Kordillus Drakon I

Kordillus Drakon I
Title	Emperor of Orlais
Race	Human
Gender	Male
Family	Vanedrin Drakon (grandfather) Septimus Drakon (father) Castana (mother) Empress Area Montlaures (wife) Kordillus II (son)
Appearances	Historical

Kordillus Drakon I was the founder and first emperor of the Orlesian Empire.

Background

Drakon was a fervent believer in the Maker and often claimed that the Maker had personally charged him with spreading the Chant of Light. He was instrumental in turning the cult of the Maker (which had no central leadership at the time) into the Chantry. Because of his actions, he was declared "Anointed" by the Chantry and is revered as much as Andraste by many of its members. Drakon was also a brilliant general, leading the newly founded empire to rapid expansion.

Rule

In the year -15 Ancient, the young and ambitious king of the city-state of Orlais began construction of a great temple dedicated to the Maker, declaring that by its completion he would have brought Andrastian belief to the world. In -11 he began a series of attacks in the Heartlands aimed at uniting the warring city-states of the south.

The temple was completed in -3 Ancient and Drakon was crowned emperor in Val Royeaux, having conquered several neighboring city-states and forcing the submission of others. His first act as emperor was to declare the Chantry as the established religion of the Empire. He created the holy office of the Divine, and after protracted elections Olessa of Montsimmard was proclaimed the first Divine three years later, taking the name Justinia. The event marked the beginning of the Chantry calendar at 1:1 Divine.

Drakon believed that the Grand Game was tearing the nation apart, so he abolished all titles besides emperor, empress, lord and lady.

When the Second Blight began in 1:5 in Anderfels, Drakon enlisted the help of the mages, permitting them to use their full power against the darkspawn. They proved themselves to be effective allies in battle, and Orlesian army under Drakon's command won a series of significant victories against the horde including the hard-fought Battle of Cumberland in 1:16. In 1:20 he played a role in the signing of the Nevarran Accord between the Chantry and the Inquisition that established the Seekers of Truth, Circle of Magi and Templar Order. Drakon was also a close personal friend of Ameridan, the current Inquisitor at the time of the order division.

Throughout this entire time, the elves of the Dales remained neutral and unhelpful. Tensions became especially high when the city of Montsimmard was nearly destroyed by the darkspawn in 1:25 while the elven army watched nearby.

In 1:33 Orlesian armies marched northwards to the Grey Warden fortress of Weisshaupt, relieving it from the siege. The Wardens were so impressed with Drakon that they converted to the Chantry. The united forces moved further north to salvage what was left of Anderfels, leading to its conversion to the Chantry and annexation by the Orlesian Empire later that year.

Drakon died of old age in 1:45 Divine and was succeeded by his son Kordillus II.

Marriage

Empress Area was the third of Lord Montlaures of Val Chevin's famously unmarriageable six daughters. When she met young Prince Kordillus, she was the captain of her father's archers and led the defense of Laures Castle. According to the legend, she was not the fairest, nor the most elegant or charming, but when the prince – who was no charmer himself – witnessed Area shooting the wings off a bumblebee at one hundred paces, he was instantly smitten.

It is said that on their wedding day, Drakon presented his bride with a golden bow crafted by the mages of Val Royeaux, so that they could ride into battle and spread the Light of the Maker together.

Trivia

• Kordillus is incorrectly spelled Kordilius in the codex.
• Fort Drakon in Denerim is named after him.
• The Pearl of the Anointed once belonged to Kordillus Drakon I.