Aritcio Kor-Azor

Aritcio Kor-Azor is the reining Heir of the Kor-Azor Family. He came to power in year 105 following the ascension of his father, Doriam Kor-Azor to the Imperial Throne. Aritcio had long been the favored successor of his father, who refused to believe anything bad about him. Many viewed his ascension to power with dismay.

Aritcio was well suited to political machinations, being known for having a perfect mixture of charm, dishonesty, and paranoia. However, he was not known to understand the plight of the common man, having been brought up in sheltered luxury. This caused much tension in his realm, as the populace was used to the benevolent rule of his father.[1]

Early in his reign as Heir, Aritcio was involved in controversy following an "incident" at a cathedral on Eclipticum. The "incident" resulted in the necessary destruction of several holy artifacts, while a female Gallente student involved in the "incident" had to be returned to the Federation for medical treatment.[2] Numerous Heirs, including Yonis Ardishapur and Uriam Kador publicly displayed outrage at the incident.[3][4] Following the silence or disappearance of the witnesses, Aritcio was cleared of wrongdoing by the Theology Council. [5]

Further controversy arose when Aritcio purchased two kidnapped Crielere scientists from the Guristas for over a trillion ISK.[6] Speculation and fear spread rampantly about Aritcio's intentions while the Emperor refused to take action against him.[7] Eventually, President Foiritan stepped in and began negotiations with Aritcio for the return of the scientists.[8] Aritcio eventually agreed to return them in exchange for trade and mining rights in the Federation [9], a move that prompted the Republic Parliament to issue a statement of concern.[10]

However, it was revealed that the scientists were actually slaves who had stolen the scientists' identities.[11] A manhunt was started for the scientists on Inix-Ilis I, the location of the mine the slaves had escaped from. Aritcio demanded the slaves be executed, but the Federation claimed they had been legally purchased and freed them.[12] The scientists were eventually discovered dead in the mines, while the Amarrians began to claim the slaves were actually rebel infiltrators who had made off with sensitive documents.[13]

Further criticism was levied at the Heir when it was revealed that an Imperial Apocalypse being auctioned off by the BIG Lottery had once belonged to Aritcio, who left it at a Gallente actress's estate following a night of wild partying.[14] Aritcio was spared further embarrassment when the ship was returned to the Empire by the winners of the lottery.[15]

Aritcio became increasingly erratic and sadistic in his behavior as the years went by. He became known for handing down harsh punishments to his vassals for both real and imagined slights. This behavior eventually led to his vassals on Liparer II to revolt against his rule. The planet was saved from utter annihilation only by the actions of Brother Joshua, a Speaker of Truths.[16] [17]

The situation finally came to a head when hundreds of Kor-Azor Holders petitioned the Speakers of Truth to address their concerns against Aritcio. Brother Joshua came to the Kor-Azor palace and issued a judgment against Aritcio, decreeing that the injured parties would receive compensation from Aritcio in the form of an eye-for-an-eye. While Aritcio's status as an Heir reduced the severity of an individual claim to virtual insignificance, the sheer number of claims against him would have ended with his death. However, Aritcio's military and religious advisers convinced Brother Joshua to allow Aritcio to undergo cellular regeneration before he was killed, thus keeping him alive without resorting to cloning. [18]

The dismemberment and regeneration of Aritcio had a profound affect on the Heir. Following his recovery, he became far more benevolent and kind. He began to regularly travel around his domain and address the problems the lesser Holders and commoners were having with their betters. He generally began to rule in favor of the downtrodden and oppressed. To the public, Aritcio appears to have been completely transformed by his ordeal. [19]

In December 110, Empress Jamyl I appointed Aritcio the new Imperial Chancellor.[20]