The Rule of the Neptarchs

This is an article on the History of Feyworld
Years: 210 NC to 301 NC
Age: The Third Age of Man
Continent: Duria
Main Article
The History of Neptaris
Previous Article	Following Article
The Rise of Kamaros	The Sorrows of Neptarch Feldan Foxglove

Almost as soon as Regent Joandar began the process of selecting the next King, the Second Ecumenical Council was held by the priests of Neptaris to revoke the trust King Orris had placed in Joandar. Led by Theodoros II, Archbishop of Betshaba in Neptaris, the Council issued an edict stating that it was the only body who could resolve the issue. Many of the people agreed and Joandar was stoned to death by a mob while he spoke against their decision from the steps of the Temple of Clementia.

After a great deal of deliberation and intrigue, the Second Ecumenical Council decided upon young Tivan Laes of House Kraegar to become the new ruler. Furthermore, they issued the Rule of Neptaris, which renamed the royal ruler "Neptarch" and established the Church of Betshaba as necessary to confirm the right of all nobles to rule. Some, particularly Politos of House Rimman, viewed this as a betrayal by the Council and tried to start yet another rebellion. The people, however, tired of the fighting, threw their support behind the new Neptarch, Tivan Laes. Over the next several years, Politos continued to try and build support for his coup, but his cries fell on deaf ears. He was finally silenced in 214 NC, when his body was found in a ditch behind a less-than-reputable tavern. Few mourned his passing.

Tivan Laes proved to be a capable ruler, despite the fact that he tended to favor the Church of Betshaba in most decisions. His son, Iolomar, was recognized as Neptarch upon his father's death in 230 NC. Iolomar was a conservative ruler who seemed more interested in maintaining the status quo than advancing the city's interests within or abroad. When he died in 265 NC, the Church of Betshaba crowned his son, Tivan Grael. Tivan Grael was known for his diplomatic skills and secured strong trade and military alliances with the few foreign powers in the region, including the Kingdoms of Kamaros and Derlos. Unfortunately, his domestic abilities left much to be desired as taxes rose in response to a famine, forcing even more people to starve in the streets. During his reign, Tivan Grael had five sons. The eldest, Theron, proved to be a strong young man, bold of thought and courageous. Many citizens waited patiently for Tivan Grael to die, hoping that Theron would correct the faults of his father. Unfortunately, Theron died during an accident at a jousting tournament and his father, who was present at the tourney, immediately had a heart attack and he himself passed. The Church of Betshaba recognized Tivan Grael's second son, Beran, as the new Neptarch in 301 NC.