— Never thought I'd say this, but writing songs comes easier to me. My respect to the historians, what else can I say.
Essay
Torvik the FounderWithout a doubt, Torvik was a man unafraid to go against age-old traditions and foundations, which paints him in an exclusively positive light. If not for this character trait, this desire to change his people's way of life for the better, he would never have thought to set sail in search of a better life for himself and those who entrusted their fate to his hands. He was not afraid of change and looked forward boldly, inspiring those around him to follow. To see before them a new path, forged by him, where there was no place for the cruelty of their native lands. Thus he founded Margel, threw off the yoke of Sigsmort, and ascended the throne himself. And then he appointed Aural as his successor, against all established norms. While his contemporaries worried about the present, Torvik looked to the future.
Throughout his entire life's journey, the first king was as close as ever to his people, who desired change, which is not so surprising — they themselves chose him as their leader, united by the strength of his personality and charisma. He led a simple and harmonious family life, and never kept servants. He remembered that he and the residents of Margel were part of a single whole, working for the good of their common prosperity, and he did not let success go to his head. The era of Torvik's reign was an era of change, where old orders crumbled and new ones took their place. Having passed through all the adversities that stood in his way, the people of Margel became stronger than before. And the founder himself distinguished himself not only as an inspiring leader, a skilled navigator, or a great warrior, but also as a wise and insightful man.
Arual es Diesra
Torvik understood that every ruler has their own time and place. Though his elder sons were closer to him in terms of their own interests and chosen crafts, Arual was close to his father in other aspects — he was not afraid of change and looked to the future. Moreover, having been born after the founding of Margel, he grew up in completely different conditions and understood the needs of his contemporaries better than his warlike brothers.
The era of Arual's reign was an era of reforms that would solidify the success of the first king and become a solid foundation that would serve first Margel, and then Velfern, for many centuries. It is difficult to name a sphere of activity that was not touched by one initiative or another of the new monarch. The consequences of his actions can be traced even in the simplest elements of daily life.
I cannot say, however, that I am fully convinced of the reliability of the decision to delegate part of the authority for protecting the rights of Margel's citizens to divine will. This guarantee is too dependent on the moods in society and the people in power, so even it can be distorted, with enough desire. But I will not elaborate on my gloomy forecasts, as for now it has served Margel and Velfern faithfully.
Lanigiros es Diesra Arual
The era of Lanigiros's reign was short but difficult. He came to power at an advanced age and did not gain particular popularity among other contenders for the throne, which resulted in a bloody internecine war. There are different opinions as to why he was so unpopular. The most common one, perhaps, is that in his attempts to imitate such different lifestyles, to be everywhere at once, he could not achieve the same heights anywhere as Torvik or Arual. There is a certain grain of truth in this position, but, in my opinion, the truth is much simpler — the problem lay in the very attempt at such active imitation of great ancestors. Lanigiros was not lacking in diligence and determination, but no matter how hard you try to become a copy of Torvik or Arual, you need to follow the same life path, under the same life conditions, which is simply impossible. Unlike their successor, the first two kings followed their own path, their gazes were directed to the future, and their thoughts occupied with improving the quality of life of their subjects and solving potential problems. In my humble opinion, this is where they should have been taken as an example. Nevertheless, Lanigiros still showed himself to be a sufficiently competent ruler and, most importantly, a flexible one. That too is an important quality for a monarch.
Delsahid es Diesra Arual
When considering the personality and merits of this king, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that he worked for the good of Margel long before his coronation, protecting the two previous rulers from various kinds of ill-wishers. Had Delsahid not been the person he was, perhaps the victor in the internecine war would not have been Lanigiros at all. This monarch was a strict man of wartime, cold and aloof, but possessing iron principles and a developed sense of duty. Even the choice of spouse was made based on her talents, which successfully covered Delsahid's own weaknesses. He, in turn, could focus on what he did best — the military craft.
The new king suited his era well, undoubtedly discouraging other neighbors of Margel from encroaching on the kingdom's territory. We cannot forget his contribution to the development of the art of war, the consequences of which are still felt today. But it is also difficult to turn a blind eye to the shortcomings of this monarch. The cruelty of punishments and the cold aloofness of Delsahid, his tendency to keep to himself, undoubtedly created enemies for him where a more diplomatic ruler could have avoided it. He also underestimated Wallen's treachery, which led to his tragic death. Delsahid was a complex figure, but his contribution to the history of Margel should not be underestimated. Without his talents, history could have turned out quite differently.
Hateya es Diesra Arual
A daughter of her father, Hateya ascended the throne at the right time for Margel. Having inherited many of his talents, but also learning from Delsahid's bitter experience, the first ruling queen led the kingdom in its confrontation with the invader, resolutely refusing to enter into any negotiations with him. Some people of the present day might condemn her for such an approach, given the protracted nature of this conflict. I, however, believe that after the treachery shown, there could be no other options — the enemy had their chance, but they did not take it. Otherwise, Hateya risked not only her own life, but also the end of the royal dynasty of es Diesra Arual. Contrary to the queen's formidable temper and military talents, the next thirty years of her reign passed peacefully. In my opinion, this speaks to her wisdom and responsibility as a ruler.
Floris es Diesra Arual
Undoubtedly, the bloody wars that preceded his birth left their mark on the character of the new ruler, who, though not avoiding conflicts, preferred diplomacy to the sword. The era of his reign was an era of restoring Margel, healing from the consequences of Wallen's treachery, and establishing international contacts. The example of Floris again shows how the sincere, heartfelt passions of a monarch can positively influence the well-being of the country and its subjects. Some might even see this as a return to roots, given the original craft of Torvik the Founder. One can also trace the continuation of the course once taken by Arual, expressed in strengthening the Margel economy. The kingdom again received a monarch who not only looked to the future, but was also close to the people. At least, if we base it on the history of his personal life and the character given by his contemporaries.
Note: In the sources known to me, it is indicated that all other heirs of Hateya died in the war with Wallen, which ended in the year 144. At the same time, the date of birth of Floris is given as the year 158. I could not help but notice this small inconsistency, the reasons for which should be looked into..
Saikam es Diesra Arual
A most worthy monarch, whose merits were only rightfully appreciated years after his death. If the reign of Floris was marked by the flourishing of diplomacy and seafaring, then the era of Saikam was associated with the development of art and the advancement of science. From the domestic and foreign policies of this king, it is clear that he valued the peace and well-being of his subjects highly, in times of conflict not fearing to risk even his own life to protect their accustomed way of life, despite his peaceful nature. He was not interested in conquests and did not seek glory, instead devoting his free time to his duties and hobbies. Perhaps, if one can single out any flaw in Saikam, it is the asociality that does not become a ruler. He was lucky to be born in an era when Margel was stable, however, in the event of some kind of internecine strife, this would certainly not have played to Saikam's advantage.
Sillion es Diesra Arual
I will not be original if I say that Sillion was the greatest of the rulers of Margel. A man of incredible ambition, striving for something considered impossible and succeeding, he was, at the same time, endowed with great wisdom. Sillion's aspirations were backed by an understanding of what he wanted to do and how he dreamed of using the powers he acquired. Instead of youthful whims, empty dreams of power for power's sake, he understood the full benefit of magic and actively demonstrated it by his own example. And he encouraged his subjects, endowed with a similar gift, to follow the same path, believing that the knowledge he had discovered belonged to the people. The era of his reign was a utopian era of prosperity, guaranteed by the personal power of the sorcerer-king. His sorcery equally successfully warded off both conquerors greedy for new victories and the whims of the weather. Being close to the people, Sillion also found time for simple conversations with working folks on matters that concerned them. It is no wonder that his image inspires many people to this day, whether they are passionate wizards or determined dreamers. At the same time, we should not forget that not all sorcerers approach the use of the fruits of Sillion's research with due responsibility. Unfortunately, the world is still full of various kinds of warlocks who put their knowledge to evil use.
Falnaravi es Diesra Arual
A man whose reign became a turning point for the future empire. A person ascended the throne who had forgotten the original purpose for which his dynasty was created. But there is nothing surprising in the fact that, over the long years of Sillion's wise rule, the pain and suffering associated with war became something distant, and was replaced by someone with the ambitions of Falnaravi, whose ambitions, at such a young age, had not yet been tempered by proper wisdom. However, the new ruler was not lacking in diligence and talents, which is evident from the successful military reforms and the subsequent conquest campaign. I cannot say that I agree with the overall policy of this ruler, but apart from it, I will state that the very idea of military reform does not seem like something bad, especially in this historical context. After the death of Sillion, who for a century and a half served as a guarantee of Margel's security, preparation for potential aggression from more warlike neighbors seems quite reasonable.
Velfern es Diesra Arual
As far as I can judge to the best of my understanding, Velfern, who inherited the throne from his father, faced a choice between a potential uprising of vassals embittered against Margel and decisive actions designed to eliminate the potential threat. As we all know, he chose the second option and demonstrated a high level of competence in this area. I cannot say that I disagree with such a policy of the first emperor. In many aspects, I also agree with his domestic policy, with a few small exceptions. He simultaneously provided his subjects not only with broad civil and economic freedoms, but also with an abundance of opportunities for self-development. There is no doubt that he wanted to see the citizens of his empire as educated and self-sufficient people. Despite the difficult decisions he made, it is difficult for me not to regard Velfern as a ruler in an exclusively positive light.
Raidark es Diesra Arual
One of the most mysterious emperors, especially in the context of the rumors surrounding him. According to his established reputation, he was almost comparable in strength to Sillion. However, if the policy of the sorcerer-king was directed inward, then the policy of Raidark was directed outward. During his reign, the second emperor expanded the territories of the empire through both conquests and diplomacy. Though in some cases the reasons for his decisions are shrouded in mystery for me. Being an insightful person, he secured Velfern from future external threats by securing the loyalty of the Dragon King. It is difficult to say what other plans he had for the future, but we are unlikely ever to find out.
Sellun es Diesra Arual
The era of Sellun is marked by the weakening of imperial power through the creation of the Imperial Council, and later the Senate. However, the emperor himself, due to his young age, had no hand in these innovations, becoming a victim of palace intrigues. Apart from this, his lifetime was relatively calm, although the nominal ruler had no actual power and, based on historical sources, was not interested in it. But there is nothing surprising in this, given that such passivity is undoubtedly a consequence of being raised by those same palace intriguers. And yet, I am closer to the idea of an emperor as a defender of the interests of the empire's citizens, as Arual bequeathed, rather than an exclusively nominal figure.
Shinalun es Diesra Arual
In some circles, Shinalun is considered not so much an emperor as a cultural figure. And although this ruler's contribution to the cultural life of the empire is truly great, this characterization seems to me not entirely fair. From his actions, it is noticeable that Shinalun was an extremely patient person, behind whose eccentricity hid cunning and a sharp mind. Otherwise, he would not have been able to use the prevailing situation to return at least some measure of power to his dynasty and cease to be a nominal figure. He was also not indifferent to the people of the empire. In my opinion, he proved himself to be more than a worthy emperor. And life under him was clearly not boring, in a good way.
Kermaria es Diesra Arual
Another worthy ruler who continued the work of Floris. Through her efforts, she strengthened Velfern's position both diplomatically and economically. She ruled the country worthily, and the empire knew no disasters during her reign. She also did not interfere in the lives of her subjects unnecessarily, not trying to fix what was not broken. As an empress, she appears in an exclusively positive light. And her relationship story with her husband is very sweet.
Shen es Diesra Arual
The era of Shen's reign is perhaps one of the darkest times in the entire history of Velfern. The intertwining of palace intrigues, loud xenophobic factions, and, according to historical sources, the personality of the empress herself led to the fact that her reign was quite short and turbulent, followed by three decades of troubled times.
Naer es Diesra Arual
Possessing many talents and incredible charisma, Naer was undoubtedly one of the most freedom-loving emperors in his dynasty. One gets the feeling that he was capable of solving any problem requiring a forceful or diplomatic approach, and this is only reinforced by the support of Naer from the Dragon King or the peaceful incorporation of both Lunarias into the empire. Through his deeds, he not only saved the empire mired in civil strife and expanded its territories, but also cemented Velfern's position as one of the major players in maritime trade. A gifted ruler who lived a turbulent and interesting life.
Abeas es Diesra Arual
A tragic example of a talented person whose ambitions were not tempered by proper wisdom. Due to his youth, Abeas ruled for a short time, but his rash decision had long-lasting consequences, some of which we can observe to this day. Both the ruler himself and the Senate with the Council failed here. A lesson for future generations, how a single wrong decision can bring a flourishing empire to the brink of collapse.
Hartrain es Diesra Arual
There is an expression that hard times create great people. Hartrain is living proof that at least sometimes this is the case. Perhaps one of the most selfless monarchs in the entire history of the empire, he was crowned at the mere age of six. Despite this, through the strength of his will, perseverance, diligent efforts, and personal talents, he gradually pulled Velfern out of what seemed like a bottomless pit and granted its residents the stability they so desired. Not everyone in his place would have coped with such a burden. Hartrain can rightfully be considered one of the greatest emperors. Where Torvik was the Founder, Hartrain was the Savior.
Phew, I think I've finished writing. Although it's probably noticeable that I started to run out of steam towards the second half.




















