Becoming the citizens the Empire

The Empire was built on magic — but magic was the domain of the few. The common folk had little access to it. Science and mechanics, however, could improve everyone’s lives.

And the Arisen had the knowledge to make it happen.

Despite still being treated as second-class citizens, the Risen Zem became the brains behind the Empire’s industrialization.

By 850 AGC, everyday life in the Empire had transformed. Things once unimaginable — centralized water supply, mana-powered appliances — became indispensable.

Nezeb, recognizing their contributions, issued a new decree:

• The Research Institute of Magic and the National Traditions of Zem (RI MANATAZEM) was founded.

• Nefer Ur was appointed its Director.

At the same time, the Arisen sought to reclaim their lost heritage. Every Zem was naturally gifted in magic, and their former engineers now turned to the study of arcane arts.

The Hadagan necromancers, too, learned from their ancient allies — who had once delved far deeper into the mysteries of death than any modern mage.

In time, the Arisen became the foremost scholars of magic in the Empire.

In the year 907, two years before the League’s invasion, Nezeb made a fateful decision.

The Arisen were officially granted full Imperial citizenship.

• The allod of Khadagan — the geographic heart of Hikut Empire — was given to the Zem people.

Nefer Ur was inducted into the Great Mages and became the ruler of Khadagan.

But even with citizenship, the Arisen were still seen as outsiders — strange beings from beyond the grave.

But in 910 AGC, a great disaster changed everything.

The Astral Demons attacked, and the Arisen fought side by side with Hadaganians and orcs.

In battle, they were no longer "zombies with brains" — they were comrades-in-arms.

By the time Yasker came to power, the Empire had transformed into a true multinational state.

There were no longer first-class and second-class citizens.