The term Empire of Grodnus may refer to one of three distinct nations which have occupied roughly the same geographic area but have occurred at different periods of time during the Age of Man. Only those with an education in history would know anything about the first two of these three nations. Literate party members know of these nations as: the Empire of Grodnus, then the Second Empire and at present day the Holy Lenican Empire of Grodnus.

The Empire of Grodnus

The Empire of Grodnus was founded by Alden I when he united the warring human tribes of Lenica under his banner. Grodnus was a peaceful, mercantile nation with a strong navy for many years. Eventually, Chatwin the Conqueror changed all this with the implementation of the Imperial Lenican Legions. Chatwin conquered most of what eventually became Ortonia, Gneelund, Athantos and Flyria. His son and successors later added Saulernia and Sheridonia. This tradition of conquest continued with each successive emperor until all virtually all known human lands from Western Sinepaxia to Southern Saulernia were ruled by a single Emperor in Grodnus.

Next the Empire turned its attention to Elsylvania and for a time this endeavor was successful. Much of southern Elsylvania was put to plow and many vicious wars were fought for territory near the Southern Elfin Divide.

While the Empire was focused on war with the elves, orc raiders began to attack across a wide an exposed southern front. The glory days were growing at an end when in 444 Eirokh Knucklefist a renowned orc boss lead a Great Muster and sacked Grodnus, killing Emperor Titanus the Inept, famously parading the emperor's head threw the forum at Grodnus. Eirokh scooped out Titanus' brains and inserted his orc fist and then proceeded to mock the late Emperor before a gathered crowd. No one reclaimed the throne and the Empire continued on without a central government until roads began to fall into disrepair and inter-provincial trade began to suffer.

It should be noted that the Church was instrumental in the organization and establishment of all three Empires.

The Second Empire

Officially the Second Empire was known as the Empire of Grodnus, but the Second Empire was a shell of the previous empire. For thirty years the Empire suffered under inept management and many resources were squandered. Eventually, the Empire of Sinepaxia set up a mirror government because the imperial offices where ignoring issues and problems confronting the Western Empire.

The Second Empire managed to raise several legions and fought several bitter wars with the orcs. Meanwhile, the northern reaches of the Empire lapsed into decay and some cities were wiped out by elfin assaults. With the orcs presumed to be under control, Emperor Zadius IX countered the elfin threat by amassing a great army to attack the elves. However, he contracted a pox and died before engaging in battle with elves. His generals began to war between themselves and the orcs invaded sacking Grodnus yet again. After this second and final fall, the Empire completely collapsed and for many years a sort of "Dark Age" came over humans in Tolaria.

The Holy Lenican Empire of Grodnus

Formally known as the Holy Lenican Empire of Grodnus, it has been said that this nation is not Holy, is not Lenican, is not an Empire and the capital is no longer in Grodnus. The Empire is bounded on the north by the Elfin Divide and parts of Southern Elsylvania. The Empire is bounded to the South by the Aknir Sea and (across the Straits of Vendon) Orcroft. To the east is the Ceril Sea. The Empire also includes the island of Lenica. This represents roughly one third of the size of the original Empire of Grodnus at its greatest expanse.

The Holy Lenican Empire of Grodnus, more typically called the "Empire of Grodnus", is a relatively peaceful and stable confederation of nation-states which have bound together under the authority the Imperial Senate and the Emperor of Grodnus. The Emperor is elected from member states, most of which are ruled by feudal lords.

Most humans living in the Empire are not Lenican ethnically and they do not speak Lenican. However, most imperial citizens speak Galenican, a language very much like modern English. Some of the ruling elite also speak Lenican which is a a more formal and archaic form of Galenican. The ethnic and religious demographics of the Empire of Grodnus mirrors what one might find the present day United States of America.

Unlike its historical counterparts, the Empire of Grodnus currently has excellent relations with the orcs of Orcroft. There is much trade between these two nations. Many humans have a healthy respect for the warrior traditions of Orkhanto and similarly orcs respect and appreciate many of aspects of the imperial notions of chivarly.