Jakob II Benevolent
Jakob II succeeded following the decision of his father Theodore I, who preferred him over his paralyzed younger brother Karl. His rule was popular with the people because he was able to respond to the practical needs of the empire. He completed important constructions, among them the first great dam in the East, canceled taxes during years of extraordinary calamities, and established important alliances with the elves. It was under him that new knowledge in the field of herbs, magic and different ways of conjuring reached the empire. His sudden death from an unknown intestinal disease ended a reign that could have been even more significant.
Dynastic Information
Stepping in instead of a brother
Jakob II became emperor as a result of the decision of Theodore I, who chose him as a more suitable successor than the younger Charles. This decision may have been painful for the clan, but it proved to be stabilizing for the empire. Jakob entered as a mature and capable man who could take power without the long uncertainty of regency. From the beginning of his reign, he had a sympathetic effect on ordinary people. He presented himself not as a distant ruler locked in a palace, but as an emperor who understood the practical problems of the country.
Buildings and aid in years of disasters
One of the most important projects of his government was the first dam in the east of the empire. This enabled farmers in the more arid steppe areas to obtain water and significantly improved the economic situation of the region. At a time when unpredictable weather still threatened agriculture, this was an extremely important step. Jakob also abolished taxes twice, in 1102 and 1116, when the empire was hit by great upheavals and poor agricultural years. This move strengthened his popularity with his subjects and showed that imperial power could not only levy, but also relieve in times of need.
Elven alliance and new knowledge
Jakob II he made the first significant alliances with the elves during the time when the elven lands were fighting against the southern desert goblin tribes. The Emperor sent two battalions to help them, and they achieved several successes in the foreign war that strengthened the empire's prestige and its relations with the elves. The elves reciprocated by imparting new knowledge. Knowledge of special herbs and other methods of magic reached the empire, which expanded the possibilities of elemental magic. Thanks to the universities, this knowledge could spread throughout the empire and influence the next generation of mages.
Sudden end
Jacob's reign ended prematurely and unexpectedly. He was struck by an unknown disease of the intestines, which came suddenly and took his life within two days. Even the best healers and magicians could not understand or stop the disease. His death opened the way for the young Theodore II. and at the same time she reminded that even in a relatively peaceful time, the fate of the empire can be changed by a single inexplicable disease.