Theran Empire

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The Theran Empire is the main antagonist of the Earthdawn Role-playing game. It is based on the island of Thera (present day Santorini), to the southwest of Barsaive. The empire is considered the chief power at work in the Earthdawn setting, with provinces in modern day Africa, Southern Asia, as well as most of Europe. The Theran Empire is extremely magically advanced, possessing vast libraries of magical lore, powerful (If not corrupt) wizards, and literal 'floating fortresses' ripped from the earth itself.

Theran wizards and politicians warned many of the outlying nations around Thera of the coming of the Scourge and the Horrors, offering the technology and protection of the kaers to those who would pledge their loyalty to the Empire. Most of these nations agreed at first though some became unwilling to fulfill their end of the bargain after the end of the Scourge, wanting to have nothing to do with the bureaucratic nation run on political conflict and powered by slavery.

Expanded upon greatly since FASA first released the Earthdawn books, the Theran Empire now has a dedicated manual describing its purpose and goals, as well as giving more detailed information on the Empire itself and the people living in its rule.