[Fortunately, the fall of the Loptrian Empire is a less emotionally-fraught subject for Ethlyn than the shambles that some Crusader descendants are currently making of Jugdral, and her manner becomes considerably less burdened when Noel asks about. Not lighthearted, given the subject matter, but not personally burdensome either.]

For a very long time, the continent of Jugdral was subjugated by the Loptrian Empire. Its founder had made some kind of pact with a dark god, and each successor inherited it--any opposition was ruthlessly crushed. Over the centuries, thousands of people were killed in reprisals and massacres.

But about a century and a quarter ago, a new rebellion began. [She looks up towards the sky, remembering how she learned it--how she was taught of her family's importance.] Twelve warriors lead the revolution, but the Emperor's power was still too much, and they were driven back. They holed up in Dahna, preparing for their last stand.

That was when the gods appeared to them and made the same kind of pact with them that Loptr had once made with the first emperor. With their blessing, the twelve warriors were able to throw down the Empire. [She smiles, aware that she sounds like she's reciting a lesson.] And their descendants have inherited those blessings too.