Kara'tal Empire
The Kara'tal Empire (pronounced Kaa-ara-tahl) was a super power in Aedjhelas for just over 700 years, prior to the Cataclysm. The capital city, Ahrkan, was said to be a wonder to behold; a bustling mecca of trade and politics, sprawling beneath the shadow of a citadel from which the Emperor ruled with the might of an iron fist. The Cataclysm wiped out the Empire entirely, leaving naught but ash and bones lying in the sands of the modern day Laia'tan.
History
Colonial Expansion (900-1219pa)
Having reached a critical mass upon mainland Aesysreon, Kara'tal embarked on a voyage of exploration. The known world spanned 3 continents: Aesysreon, Ari'ielas, and Jarindi, but the Uyïva'tal (imperial explorers) were determined to map the world in its entirety.
By the mid-900s, a further 3 continents had been discovered: Garilleon, Thyrcaan, and Zyraia. The Empire had expanded and established several colonies along the northern and eastern coasts of Ari'ielas. Plans were underway to inhabit the southern peninsula of Zyraia and the southeastern lands of Thyrcaan.
At the turn of the millenia, Kara'tal had more than a dozen colonies spread across 6 continents, linked together by sea trade routes.
Garilleon Colonies
The Empire established three colonies on Garilleon during their period of expansion.
Sarashasael (972pa)
Sarashasael, the northernmost colony on Garilleon, was the first to be established. At the mouth of the river Haeasas, the colony was ideally situated to allow for further exploration inland while maintaining accessible supply routes via the river and Lake Haeasas.
Yharenor (979pa)
The colony of Yharenor soon followed Sarashasael, situated just to the east in the Bay of Galhiero. It was chosen for its proximity to the first Karatalan colony on Garilleon, as the Empire desired to claim the north east peninsula. The bay also allowed for easy trading with the western coast of Ari'ielas.
Agdaïnosa (1012pa)
Agdaïnosa was significantly further south than Sarashasael or Yharenor. It was founded by the son of Kharlan Meândir, Qiaavu, who inherited his father's title of Uyïva'tala.
Collapse (1218pa)
The collapse of the Kara'tal Empire was literally over night. The meteorite struck just 120 miles outside of Ahrkan, the shockwave flattening the capital city and ravaging the land. In seconds, the heart of the Empire was snuffed out like a candle. The result would change the world forever. After having politically and economically dominated the known world for several hundred years, the sudden evaporation of the Empire left a gaping crater that many nations were eager to fill.
The distant colonies were the only subjects to survive the Cataclysm. With a sudden lack of Imperial trade support, some colonies struggled for a long time, fighting losing battles with the natives. Faced with dwindling supplies, most ended up collapsing entirely. Other, more mature colonies, became independent states, quickly establishing trade and peace treaties. Those who were unable to instate a stable government were soon absorbed by neighbouring nations.