Library of Londarios: The Kings of Seshnela, Part Three (1999)

This list is a compilation which names the Kings of Seshnela.

Contents

Sort of. It actually shows the names of the dominant overlords in the land of Seshnela. Except in the first century, when the Pendali kings were stronger, but they were numerous and disappeared or became peasants. I’ve actually got great documentation on them, if you believe that small clans of a few hundred people are ruled by hereditary kings.

This list attempts to be objective and to state variations on the facts of “Kings of Seshnela” where appropriate. Please remember that this list of facts is virtually unknown in Glorantha, and is provided to give heroquesting facts.

I have tried to state here the actual kinship relationships, where they are known. Authors and Experts are free to speculate on others.

The numbering used herein is given so that we can have a standard, and was never used by anyone in Glorantha.

The dates given are meant to indicate some critical contemporary events, sometimes even when they do not have an immediate effect on Seshnela. However, the dates are not meant to be exhaustive, and many other important events happened in every reign.

A variety of terms are used to designate the political bodies which ruled the seas and coasts of Second Age Glorantha. Though occasionally misused, these are the core definitions for the terms most commonly used.

Jrusteli Confederation. The early city states of Jrustela joined together into a confederation of equals. This occurred around 650. The confederation continued to exist through the Imperial Age as the political body representing the peoples of Jrustela.

Jrusteli Alliance. Around 713 the Jrusteli Confederation formed a loose alliance with related peoples who were interested in resisting the Waertagi dominance of the seas. It also included the Kingdom of Seshnela and the Umathelan Coalition. It lasted was superseded by the Empire of the Middle Sea.

Empire of the Middle Sea. Around 789 the Jrusteli Alliance reorganized itself to be this empire. It differed in being a hierarchal organization, headed by an Emperor and a High Council, rather than a confederation of equals. It eventually included the Kingdom of Seshnela, the Duchies (later Archduchies) of Jrustela, Umathela, Slontos, Frontem (coastal Fronela, aka Loskalm), and Eest (including Kralorela, Teshnos, and Melib), the Kingdom of Brithos, the duchies of Arolanit and Safelster, and a number of Protectorates, primarily city states or colonies in coastal Pamaltela and the East Isles.

God Learner Empire. An unofficial name of the Middle Sea Empire, given because the God Learners sect dominated their spiritual and magical practices which in turn largely determined their political actions.

Jrusteli Empire. A nickname for the Middle Sea Empire, so called because of its ultimate derivation from Jrustela, and due to the prominence of Jrustela in its activities.

Malkioni Empire. A nickname for the Middle Sea Empire, so called because its rulers and much of the population were Malkioni (that is, they worshipped the Invisible God, as introduced by Malkion.)

Seshnegi Empire. A nickname for the Middle Sea Empire, so called because Seshnela dominated the empire politically.

The Middle Sea Empire, and Afterwards (789-1049)

48. Svagad, Emperor of the Land and Sea

Reigned 789-805
Son of Svalak

Svagad was the first Emperor of the Land and Sea. The political entities formalized their Alliance relationships into a political structure of the Emperor and High Council, which included both secular and religious leaders. Through political maneuvering Svagad, the King of Seshnela (which included Tanisor), was named Emperor. Though other regions’ leaders could theoretically rule the Empire after him, none ever did. The initial members included the Kingdom of Seshnela, the Jrusteli Alliance, and the Umathelan Coalition.

He increased the empire’s territory. He conquered Slontos, bit by bit, and made it a duchy by the end of his reign. In these battles his army destroyed the last of the Loper People. (Note that though Svagad is credited with destroying the lopers, he did not personally participate in the battle.) He established many new ports along the coasts there.

Svagad is remembered as the “Richest King of Seshnela.” He transported the entire town of Hungpu, including its population, from Kralorela to Jrustela. His Imperial Fleet, upon which he went from province to province, was guided by a friendly Naiad; and had a hundred gilded galleys, each with its own protective undine and sylph. He indulged in the Angazabo Diet, sponsored companies exploring the East Isles, had every kind of boat sent to him, but never found the Sendereven.

Svagad sent a dozen explorations westward to seek lands there, but none of them were heard from again, so he ordered them stopped.

49. Modos, Emperor of the Land and Sea

Reigned 805-816
son of Svagad

Modos sent fleets and armies where needed to protect the territory, but did little actual conquest. Arolanit became a duchy of the Empire during his reign, which caused some friction with the talars (leaders) of Brithos. Modos was sometimes called the Great Admiral because he spent great expense on ships and establishing trade relationships with distant places.

50. Miglos, Emperor of the Land and Sea

816-823
son of Modos

Miglos was an ambitious man. Early in his reign he was faced by conflict between the clergy and sorcerers of the Malkioni Church, and favored the clergy.

In 819 the first Fireberg returned. This was a residue of Tanien’s Victory, and at first only small fragments were washed from the Hudaro to the Banthe to the Homeward Ocean.

In 821 Miglos headed the Fifth Ecclesiastical Council of Malkionism. Representatives of the Malkioni religion came from all around to unite their religion as their countries had been united. Under the firm hand of Miglos, whose compromises were all adopted, unity was gained among all but Brithos, which refused to worship or acknowledge the Invisible God.

Miglos fell prey to the greed that he nurtured as a result of Seshnela’s great wealth and overseas possessions. He prepared to conquer the whole world, starting with reluctant Brithos, and sent orders for armies and navies to assemble.

In 823 he sailed from Seshnela with the most powerful fleet the world had ever known. Forces from across the world were present, including mercenaries from distant lands which were intended to confuse the Brithini sorcerers. The clergy had spent a year in preparing spells of protection for the invaders. Halfway to the island a great storm, raised by the wizards of Brithos, struck the fleet, the ships were all scattered or sunk, and the emperor slain.

In 818 the first of the Hurricane Years struck Slontos. These were devastatingly powerful winds, far superior to normal weather. These were sent by the wicked EWF, as retaliation for the land and sea raids. Every winter for seven years, they continued.

51. Suilmant (aka Sulmat), Emperor of the Land and Sea

823-838
son of Modos

Suilmant was made King of Seshnela without debate, but came to the imperial throne only after considerable debate. His election was finally assured when the Reformed Sorcerers Alliance (a loose band including most of the later God Learner groups) backed him. Many outlands’ people rose in rebellion, knowing that no fleet or army was able to reach them.

His first problem was Umiliath, the largest fireberg ever seen, which was heading for Brithos. The leaders there threatened to send it against Seshnela, predicting that it would wash over the entire kingdom, if it was not stopped. The imperial clergy claimed this was nonsense, and that Umiliath would first scorch the cursed Brithini off the face of Glorantha, but the Reformed Sorcerers Alliance disagreed, saying the Zzaburite sorcerers were so powerful they would be immune, and probably strengthen the fireberg to annihilate Seshnela. Suilmant, judging by the failure of the clergy to protect his father’s fleet, sided with the sorcerers. He negotiated an alliance with Brithos, sent his sorcerers to aid them, and they diverted the fireberg from both lands.

Suilmant then spent his reign building up his fleet and army. The Safelster rebellion was savagely suppressed by the God Learner Monks. They ravaged the last holdouts of the Arkat cults, and took many slaves who they shipped overseas.

52. Brailach (aka Bralak), Emperor of the Land and Sea

838-859
Son of Suilmant

The first large scale conflict with the Fonritian city states occurred at this time. Several of the city states

there ceded themselves to the Empire for protection from their neighbors. Great battles occurred against Fonritians, generally ending in draws. The empire encouraged the slaves to rebel, with such success that the nation of Vontabu was formed in Tarahorn, in Fonrit.

In 842 the empire invaded the foul Shadowlands. This was the Krjalki War, fought against dragonewts, trolls and humans. A great fleet raided the coasts, even sailing into Choralinthor Bay and threatening the cities there while a great army marched from Slontos. Though initially successful, they withdrew from Esrolia after suffering hideous losses when dragons counterattacked.

In 849 the God Learners performed their infamous Goddess Switch. Also, about 845 the God Learners Collective was formed. Many like-minded sorcerous orders (including some from the Church) formally joined forces and begin their Explorations of Magic. Such had been done before informally, but now united, the God Learners’ power increased dramatically.

They thereby “proved” that their sorcery was superior to pagan worship, and that pagan deities were interchangeable. Seemingly successful at first, it subsequently wrought terrible havoc to the lands where the goddesses had come from.

In 852 the Mostali conclave of Belskan in the Iron Mountains fell to a Nidan Army and was purged of ndividualist heretics. The successors, thankful for the aid from the empire, maintained trade from there.

53. Drangram (aka Dagram), Emperor of the Land and Sea

859-870
Son of Bralak

During his reign the Seshnegi made their first explorations of the plains in Jolar. They called the Agimori lands Kolar, and these expeditions were the Kolar Explorations.

The empire also waged war against Vontabu, and set rulers over the whole land.

During his reign, too, the Zistorites spread through many cities. They were said to be making the “little parts” of the (future) machine god.

54. Triosos (aka Trosos), Emperor of the Land and Sea

870-887
Son of Darangram

A migration of exiles from Brithos landed in Seshnela during Triosos’ reign. They generally supported the God Learners.

Argalis, son of Rilam, became the High Sorcerer for the Emperor. Argalis is a major figure among the God Learners, having risen through their ranks and being the Highest God Learner before taking this post.

The land of Kolar was to be a duchy. Despite the title, it was really a quite inferior region, and rather than supplying raw materials was a drain on imperial resources. The adventure was maintained as they sought the mythical City of Iron, which the Veldang had told them about.

55. Keralamalos (aka Kralas), Emperor of the Land and Sea

887-901
Son of Dagram

He is most famous for marrying Somali, the daughter of Manah of Brithos. He was widely travelled, sailing about on the golden Svagad Fleet with his wife. During his reign the Four Dukes Folly occurred, a great magical failure; as did the Green Waves, the Slag Movement, and Erastis’ Poison Vapor, which were successful. These were considered, at the time, to be great acts of magic which proved the superiority of the God Learners magic.

56. Ilotos, Emperor of the Land and Sea

901-919
Son of Kralas

Ilotos is remembered as the “Most Unlucky King of Seshnela.” His reign is considered to be the downfall of the Empire.

His reign began with the loss of most Pamaltelan holdings. The Duke of Kolar (i.e., “Six Legged Empire”) was annihilated, most Fonrit cities were lost, Umathelan Coalition rebelled, and the punishing expeditionary force from Jrustela returned without even landing.

“Old Dukes, New Lands,” said Ilotos, and sent the failed army from the south to conquer nearby lands instead. Arolanit was conquered, to be a part of Seshnela rather than a part of the Empire. The rest of Ralios was also annexed, conquered, or paid tribute.

In 907 the Zistorites provoked massive counterattacks in Kethaela, and Zistorwal (aka Clanking City, Machine City) was besieged by the Krjalki. It withstood a ten year siege, but was then destroyed. The same year, 917, the Windless Typhoon caused great destruction in Seshnela.

During his reign the Closing began. Sailors came home with horror stories of huge sea dragons and mysterious forces, of ghost ships and waterspouts which obeyed nothing.

57. Daros, Emperor of the Land and Sea

Reigned 919-930
son of Ilotos

The Closing grew larger. In 922 Fronela’s coasts were shut down.

In 925 the Ice Summer struck Ralios. No crops were planted or harvested, and famine was widespread and lethal.

In 930 the Closing struck Seshnela. Nonetheless, Daros kept a strong hand on the land, kept peace except among those who were natural rebels, and tightened the tribute collections from Ralios and Fronela.

58. Celakos, Emperor of the Land and Sea

930-946
son of Daros

The Closing cut the Empire off from all its overseas possessions, and cut those areas off from each other. By 935 the seas off of Slontos were impassable, and by 940 Jrustela was isolated.

Celakos bent his attention landward instead, and sent armies overland against the Kingdom of Fronela three times. In his efforts Celakos got allies from among the many barbarians who hated Loskalm, and at last conquered the land and set up viceroys for the Empire. Celakos died early, from a curse by the Loskalmi bishops.

59. Hekaos, Emperor of the Land and Sea

946-958
son of Daros

Troubles among the God Learners were exposed at this time. After over seventy years as High Sorcerer, Argalis disappeared. The God Learners refused to disclose where he went. When his old rival, Halwal, was refused the position of High Sorcerer, he also left Seshnela and began his wanderings. He went among all the God Learner sites, discovering their loyalties, causing trouble among them.

60. Benalos, Emperor of the Land and Sea

958-973
son of Hekaos

Upon the death of Emperor Hekaos, factions put forth their own candidates to be king. Olrik was backed by the God Learners, but Benalos had the aid of Yomili, a great sorcerer of Pithdaros, who had originally come from Pamaltela decades earlier. Benalos defeated his brother in battle, but he was thereafter plagued by dissidents in all the colonies and territories outside of Seshnela itself.

61. Bajenyl, Emperor of the Land and Sea

973-990
son of Benalos

During Bajenyl’s reign, Frontem (Fronela) revolted, led by Halwal. Bajenyl withdrew troops from Ralios and Arolanit to suppress the revolt, but in turn those possessions revolted and also freed themselves. Frontem (with the help of many Fronelan peoples) drove out the Seshnegi, set up the kingdom of Loskalm again, and inflicted such great losses upon them that they were unable to regain Ralios or Arolanit. Bajenyl is the last king of Seshnela titled Emperor. 990 is the official date for the end of the Seshnegi Empire.

62. Tualon, King of Seshnela

990-991
son of Bajenyl

The magical struggle continued as God Learner factions vied for control of the kingdom and people. Tualon ruled for a short time, but was captured and killed by Englos, his cousin who was aided by Yomili.

63. Englos, King of Seshnela

991-999
son of Ciklos, son of Benalos

He married Flerla, Tualon’s sister, and so strengthened his illegal position on the throne with an incestuous union. But the blasphemy of this marriage and his usurpation marked the beginning of the final downfall of Seshnela. At this time, Halwal returned from his self-imposed exile into the wilderness, and began uniting the cities of Ralios against Seshnela.

64. Deliam, King of Seshnela

999-1016
son of Englos

Deliam worked desperately to unite his kingdom and to stop the unification of Ralios against Seshnela. He was barely able to hold back the invaders during his reign. Many cities in Tanisor fell to them, and though generally recaptured, were poor subjects afterwards.

65. Hisvok, King of Seshnela

1016-1027
Son of Deliam

Following in his father’s footsteps, Hisvok raised a great army to defeat Ralios, and he made concessions so that even Yomili assisted him. The armies met outside the city of Basmol, and inflicted incredible slaughter upon each other, each urged forward by their sorcerers. Finally, Halwal and Yomili met personally, casting great spells of destruction; when the smoke cleared and the earth stopped moving, neither wizard was to be seen. Wizards and clergy both said neither existed anymore in any plane. Both nations suffered such terrible losses they needed a generation to recover from it. Basmol was so blasted with magic that it still glows, and strange plants and animals are there.

66. Fioros, King of Seshnela

1027-1043
Son of Hisvok

Fioros was a deeply devout Malkionist, freely distributing the royal wealth to feed his destitute people. He dissolved most of the royal army, thrusting defense upon the nobility and clergy. He made several treaties granting concessions to the king of Safelster and, shame upon the kingdom, with his own noblemen. No battle was fought during his reign, no lives were lost. For that, he is called the “Most Peaceful King of Seshnela.”

67. Nanos, King of Seshnela

1043-1045
Son of Fioros

Nanos was still young when he took the throne. He was determined to be a stronger man than his father. However, he was untimely slain in battle by a stranger with great power. Subsequently Herjan the Raider killed the Dragon Guardian of the Seshnegi which had blessed Saval to be ruler in 729. This entity was said to be either Froalar himself, or a child of Seshna Likita. It had protected Seshnela since then, despite events outside its borders. Without it the land was doomed.

68. Halifor, King of Seshnela

1045-1049
Son of Fioros

Halifor ascended the throne when his brother was slain. He was a good man concerned with the welfare of his people. One day he learned that a great force had invaded his kingdom in the southwest. He mustered his army to meet it. Instead of a great army, however, he saw a single ship whose inhabitants were a race of giants from the far west called the Luatha. Though few in number, their powers were immeasurably superior to that of the Seshnelans. They were driving a huge iron pillar into the ground, and the king feared the worst. He ordered his army to attack. The Luatha did not even pause in their work, but sent a few individuals to defend. They destroyed the army and slew the king. When the pillar was only a hundred feet above the ground the Luatha beat on its dies with great hammers, each time making a larger ripple through the ground. Then they dampened it kept beating, and released all the accumulated force at once. A tremendous shock wave blasted forth. It shook earth to nothing so the seas rushed in. Aboveground any surviving human or animal underwent terrible mutations, creating the manbeasts that live there. Those survivors forgot their ancestors learning and reverted to savage bestiality.

1049 S.T. was the end of the Kings of Old Seshnela.

The New Kings of Seshnela

Turmoil reigned for three and a half centuries in the remaining regions of Seshnela, which was mainly Tanisor. During this time no ruler took the lofty title of King of Seshnela because it was obviously cursed. If anyone ruled over everyone they were called Archduke, others Prince and even the infernal Ralian title of Archon. At some point the title King of Tanisor was resurrected, though it too was first considered cursed since everyone remembered the Vampire Kings that Arkat killed. As a result, the old title was again favored, wizards discovered the lost kingship rites, and they created anew the sacred regalia of the king.

Here are the years of their reigns, and the major events which are commonly known.

1. Bailifes the Hammer, King of Seshnela

Reigned 1414 to 1431

1412. (First) Battle of Asgolan Fields. King Bailifes defeats the nobles.
1413. Safelster subdued.
1414. Crowned King of Seshnela by the Bishop of LePlain
1416. Bailifes conquers Tanisor. Surrounding regions submit.

2. Bailifes II, King of Seshnela

Reigned 1431 to 1435

3. Ulianus II, King of Seshnela

Reigned 1435 to 1449

4. Ulianus III, King of Seshnela

Reigned 1449 to 1465
Son of Ulianus II

c. 1455. Ulianus III conquers Ralios

5. Urfenthos, King of Seshnela

Reigned 1465 to 1483
Son of Ulianus III

“Ditchers Rebellion,” so called because the peasants invariably dug deep ditches around their towns and cities, where they also made tall walls.

c 1471, Theoblanc is born.

6. Urfenthos II, King of Seshnela

Reigned 1483 to 1494
Son of Ulianus III

c. 1490. Theoblanc is 20, noticed by all.

7. Ulianus IV, King of Seshnela

Reigned 1494 to 1509
Son of Urfenthos II

8. Vikard, King of Seshnela

Reigned 1509 to 1520
Son of Urfenthos II

1511. King Vikard gives the Most Grand tournament of History

Subsequent collapse of economy, rebellion of cities in general, Safelster city states in particular.

9. Lofting II, King of Seshnela

Reigned 1520 to 1545

10. Lofting III, King of Seshnela

Reigned 1545 to 1552

11. Feliest, King of Seshnela

Reigned 1552 to 1574

12. Svalanigos, King of Seshnela

Reigned 1574 to 1590

1581. Dormal lands in Nolos

13. Lofting IV, King of Seshnela

Reigned 1590 to 1607

14. Guilmarn the Fat, King of Seshnela

Reigned 1607 to Now.

Greg