cut short. He was removed from office in Greendale by a Arolas Kanosek. Eian had received his news of defeat on the battlefield, halting his progress against the strange uprisings of the Haggalist cults. He quickly went north to recover what he had lost. Kanosek allied himself with all those that Smarth alienated as well as those he defeated when helping found Celdin. Eian assembled the forces still loyal to him and held up in Fort Eisensmarth with his men. Quickly Eian secured the entire peninsula of northern Kharlia as his own new nation. Where he also had forced Ganelon to accept his proposal as a vassal state.

Eisensmarth was composed primarily out of the force that Eian had brought with him to the south. There were also mercenaries who were within the military during Eian's reign who found themselves within Smarth's territory. When Kanosek usurped power the pay and benefits allotted to the military were reduced, as well as to economy and commerce, as is common with a sudden change of leadership. Some of those who gained jobs in trades or craftsmen soon found themselves forging the new nation.

Many cited the nation as a petty ploy by Smarth, and "nothing more than a sellsword gathering", yet those within it had little complain about. It was strict and heavy taxed, but quality of life was extraordinarily high. Eian had secured most of his wealth during his time as First Citizen outside of the castle and through various holding areas. Smarths childhood home served as the capital, where he trained a few thousand men under his cause. It is reported by scholars that those who felt the order of things within the nation were too harsh often dissapeared akin to spirits in Bogs Deep. Eisensmarth through its entirely Smarthist ideals brought to life led to the fountain of some of the most skilled, hardened, and reviled mercenaries in Kharlia's recent history.

Many argue to validity to this saying, but popularly it's believed that upon hearing of the usurp of Celdin, Eian's only comment recorded by the scribe present as being "I will have what is rightfully mine once more, for when that time comes it will be more grandiose and granted to me with open arms."

Eisensmarth

The majority of Haggalists and Highwaymen that Eian had purged from the south banded together to form Warholm, a rogue nation. At first they posed little threat to Smarth or Celdin as they were largely an agrarian collection of religious fanatics. Warholm went to Eisensmarth to strike a deal with Eian, offering him amnesty in the coming attack upon Northern Kharlia. They were targeting Celdin. The final agreement stated that he would be paid every full moon. At this time Celdin asked if they could have a tax break. They were having trouble moving toops through Eisensmarth for an attack on Warholm. Eian did not originally comply with their request. Celdin was weaker in military and could not afford a two-front battle.

Tarren Smarth, one of Eian's younger brothers, left Eisensmarth and would go on to be Admiral of Celdin. Eian was more amused at his brother's actions than angered. Historians state his brother's lack of experience and reported lack of intelligence as a possible reason for the comedy. This was a sign that Celdin was noticeably desperate. Smarth would agree to their terms. This would prove an unpopular decision for the people of Celdin. A group of men under Celdin's banner led a failed attack on Eisensmarth. The men were executed and hung in the roads most used by Celdinite troops. The agreement would later be changed to include naval aid to Eisensmarth should any battle be encountered by sea.

Smarth would receive a visit from King Jonathan Alber during the war. It is speculated that the two met before on the battlefield on Viith-sos, though not as enemies. Franz Hauer records that there was much mutual respect. Smarth and Alber are both strong combatants who held true to their codes. Hauer goes on to say that Alber could be considered a friend of Smarth's, though this is not verified. Alber had come to forge an alliance, as Warholm had recently moved onto Alberean settlements with vicious intent. Smarth while holding an agreement with Warholm, was reported to having little care for their fanaticism. Having stronger ties with Alberea, Eian chose to move forward with Jon as Warholm had routed out the remaining Bridgers from Fort Darkblade, the last barrier between Eisensmarth's borders and Warholm's.

Soon the united forces pushed past the borders and had taken Darkblade back, as well as Criolis Farm and securing close areas in what was described as a 'glorious victory' and 'the beginning to the end for Warholm'. After the furious attacks, the Warholm threat was pushed to the southern sea. It was at the recently rebuild Port Wolfe that would decide the victors of the war.

The Prodigal Son

The Smarth Family Crest.

After the grand victory at Port Wolfe where Alberean, Eisensmarth, and Bridgeton forces destroyed Warholm's remaining military, the Emperor of Warholm Zurkiba had in a dark madness thrown himself from the highest point in Selnic after killing most of his high officers. This ended most of the conflict within the lands. A time of peace existed for a short time, and Eian was fed up with the lack of effort in his men, even if Eian had a power hold on the land making heavy taxes for travellers from most big nations. This brought on what was a steady decline in his relative's agendas as well.

Even though he had presented them with the heads of their enemies, Celdin had came to claim warcrimes on Eian Smarth for his heavy taxation on both armies, so he called the blame on his own personal men, saying they were out of control and that it was his father Henry which set the prices of upkeep. So he set forth and met with the closest lord. He talked with him and came to an agreement, he could keep the profit he had made but in doing so ultimately dissolved his borders that kept Eisensmarth together without a second thought, making it no more. Many of his troops were absolved to the other nations, some fled, and some foolishly died. Eian profited even more from this from not having to pay them, as well as the sudden disappearance of most De Lionnes, Eian having been the only partner suddenly found himself the second to the Tarsonus. Making him one of Kharlia's wealthiest men.

A group of loyalists for Eian would go to Smarth Manor in order to persuade his parents to give him rights to his family's men, wealth, and lands. Henry Smarth was against the dissolution of Eisensmarth and tried to bar Eian from the family. When matters could not be resolved peacably Smarth would bring his kin into submission. Erik Garner in his work on Smarth Geneology notes that the family was not unaccustomed to such methods conflict resolution. After the unfortunate demise of his parents Garald "The Mountain" Smarth arrived at the manor with malicious intent towards Eian. He was poisoned earlier by the loyalists and as a result became sedated. In order to avoid further conflict Eian shipped him off to Meridiem's slave trade and sent his sister to Alberea to marry into the Osbearn bloodline. This marriage would strengthen the bond between House Smarth and Alberean Royalty which was insisted by the Albers.

Smarth would move himself to a secluded island off the coast of Kharlia. Eian and his loyalists would build up an elite encampment of mercenaries to surpass old Eisensmarth. As the new leader of House Smarth he would expose his brother, Tarren Smarth, as a dullard who was guilty of public indecency. In addition he would also send his other brother, Jarden Smarth, to Alberea in order to arrange his sister's marriage and keep him from embezzling more coin from Eian's treasury into his own pocket.

Checkmate

On his island home, Eian had become suspected of laundering as many new Tarsonus - De Lionnes trading posts opened. In addition to these posts there were various businesses and industries popping up which could be traced back to Smarth. This was troubling to Celdin's Head of State, Matrim Hakor, who would lead a full scale investigation on Eian. Hakor would attempt to immorally gain control of or hinder these trading routes. This would lead a large portion of Smarth's profit to be seized. The dispute would further degrade into personal vendetta. Eian would masquerade as a bar-goer in the local taverns and openly mock Hakor's regime. The higher powers would attend the pubs to listen to him ramble. Even King Jonathan of Alberea would oft come to listen in.

Smarth would use his rants to lure people away from the castle so that his men could take a majority of Celdin's treasury that was rightfully his, utilizing the hidden tunnels from his reign prior to do so. The nation would suffer from Matrim's incompetence in the process. Matrim was effectively removed from power and Arolas the Usurper was placed back upon the throne.

While still in power, Hakor's weak mind and naivete would cause him to be tricked and outwitted at every turn. While still in power, Hakor's weak mind and naivite would cause him to be tricked and outwitted at every turn. Various guards paid by Smarth would bring Matrim's attention to the tunnels under Celdin. Findings suggest they ran under the castle, through Greendale, and most every part of Eastern Celdin back to Eisensmarth. Eian would lead them on a wild chase through the tunnels to old Eisensmarth, while at Greendale, a throne room with the insignia of House Smarth was hung from the banners by the paid-off soldiers. Hauer suggests this as symbolic of Celdin's true foundation. The result was an infuriated Hakor who sought Smarth dead or alive. Scribes of the time record that he was considered the biggest threat outside of Ivarr.

Sir Wilhem Jacobs and various other knights would try to find where Smarth was in a base. Celdin officials suspected Eian was conducting most of his work on the mainland, and could not peruse him when he retreated back to his island off coast. The island was deemed Alberean land, and any attack upon it would cause a war between the two nations. One Celdin could not afford at the time. To further confusion, Smarth had subdued a Celdin guard and dressed him as his own. Releasing the dazed man in the middle of a heavily populated area, Celdin officials led by Sir Jacobs quickly arrested the man and would unknowingly interrogate and torture their own man. This helped Smarth's case on proving the officials acted impulsively and that they could not be trusted. Eian would write and publish rather popular essays in Alberea which denounced the Celdinite nobles.

Smarth would establish himself as a mercenary leader. His wisdom would oft be called upon to end simple vendettas. As Eian's skills of strategy started to expand due in part to his use of guerilla warfare. Because of this he would amass a list of contacts who'd help him achieve his goal of gaining of a foothold once again on the main continent. Though Smarth continued to work on the fringe of the Celdinite territory due to his unpopularity from the remainder of its ruling class, even though the leader itself often changed continuously. Which inspired the works Eian wrote about in his jovial parody book about Celdin's leader being a ever changing faceless mass. The time Eian spent off shore would be the period in which his most notable missions would be carried out. Shival Felwind's use of Smarth's strength against the then undead Artius Somantio is one of the more well known missions. What made the mission most notable was that though Smarth and Artius hated one another while he lived, in undeath he is said to have paid Eian a greater sum. Because of this Artius would play Shival for a fool by luring her into asking for Smarth's help. There was no empathy for either party in this case. He considered an opportunity to shake up the magical community. However neither of the Magi would be satisfied with Smarth's service. Eian wounded Shival with a stab to the back and left early in the raid leaving Artius and his men to a disadvantage. Smarth is thought to have taken to a safehouse along his one of his many underground paths. Both sides of the magi war would take heavy losses.

To Alberea

Before this time in Celdin, people would have barred Smarth from setting up a business in Greendale. The dynamic administration was in a worse state however than when Hakor ruled. All structures of Celdinite power were in a constant flux and everything had been almost entirely replaced. At the time the nation had gone into a deep economic crisis from wanton mismanagement. Eian used this opportunity to swiftly open a garment cleaning shop where various unique and vintage articles of clothing were sold. Despite the fact he was unjustly inspected by various figures in Celdin, nothing was revealed to be unlawful. In addition they could not harm Eian due to his being the only solution towards the economic crisis. In addition he would pay them handsomely for allowing him to rent from their wares. As time passed less of the nobility remained in power.

The most recent leader of Celdin was Charles Kalendin, a man notable only for his genocide of the orcs and poor handle of his men, nearly leading to civil war. Kalendin did little in regards to the plague. Smarth wanted no part in the political backfire that would ensue against Celdin, due largely to the disgrace done on behalf of the Dwarven people. Because of this, an increasing economic failure and a rampant plague, Eian was forced to leave the city.

The dwarves of Hammerforge soon enough launched a massive attack on Celdin in a coalition with Alberea. Celdin fell and Imperial Dalmar had returned. Eian before leaving had sent agents into each nation to keep an eye on things and to ensure his companies didn't fall under. Smarth left for political asylum in Larneborn, Alberea.

Alberea would be a safe haven for House Smarth. The family would gather their gained funds together and invest it towards a Colosseum and a chain of reportedly fantastical taverns through out the nation. The people adored them and regarded them as war heroes and an ideal family to look up to. Jon Alber extended much of his good graces to the Smarths as both families prospered considerably. During this time Eian kept his troops busy and accompained Alberean forces in heroic deeds against ogre raiders, bandits, and Dearhukite cultists. In addition Smarth would write loans to help build villages; some would cite him as the reason they had such a high quality of life. Nobility and Feudalism were more apart of the culture in Alberea. Eian is reported to have prospered under such traditionalism. While here it is said that Smarth met a mysterious Alberean low-noble woman, Malvina Waldgrave, who would eventually become his wife.

Smarth sent his brother Jarden away to deal with other matters in the realm. Jarden's son, Aaran Smarth, was left to be raised by wetnurses and tutored by Wolite friars in Alberea. The Osbearns also grew closer to House Smarth as Eian spent time with his sister's growing sons, Tavish and Ranald, though neither he nor his sister spoke much between themselves. When Cedric Alber was crowned as the newly reigning Monarch of Valikorlia, all supposed charges on Eian Smarth were dropped. He was free to return unhindered to the newly formed lands of Kharlia.

Return to War

The Official Seal of Eian Smarth.

Alber placed Smarth under his son Cedric's close personage upon returning to the mainland. Cedric was indifferent about Eian, however there was an essence of intimidation, as he was one of the few people his father respected. Though in time Cedric would move Eian into the newly formed Inquisition. Not heralding under gods for persecution but rather striking down the heretics who spoke ill of the government and its doings. Smarth was not unfamiliar with ostracising citizens, giving wild speeches and quickly rising in the ranks. This caused some within the Empire to have stirrings of past memories of their pursuits of the man whose sole job now was to pursue those he deemed ill towards the Empire. Many of these people like Sir Jacobs who soon left the land, which many presume may also be linked to a lupin curse.

Though this would not be long lasting, as soon Eian was moved from the Inquisition into higher details by Cedric Alber to help in the coming war effort between Valikorlia and Dalmar. Not being one of the three wartime generals, Eian was instead made brigadier of his own few regiments which consisted mostly of his own men. Something Eian felt as a bit of a step down from his previous commands, however, Smarth pushed hard and led them to victory over skirmishes that occurred near the border. Some controversy arose as instead of keeping the newly donned Imperial Cross, Eian kept his men under House Smarth colours. This caused some schism in the ranks of Valikorlia, saying he held no honour to the country. Yet his actions and wins in the war spoke louder. Many presume Smarth had sent men into Dalmars side as spies after their massive naval fleet had failed to take New Lucca, which helped Eian gain a foothold were others could not, and assisted greatly in the retaking of New Lucca with Cedrics army. Others claimed any spies in Dalamar was Smarth playing both sides in case he sat with the loosing side. Regardless of any internal conflict Smarth's wins would be cut short not by desertion, as soon the whole of Valikorlia would be devastated by a series of naval and ground attacks from Dalmar's magitech suits.

Smarth would not be undone. Skirmishes broke out near the newly established borders near Ganelon, and Eian pushed the offensive using night fighting, something he was forced to adapt to during his early Viith-Sos tours. This assisted in laying the groundwork for maps to be used in the swift retaking of Ganelon. But it was then with a monstrous construct did Dalmar entirely destroy Ganelon in a desperation attack. Smarth sent men to investigate the reports of an anti-magical substance used by Dalmar on the Ignis Tower, which was later coined as Oungmund. Something Eian would have a great interest during the war and after, something that could help him even the playing field with magical antagonists. And to render the magitech suits useless.

Smarth sent his men deep into Dalmar to inquire about the anti-magic substance and found that Dalmar had infact mined the substance near the corpses of the dead Great Dragons from the Viith-Sos Wars. Though the cruel hand of the Dalmar kept his men from a swift return, Eian's attention was in keeping his merchant ships free from the Dalmarite fleet, which had become infamous for rendering Northpoint unreachable. As Dalmar reached the heartland of Valikorlia, and with little territory left, Eian moved his family and some men from Greendale to his island fort used previous to his departure to Alberea. From the fort Eian sends the company of men he had under his guidance into countryside south of Greendale to open the path to Dominic Conners and his men passage to the city under siege where the great climatic battle of Greendale had taken place. It was soon that the Oungmund mines of Gulderic had exploded, causing a great and terrible destruction to all of Kharlia.

Dividing the Losses

After The Divide had sundered most of the Valikorlian lands, Eian was left to re-secure his funds. The war had taken a toll on him that left his expenses tied directly with trade routes that no longer existed. Great change would need to be done to protect that which Eian had worked for his whole life. Eian was no longer as public as he once was, and with Alberea being cut off from the land even greater than other places, Smarth was left with little allies. (MORE LATER)

Valikorlia Anew

Being convinced by close council Cedric Alber had stepped down from the throne to pursue the fabled Sword of Light to help save the land after such a terrible tragedy. Something Eian Smarth had suggested against to no avail, as he believed there was little one sword could do. Where once there were green pastures and fishing towns were jagged peaks and sheer cliffs. The land had changed, coasts were rearranged, and things had to be rebuilt. Most of the noble classes had to pool their wealth to help reconstruct, and one of the largest contributors was Smarth himself. Having personal stake in the land caused him to be watchful of the construction, especially Greendale where Eian had moved his family.

All the mixed peoples living in one landmass and the unrest of poor food distribution and no centralized government caused crime to rage in the land in an degree unseen before. Rumours suggest Eian was part of the plan that helped snip the criminal underbelly, as when he became less public, crime became more organized and less chaotic. And very suddenly Valikorlia was taken back by civility, not to be drawn into barbarianism. Though from all the crime and reconstruction taxes were placed heavily upon the middle and lower classes, and stricter laws to ensure another outbreak could not occur. Feudalism much like Alberea had been instated.

With no Emperor, the Empire had turned to a man who claimed Xanthican lineage named Xaverius Rahl-Xanthica to be Emperor-Regent. The three generals (Alverseric Possulum, Hadrian Broune-Attergal, Nabbondius Rees) of the Valikorlian-Dalmar war were quickly awarded with the title of Consul which would usher in a senate under the Emperor-Regent. This man would usher in a new era, as the Divide struck everyone in Kharlia.

Smarth worked close with the man, answering only to him, all the while rising in political rank. Soon, Meridiemiese trading families from Tracello would hold strong ties to the nobility, as far as to practically control New Lucca as their own domain. Infact, the Emperor himself fancied Meridiemese woman and sired a bastard, something Eian had shown public distaste towards, even to be quoted as saying "This Emperor-Regent is loose on his oaths, a man unworthy of the title." though rumours of him actually stating this are nothing more than gossip. (MORE LATER)

Unseen to the Inquisition what the Kraken did to the Empire

Story coming soon after major events have been played out.

Personality

Eian Smarth has been described by those who met him as exceptionally brilliant and calculating. Though scholars have taken more delicate insights into his words noting an internal struggle between his personal nature and his actions. Military Historians regard Smarth as one of the greatest military geniuses in human antiquity. Scholar Martin Worthe attributes Smarth's military success to his ability to remain prepared for all possibilities even in the political field, due largely to his use of scouting and surveying. In addition to this he was both confident and arrogant. The certainty in his abilities Worthe argues contributed to his powerful presence and nature.

Smarth is considered a precursor to the generals of Modern Warfare. Though satirists of the time often underlined things about Smarth they regarded as negative. Some of the most popular negative traits were his lack of compassion, his disregarding of lesser races, and his discrimination against the more liberal ideas of his time. Most have agreed however that his intelligence and physical strength more than made up for any of his shortcomings.

Another popular target for satirists of the time was his discrimination against magic and metaphysical manipulation. While Smarth has no problem utilizing magical properties from mythical creatures for combat purposes, he preferred to use his own innovative thought processes and available technology. In short he preferred to use man's natural integrity as opposed to the weakening and unnatural aspects of magic.

A few military legends claim that Smarth used his wits to cause foes to defeat themselves before battle begins and the same legends also lionize him as one who destroys all things holding him back. Smarth also is infamous for his human supremacy which he is rumoured to have inherited from his mother. He is recorded in his earlier years as having said that "other races should stay out of human affairs".

Friedrich Strauss also recorded that Smarth is rumoured to have more civilian interests. Smarth is said to be into the usual things nobles enjoyed at the time. He had an interest in opera, writing, raven breeding, and scholar attempts.

The most significant trait Smarth had which profoundly impacted Valikorilan culture would be his philosophy in politics. Smarth is credited with creating political realism by transferring his military wisdom to politics.

Philosophy

An rough sketch of Eian Smarth during the First Consul Debate.

To Come.

Fighting Style

To come.

Equipment

More to come. Eian has no items known that possess mystical, magical, divine, or other powerfull energies or traits. Only item worth mention is his full chain and plate armour made of mythril materials.
As for Weapons, Eian whiled skilled in a variety of weapons, believes highly that, if you dont have to fight and can get another to do it for you, then do it. So he often has a troupe' of personal guards, whom he pays handsomely.

Published works

Books

Alberean Warfare
Dareth, A Look to One's Past
The Pinnacle of Smarth
The Elvish Disgrace
Alkaria
The Account of Celdin: Its People and History

Essays

The Faceless Mass: The Ever-changing King of Celdin
The Musings of One Man
Cold Warfare
Gwydion, Just As We Recall?

War Reports

The Celdin War Reports
Eisensmarth Regents
Inquisitorial Memos
Imperial Mandates

Speeches

A Call to Reason
Unveiled
Darius, Public Enemy

Quotes

On Politics

"Might makes right."
"A good politician should know that it is all merely a game. Something to keep us busy while not at war."
"The same tactics, challenges, and victories can be applied from the battlefield to the political circus."
"I've been reported to have covered some truth in my duties as a politician. The peasantry simply wants to hear what they want to hear. They cannot handle the truth."
"To listen is to win. The best said words are those left unspoken."

On Revolution

"Putting an end to a revolution all starts with finding what makes the other side driven, and simply divert their course within their ranks."
"Howling at the moon is simply that. Calling to that which will never listen."
"To join a cause requires one to fully believe in its worth. It's worth is accounted entirely on success."
"If you must break the law, do it to seize power: in all other cases observe it."

On Love/Sexuality

"Scholars, poets, and bards often claim they are lovers not fighters. I am simply the opposite."
"Malvina, my wife, is a woman like no other. I have never accepted defeat, and yet she has scaled my walls and stole my passion."
"To give an oath, means you swear on your name. All that you are worth. To break it judges you eternally. This includes marriage."
"Breeding of the lesser houses allows for more stock in my armies."

On Country

"There has never been a country so understanding of the true status quo in which we lead, as Alberea. They do not hide their true face. They are based on honour, class, and law. Nothing more."
"Celdin was once a proud and true nation. Based on idealism and hope for a future. Unfortunately, those whose hands were idle when we had taken the land, has stolen them back and idled once more to ruination."
"You should never ask what your country should do for you. You should be thankful your country even thinks of you."
"Eisensmarth stood for all that I was. All that Smarth was. We were unto iron. And we showed the world what it meant to cross us."
"To be the face of a country is responsibility in great magnitude. Few are able to step up to the plate and preform as more than a man. As a symbol."

On Race

"You too will see them for what they are. The thieving braggarts not worthy for the land on which they stand. Our people need what they have, and they do not understand reason. For this my rightful hand sweep the vileness of the Kenderkn away."
"Sad to see such years wasted to such a dim-witted race like the Elves, in every way Humans triumph over their wretched kind, it will be soon when I will set things right. And end the Elves that are a constant thorn in my side..."
"Man is great, because man adapts. We are not conformed by our nature to simply be one way or another. And for that, the world is ours."
"Though the lesser races are entirely fallable, it is unwise to cast them aside. Every thing has its uses. Like a maggot eats dead skin."

On War/Military

"Nothing speaks truer of man's existence than war. It is a time when we are allowed to drop the charade of civilization and act as real men should. Out on the field, covered in our enemies blood. That is truly living."
"It's not about who has the bigger stick. It's about who is willing to use the stick first."
"That is how war was won. Not only through physical defeat, but mentally and spiritually. Never stop making them pay. Never."
"If you do not win the battle, make sure it is you who writes about it."
"We as man continue to war, because we are good at it. We are good at it, because we continue to do it."
"To the victor goes the spoils."
"There is honour in war. Those who dispute it are those who are not good at it."
"To show mercy is to show weakness."
"Whoever says force is not the answer is not using enough of it."

On Religion

"I do not deny the gods in their existence. I just understand that they have little care for us. I am returning the gesture."
"The only god I need to worship is myself. For it is only through my actions that shape the world as I see fit, no others."
"I am often asked if I fear death. That what awaits me in the afterlife may be terrible. Only thing that could be terrible is wasting what life I have worrying on what -may- happen."
"The church is not to blame for the weakness of man. In fact their work is admirable, they understand control is easiest attained through fear. And they've mastered their deceit."
"Men of the cloth are weak minded fools who willingly act as sheep and follow the dogmas not their own. Often virgins who feel it proper to hide their shame together."

On Literature

"The funniest books I have ever read are often those that have written the truth."
"I consider myself a learned man, and I feel it is my duty with such accomplishment and brilliance that I posses that I must reach out to the future and chronicle my thoughts and views. They will need it in the coming times."
"War before has never been chronicled so well. We should be thankful its been laid out so well. The fools who spilled their guts in these tomes will be easier to defeat."

On Philosophy

"My word is my worth. But I must give my word to assure it."
"To live by a code is what separates us from the animals. Without it, we are nothing."
"I hope to inspire those who come after me. My legacy will be my immortality."
"Infamy is a word made up by those jealous of ones popularity."

On Society

"As a rule, men worry more about what they can't see than about what they can."
"Cowards die many times before their actual deaths."
"A lawless man is to himself unknowingly following the law. Just that of a truer nature. One of survival. One that is less forgiving."

On Economics

"A smart man knows not to keep his gold all in one place. Fortunate for me, Matrim Hakor is neither smart, nor a man."
"The first panacea for a mismanaged nation is inflation of the currency; the second is war. Both bring a temporary prosperity; both bring a permanent ruin. But both are the refuge of political and economic opportunists."
"The first rule to controlling the economy is to ensure yourself as the face on the coin."
"I am indeed rich, since my income is superior to my expense, and my expense is equal to my wishes."
"War is the most assured way to allow your country to flourish with coinage. The expense merely being your enemy."

Quotes About Smarth

"He would disparrage hedonism no doubt but make no mistake of it, Smarth is too a libertine like myself. For a fair maiden's touch does for me what the command of many does for him. Call sexuality merely pleasure if you will, but power is perhaps the most profound of man's pleasures. Smarth is the chief hedonist of power." ~ Friedrich Strauss
"I had seen the worst of man, the evils of being, I had faced down death itself, and found it wanting. But Smarth...Eian Smarth scared me." ~ Azenthius Esthras
"Eian is the best and worst of his brothers, he's also a hell of a chess player." ~ Zul'Narith