Council of Bile

The fall of Kal-Oni (1016 - 1266) gave rise to the city-states of Scartaris and Paradomea in the east and local warlords and old military orders in the west. Lands west of the Foronir River, great pastures and sweeping vales, iron and other riches of the icy north and gemstones and spices of the southern jungle were the most dangerous areas of the empire. The most consistent of these threats then and today, are the ice trolls of the Gelugon Range, the restless firbolg tribes of Hengorek and yuan-ti and other horrors creeping out of the Jungle of Saknussem. The fall of Kal-Oni exacerbated the problem with the natives. Remote areas became petty fiefdoms, others overrun by savages hunting the remnants of a fallen empire, and others under the watch of old and upstart military orders.

In 1267, the fortress of Drakhôr became the power base of House Bile. On a mission to bring security to the area, the Biles made alliances and warred with rebel elements for thirteen years. Blamed by some, the Merchant League, friendly and competitive rivals of the east, bankrolled the conflict, keeping it going as good business.

In 1279, an alliance of four military orders, what would become the Orders of War, was formed by General Rozol Bile. Claiming victory and centralized command, on 1 War March 1282, as head of state, Rozol Bile established the Council of Bile.

Of the empire's four main religions, two are war-loving types, the Church of Ares and that of war and chaos under Krak-Oth. The Church of Bahamut and that of Hades are concentrated in the empire's western provinces.

Architecture

The Council of Bile build grandiose monuments like that of the Valor Shrine, honoring those that have died in valorous combat. The empire's fortifications have layered defenses with massive lava stone walls and towers serving as observation platforms and aeries for their flying beasts.