Sirius

Biodata

Background and History

Sirius rose from a comparatively minor overseas power into the dominant maritime state over roughly two centuries. Its expansion was sustained by near-continuous warfare, colonial extraction, and control of strategically placed ports, trade hubs, naval bases, and sea routes. Its military establishment became so vast that roughly one in every twenty citizens was part of the armed forces. 274 326 445 458

The kingdom held much of the New Continent's proven precious-metal mines and transported colonial wealth through systems such as the Golden Post Road. Its colonial policy included the seizure of mines and the violent removal of indigenous populations, as seen when a Sirius expedition massacred Atelian inhabitants of Silver Island after discovering silver deposits. 322 326 375

Treasure Fleet Disaster and the Silver War

The destruction of Sirius's Treasure Fleet in the Great Whirlpool of the Eye of the Black Sea caused a financial crisis and rendered a major shipping route, its supply points, and naval bases unusable. 369 370

Facing a military-pay deficit, Sirius intensified its efforts to seize Potosi silver and recruited pirates to attack rival colonies and shipping. These attacks—along with direct action by Sirius regular forces—prompted Faletis, Sake, Atlan, and other affected powers to form the Anti-Sirius Alliance. 337 371 372

Sirius later unilaterally declared war on Tulip, opening a wider conflict across the Black Sea and Southern Continent. Its army initially captured key territories and resource regions, while the navy attempted to maintain blockades and supply lines. 451 465

Imperial Reformation

King Philip II pursued the long-standing ambition of transforming Sirius into an empire and reducing the Eternal Fire Church's hold over royal authority. He was crowned Emperor of the Holy Losa Empire, inheriting the Frisia Kingdom's accumulated wealth and receiving support from the Kindling Order. 368 503

The religious reformation ended with the Sirius Empire and the Kindling Sect prevailing over the Eternal Fire Original Sect. Philip II then prepared to use the empire's naval strength and the Maritime Royal Authority to reinforce Sirius's global supremacy. 709

Defeat and Decline

The Empire's position collapsed after the Battle of Fort Dearborn, where it lost much of the Invincible Armada, a Legendary Battleship, and Titled Knight “Thorn of Fire.” The Anti-Sirius Alliance subsequently invaded and captured the New Sirius Viceroyalty, Sirius's wealthiest New Continent colony. 717 718 719

Further defeats followed: the Maritime Royal Authority was destroyed, Lobito Territory was seized by the Sark Empire, and the Peacock Islands were lost. Philip II died amid the Empire's decline, leaving Crown Prince Odrich as Emperor and Theresa as regent. 788 789 798

Government and Religion

• Royal Authority — The Sirius Royal Family centralized colonial expansion, military power, and much of the wealth extracted from overseas territories. 678
• Eternal Fire Church — Sirius's original state religion; its influence extended deeply into the military, administration, and commerce, creating a persistent conflict between divine and secular authority. 340 368
• Kindling Sect — A reformist Eternal Fire faction backed by Philip II during the Empire's religious reformation. Its recognition by the other major churches strengthened the new imperial order. 503 709
• Curse School — Served as a major occult partner of the Empire, advising Philip II and helping develop plans tied to imperial authority. It later withdrew from Sirius and escaped its contractual obligations as the Empire declined. 368 720 793

Military Assets and Doctrine

Economy and Colonial Policy

• Sirius's prosperity depended heavily on New Continent precious metals, plantations, mines, and maritime trade routes. 326 370
• The Empire treated colonies as extraction zones, with indigenous laborers and enslaved peoples frequently denied meaningful rights or protection. 322 718 776
• Its enormous military spending, combined with the loss of the Treasure Fleet and overseas territories, produced worsening fiscal crises. 369 371 731
• Sirius eventually defaulted on national debt owed to the Netherlands Banking Group and began issuing letters of marque to plunder Lowland Republic shipping—the same privateering model it had once denounced. 741 798
• By the time of the Golden Palm Federation blockade, Sirius relied on outdated weapons and sought military assistance from Evan Garratt in exchange for sales and political cooperation. 903

Relationships

• Philip II — King of Sirius who became the first Emperor of the Sirius Empire; pursued religious reform, maritime supremacy, and the creation of imperial Royal Authority before dying after the Empire's major defeats. 368 503 788
• Empress Dowager Theresa — Regent for Emperor Odrich following Philip II's death; implemented trade restrictions and domestic economic reforms while attempting to preserve the Empire's standing. 798 903
• Anduin — Curse School Grand Sorcerer and later Chief Archmage; became Philip II's trusted advisor and supported Sirius's military and political ambitions. 225 368 709
• Kindling Sect — Reformist religious ally whose rise helped Philip II weaken the Eternal Fire Original Sect. 503 709
• Faletis and the Tulip Alliance — Sirius's principal opponents during the Anti-Sirius wars; their forces defeated the Invincible Armada and occupied the New Sirius Viceroyalty. 371 717 719
• Lowland Republic — Later adversary in the Old Continent war; Sirius defaulted on debts and targeted its merchant shipping. 741 745
• Golden Palm Federation — Later blockaded Sirius frontier islands, exploiting the Empire's industrial and naval weakness. 903

Notable Quotes

“When have we Sirius ever needed a reason for doing things on this sea?” — Sirius envoy 330