The Solar Empire, vast and resplendent, is held together by a complex web of alliances, noble lineages, and martial prowess. At its core lies the strength of its knights and mages, whose abilities and loyalties shape the destiny of the realm. Understanding the hierarchy of these warriors is essential to grasping the balance of power that governs the empire.
The Pinnacle of Knighthood: Earth-Ranked Knights
In the entire Solar Empire, only a select few have achieved the esteemed rank of Earth Knight. These individuals are legends in their own right, their auras infused with elemental attributes and, in some cases, the ancient bloodlines of the Dragon Kings.
Ex-Duke Alaric Flower (79 years old)
Aura Attribute: Purity
Lineage: Silver Dragon King
Alaric Flower, Raimon's grandfather, is a paragon of virtue and strength. His aura of purity reflects his unblemished honor and the noble lineage of the Silver Dragon King. His wisdom and experience make him a formidable presence in the empire.
Duke Dante Damian (53 years old)
Aura Attribute: Wind
Lineage: Wind Dragon King
A man of swift action and sharp intellect, Dante Damian wields the wind itself. His family's legacy ties back to the Wind Dragon King, granting him unparalleled agility and finesse on the battlefield.
Ranfalf Wolf (95 years old)
Aura Attribute: Earth
Lineage: None
Despite lacking a noble lineage, Ranfalf Wolf ascended to the rank of Earth Knight through sheer determination and mastery of his earth aura. His longevity and strength are a testament to his unyielding spirit.
Duke Omron Cerberus
Aura Attribute: Darkness
Lineage: Black Dragon King
Enigmatic and feared, Omron Cerberus commands the shadows. His lineage traces back to the Black Dragon King, imbuing him with an aura that instills dread in his enemies.
Marquess Sentel Winchester (69 years old)
Aura Attribute: Fire
Lineage: Ancient Fire Phoenix
The former director of the Ducal Institute, Sentel Winchester's fiery aura is matched only by his passion for knowledge. His lineage from the Ancient Fire Phoenix grants him regenerative abilities and control over flame.
The Unseen Pillars: Unknown Earth-Ranked Knights
Beyond the known Earth Knights, there exist others whose identities are shrouded in secrecy, their existence known only to a select few.
Maximus Gladiator (49 years old)
Aura Attribute: Water
Lineage: Millennial Turtle
A master of endurance and resilience, Maximus embodies the steadfast nature of his lineage, the Millennial Turtle, granting him unparalleled defensive capabilities.
Sir Leon Vogue (83 years old)
Aura Attribute: Gold
Lineage: Glacial Wolf Demon
Recently ascended, Sir Leon served the Flower family with unwavering loyalty. His infusion with the bloodline of the Glacial Wolf Demon has elevated his abilities, aligning his aura with the essence of gold—a symbol of purity and strength.
Norman Wilkes (Age unknown)
Aura Attribute: Chaos
Lineage: Orochi, the Nine-Headed Serpent
A mysterious figure, Norman wields the chaotic aura of the legendary Orochi, granting him unpredictable and formidable powers.
Ancestor of the Imperial Family
Aura Attribute: Sun
Lineage: Golden Dragon King
The patriarch of the Solar Empire's ruling family, his aura embodies the sun itself. Descended from the Golden Dragon King, he is a symbol of the empire's divine right to rule.
The Maritime Empire's Earth-Ranked Knights
Across the seas, the Maritime Empire boasts its own legends, though their knightly forces are fewer.
Ancestor of the Imperial FamilyAura Attribute: Water
Lineage: Water Basilisk
The founding figure of the Maritime Empire's royal lineage, his control over water is absolute, reflecting the empire's dominion over the seas.
Unknown Earth-Ranked Knights of the Maritime Empire
Unnamed Knight
Aura Attribute: Water
Lineage: Blue Dragon King
Details are scarce, but whispers speak of a knight wielding the might of the Blue Dragon King.
Unnamed Knight
Aura Attribute: Earth
Lineage: Brown Dragon King
A guardian of the land, his strength is rooted in the very earth he protects.
Unnamed Knight
Aura Attribute: Fire
Lineage: Red Flame Elemental Demon
His fiery aura is said to rival the sun, a beacon of destruction and rebirth.
Unnamed Knight
Aura Attribute: Water
Lineage: Sea Serpent Gogona
Commanding the depths, this knight's power is as mysterious as the ocean's abyss.
The Great Archmages
In the realm of magic, the Solar Empire is guided by the Three Great Mages, renowned for their unparalleled mastery.
Archmage Elowen (55 years old)
Attribute: Wind
A mistress of the skies, her spells are swift and elusive.
Archmage Amar (45 years old)
Attribute: Fire
Her flames bring both warmth and destruction, a duality she wields with precision.
Archmage Asteria (60 years old)
Attribute: Metal
Her control over metal allows her to shape and manipulate the battlefield itself.
The Maritime Empire surpasses the Solar Empire in magical prowess, boasting five Great Mages and a storied history with their Order of Mages extending back nearly 300 years.
Military Strength of the Flower Duchy
The Flower Duchy, under the leadership of the Flower family, maintains a formidable force:
9 Gold-Ranked Knights (Maximum Level)
50 Silver-Ranked Knights (Maximum Level)
600 Silver-Ranked Knights (Initial to Intermediate Levels)
4,000 Bronze-Ranked Knights (All Levels)
1 King Frisian Horse (Gold Rank, Maximum Level)
14 Silver-Ranked Frisian Horses (Initial to Advanced Levels)
129 Bronze-Ranked Frisian Horses
Comparison of the Three Ancient Ducal Families
The three ducal families with ancient Dragon King bloodlines—the Flowers, Damians, and Cerberus—hold comparable military strength, each bolstered by their lineage and resources. The exception is Duke Wolf, whose title was granted within the last 20 years, and whose influence is still burgeoning.
The Solar Imperial Family's Might
The Imperial Family commands the largest force in the empire:
15 Gold-Ranked Knights (Maximum Level)
25 Silver-Ranked Knights (Maximum Level)
12,000 Silver-Ranked Knights (Initial to Intermediate Levels)
32,000 Bronze-Ranked Knights (All Levels)
Their dominance ensures the stability and authority of the empire, though it also necessitates vigilance against internal and external threats.
The Noble Hierarchy and Military Distribution
Marquesses: There are only two in the Solar Empire:
Marquess Sentel Winchester: Newly appointed, his rise is attributed to his exceptional prowess and contributions.
Marquess Asteria Bon: She secured her title through substantial donations to the Imperial Family and is a staunch supporter of the First Princess Seraphina.
Counts: 29 powerful counts hold significant sway. Marcus Crow, though a count by title, is still consolidating his strength.
Viscounts: Approximately 350, their influence varies greatly, often tied to their financial power and alliances.
Barons: Nearly 10,000 barons are scattered throughout the empire, each governing smaller territories and contributing to the local military forces.
The Maritime Empire's Military Disparity
While the Maritime Empire excels in magical might, their knightly forces are less numerous and not as prominently featured in their military strategies. Their reliance on magic and naval power compensates for the smaller number of knights.
The Councils of Magic
Solar Empire: The Council of Mages, established by Emperor Aurelio just 35 years ago, is a relatively new institution. It has been instrumental in advancing magical studies but has yet to reach the heights of its counterparts.
Maritime Empire: The Order of Mages boasts a legacy of nearly 300 years. Their deep-rooted traditions and accumulated knowledge place them two levels above the Solar Empire in terms of magical capabilities.
Understanding the Balance of Power
The delicate equilibrium between knights and mages, nobility and commoners, tradition and innovation defines the Solar Empire's current state. The noble houses, especially those with ancient bloodlines, wield significant influence both on and off the battlefield.
The Flower Family: With their strategic advancements—such as the development of the Frisian horses and the enhancement of their knights through bloodline infusions—they are poised to elevate their standing even further.
The Damian and Cerberus Families: Their own strengths and ambitions contribute to the dynamic interplay among the ducal houses.
The Imperial Family: Their overwhelming military might secures their position at the apex of power, but also makes them a target for those who seek to disrupt the status quo.
The Emerging Threats and Alliances
As whispers of unrest grow louder, the importance of understanding these forces becomes paramount. The evolution of demonic beasts, the emergence of new intelligent races, and the machinations of fallen nobles seeking greater power all contribute to an atmosphere of uncertainty.
The Solar Empire stands at a crossroads, where the actions of individuals—knights, mages, and nobles alike—will shape the future. The alliances they forge, the battles they fight, and the ideals they uphold will determine whether the empire will flourish or falter.
Conclusion
This intricate tapestry of power and influence underscores the challenges that lie ahead for Raimon Flower and his contemporaries. Navigating this landscape requires not only strength and skill but also wisdom and foresight. As the old saying goes, "In times of peace, prepare for war." The empire's greatest test may yet be on the horizon, and those who understand its inner workings will be best equipped to face it.