The Empire of Galrathia was often considered the most powerful nation on the
continent of Aelus during the New Kingdoms era. It sometimes served as a
cultural center for the region, and its military was highly trained. Many of
its citizens underwent combat training, even if they did not end up being
soldiers. War and conquest was a way of life, though those living in the
towns and cities were unlikely to experience it first-hand. This led to a
cultural obsession with war but a casual detachment from its actual
practice. War was something far away, waged for a just cause by brave
volunteers, and always won. Songs of victory spread far and wide, and spoils
of war led to the prosperity and growth of the Empire.

Of course, those victims of conquest and the peoples outside the Empire had
a very different view, often seeing it as a warmongering behemoth.
Galrathian power, wealth, and culture was so pervasive that its history
weaves through the individual histories of many of Aelus' nations to some
extent, though most often as an enemy, to be at best avoided and at worst
feared.

The militaristic nature of Galrathia resulted in a disciplined culture. Duty
to the Empire, in whatever form that might take, was seen as the key to
respect and a life well-lived. Preserving one's honor was paramount.

All of this mattered little in the face of the Blight. Despite its martial
prowess, the Empire fell as easily as all the rest, with its people fleeing
alongside those they'd once called enemies. It was a rough awakening for
many, and those refugees who finally made it to the sanctuary of Altheria
were profoundly changed by the journey.

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