The Great Pyramid of Kythira
The Great Pyramid of Kythira, located in the Ardoraghi desert, was a suggestion of Grand Chancellor Leonard Von Roterstein, and formally commissioned by Emperor Francis Viromaro in the early Third Era. It served as the tomb for his father, Emperor Richard I Viromaro, and all future rulers of the Kythiran Empire.
It replaced an earlier, simpler pyramid that was never put to use and has since been demolished.
The hearts of the Kythiran rulers, as per tradition, remain in Helmira.
Almost all Kythiran rulers have been buried in the pyramid, with the exception being those from the Second Era, whose bodies have since been lost, their tombs plundered during the Dark Ages, and Emperor Charles III Viromaro, who vanished in the Night of Lightening.
Since the internment of Emperor Richard I Viromaro the tomb has been guarded by an Ardoraghi honour guard known as the Eight Knights. This in actuality is a unit of 18 soldiers, all from the Kingdom of Ardoragh, who are sworn to protect the tomb. These used to be paid by the High-Lord of Ardoragh, but since the Reforma Carta they receive compensation directly from the Crown.
Custom dictates that a deceased ruler shall first be privately kept for three days in the Imperial Palace. After, it is displayed in the White Gold Tower for 5 days. After which, it is moved to the following cities in the following order: Oldspawn, Marsadini, Solleria, Ardoria and Kreonix. From Kreonix the body is sailed to the foot of the Great Pyramid to receive their final resting place. The only rulers who did not have this ritual were Emperor Henry III, because his body had started to rot early, Charles II due to the damage after his murder, and Charles III due to him vanishing.
Although calls were raised to not inter Louis in the pyramid after his death, Empress Theodosia has rejected alternatives, and has made it clear her father will be buried in the traditional way.
Rulers buried in the Pyramid:
- Emperor Richard I Viromaro
Empress Adelina
- Emperor Francis Viromaro
Empress Sigrid
- Emperor Henry II Viromaro
Empress Helene
- Emperor Richard II Viromaro
Empress Beatrice
- Emperor Charles I Viromaro
Empress Rosamund
- Emperor Philip Viromaro
Empress Eloise
- Emperor Henry III Viromaro
Empress Ysella
Empress Maerena (mother of Charles II)
Empress Julienne
Empress Anya (Mother of Charles III and Alexander)
Empress Oriane
Empress Calista
Empress Lucretia
Empress Thalia
Empress Virelle
- Emperor Charles II Viromaro
- Emperor Alexander Viromaro
Empress Isadora
Empress Prisca (Wife of Emperor Louis, who is still alive)
