Lady Claudia Veristius

Claudia Veristius was the sister and political rival of Zephyr I Veddusen, third cousin of Emperor Arcus IV Zath-Garon, and governor of the city of Grafwyn from 1205 GA to her death in 1247 GA.

Competition for the Throne
Upon Arcus IV's death in 1209 GA, both herself and her brother put forth claims of right for the Imperial Throne. As both claims were considered valid and neither were willing to concede rights, it was decided the matter would be settled by nobility election. Claudia's policy of military prowess and retribution for the Year of the Vanishing City earned her massive public support, however the imperial elite were far more cautious and concerned for an empire and economy they felt couldn't handle anymore violence. Her brother's politics were far more anti-war and focused on reconstruction, earning him the title of emperor despite Claudia's efforts.

Declaration of the First Sand War
Seeing opportunity in Sarilla of 1215 GA, Claudia invited Archbishop Celomir the Rightly-Guided to reestablish the clergy in Grafwyn after its dissolution by Zephyr I in Razal that year provided they give her theological backing for declaration of a holy war against the Nisani. Celomir agreed, and Claudia issued a proclamation on 11 Sarilla issuing holy war against those viewed as responsible for the death of Arcus IV, by now seen as a martyr. Though technically illegal, Claudia took a gamble on being accused of treason and it paid off. Popular with the general public, the pressure it placed on her brother led to his concession and drafting of a formal declaration of the First Sand War 19 days later.