Exarchate of Koldwealm

After the fall of the Third Aethliri Empire and The Great Sealing imperial legions in Arawdek and Urandayed found themselves without command and surrounded by hostile natives, who wish to rid themsleves of anything even remotely connected to the empire. Many armies and garrisons were destroyed, but then the commander of a legion stationed in Rwekad, Athenör Maelorith sent messengers to all other legions urging them to fight their way to Koldwealm in the lower Kwod.

Some perished on the road, but some managed to reach the valley of Koldwealm, which was protected by mountains from all sides. The local Kwoden were among the most integrated into the Empire, and many even worshipped The Stars.

There Athenör decided to settle there for several reasons. Firstly, it would allow to combat the rising Aradh-worshippinnd Dodecarchy rising in Arwadek. Secondly, it would allow him to preserve the vision he had for the Empire, and not what was desired by the Senate in Möthnaerin or by Ghaerösh in the Shaethliri Empire. And lastly, it would allow him gain the power he desired, but had no chance at attaining before.

The Exarchate prospered from trade routes passing through it, and from tolls it gathered for keeping the way safe. Some concessions to the local kwoden had to be made. For example, worship of one of the Aradh, Kolmwadh was allowed, although long looked down upon by the descendants of the legionnaires.

The exarchate’s relationship with the Dodecarchy of Arwadek was an uneasy peace: both sides detested each other but didn’t desire an open war. For that reason, the Exarch and the Dodecarchs propped up client states in the buffer zone between them.

Among those that answered to Koldwealm were the March of Dolow, Exarchate of Nemerwod, and the Exarchate of Beridmiw.

The Dodecarchy focused on creating a centralized force, which was known in Koldwealm as the Foul Realm of Ramlawkan. Several times Kolwaman(the captial of Ramlawkan) was razed by a coalition of the smaller exarchs, but money and soldiers from Arwadek made it rise again and again.

Eventually, when the power of the Möthanerini Steward grew beyond Dhinaem, the Exarch swore formal fealty to him to recieve aid in the struggle against Ramlawkan. Koldwealm retained much autonomy, but had to (at least on paper) obey the laws of the Senate.