Emperor Arcus IV Zath-Garon

A Zathryan Emperor of the Second Empire and of the long-reigning Garonit Dynasty after which the River Zath-Garon and Garonit Mountains are named, Arcus IV's individual reign was a meager 2 years, from 1207 GA to his death in battle in 1209 GA, when compared to the unbroken patriarchal rule of his forefathers that spanned the previous 327 years. Arcus IV died with no heirs and no spouse to rule as regent, spurring a nobility election between his third cousins, siblings Zephyr Veddusen and Claudia Veristius. Where Lady Claudia's desire for retribution following Arcus IV's death earned her general public support, Zephyr's decidedly more restrained approach garnered far more support from the Zathryan elite concerned that the fragile and effectively bankrupt empire couldn't handle another war. As it was the nobility making the decision and not the public, his stance would lead to them conferring upon him the title of Emperor.