A dynasty built on 1000 years of prosperity and wealth, the Adrestian Empire occupies the southern regions of Fodlan, ruling from the capital of Enbarr. Though the Adrestian Empire was once closely intertwined with the Church of Seiros, by the time the player meets the faction, they’ve become quite hostile to the Church, with much of the Empire’s citizens believing that the money they send to the Church would be best kept in their own hands. Thus, the Black Eagles, led by Princess Edelgard, seek to take the Adrestian crown and wage war on the Church and the other factions of Fodlan.
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The History of the Adrestian Empire
Founded by Great Emperor Wilhelm I in the first Imperial Year, the Adrestian Empire takes a great deal of inspiration from the real-world Holy Roman Empire, evidenced by their dual-headed eagle banner and their Germanic influences. In the early days of the Empire, Wilhelm fought alongside Saint Seiros to bring peace across Fodlan and unite all of its factions.
Known as the War of Heroes, this conflict lasted from Year 32 to 9, and ended with Saint Seiros slaying the leader of the opposition, known as Nemesis. Following the war, the Adrestian Empire took control of the entirety of Fodlan. A while later, during the Imperial Year 721, the region Mach was invaded by Dagda forces. In retaliation, the Empire attempted to conquer Dagda in 731, but after taking the land of Brigid as its vassal, they were pushed back.
The year 747 saw the pivotal War of the Eagle and Lion begin, in which Loog of House Blaiddyd brought together the Faerghus region to rebel against the Empire. Four years later, the war came to an end, with Loog defeating the Emperor and securing independence for the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus.
Seeing the Faerghus people rise up and revolt against the Adrestian Empire, the Leicester region also took up arms. However, despite the previous conflict leaving the Empire weakened, the Leicester rebellion wasn’t strong enough to defeat their oppressors, and Leicester was once again annexed. 80 years later, the Leicester region would rise up again, this time winning the fight after a conflict named the Crescent Moon War, resulting in the formation of the Leicester Alliance. In 961, the Adrestian Empire aided the Leicester Alliance in defeating an Almyra invasion force.
This unification of the two factions led to the Adrestian Empire, the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, and the Leicester Alliance joining forces. Together, they created a gigantic fortress in the mountains named Fodlan’s Locket that would act as a deterrent for invading forces. In 1065, a section of the Church went rogue, and attempted an insurrection. The Adrestian Empire quickly put an end to the revolt, and the Ministry of Religion was founded in order to keep the Empire in good standing with the powerful Church of Seiros.
Just before Fire Emblem: Three Houses begins, in the Imperial Year 1162, Emperor Ionius IX is crowned, and his daughter Edelgard is born. Just a few years later, the Insurrection of the Seven took place, where the Duke of Aegir seized control of the Empire, leaving Ionius to be the face of the Empire without holding any real power.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is available now on Switch.
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