Tiaral

Yes. He lived like a warrior, died like a warrior (even though he was stupid and couldn't become the best emperor because of it).

they will already take place in a new "era" and have a different thematic coloring

The waning days of greatness have given way to the interregnum. The Empire has fallen. Battlefields and ruins of former imperial glory litter the lands. Few cities and villages remain. Human lands are in chaos and bandits are free to roam the countryside. The forces of nature are growing continuously stronger and have reclaimed much land from the human inhabitants. Even worse, great acts of evil have been performed in the capital, which has turned into a stronghold of undead creatures and unspeakable horrors. Only a powerful leader will be able to rebuild the Empire.