Topilpopoca
| His Majesty Topilpopoca | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Emperor of Xiomera | |
| In office September 1, 2001 – October 3, 2019 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Topilpopoca May 17, 1948 Tlālacuetztla, Xiomera |
| Died | October 3, 2019 (aged 71) Tlālacuetztla, Xiomera |
| Cause of death | Assassination (gunshot) |
| Nationality | Xiomeran |
| Spouse(s) | Yauhmi |
| Children | Texōccoatl |
| Mother | Mizlaloni |
| Father | Cihuaxahual |
| Alma mater | Imperial Military Academy |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Xiomera |
| Service/branch | Imperial Army |
| Years of service | 1964-2001 |
| Rank | General |
Topilpopoca was Emperor of Xiomera from 2001 to 2019, when he was assassinated by a former member of his Cabinet.
Early Life and Education
Topilpopoca was born on May 17, 1948 in the Xiomeran capital of Tlālacuetztla. His father was Cihuaxahual, a General in the Imperial Army of great renown and military skill. His mother was Mizlaloni, the oldest daughter of a family with ancestral ties to rulers of the pre-Imperial city-state of Huitzitaca.
From an early age, Topilpopoca would be raised with high expectations. As the son of both a prominent military family and the descendent of pre-Imperial nobility, his path was essentially pre-destined.
Topilpopoca attended the Special Calmecac Montelin #1, widely considered the best primary and secondary school in the country. Upon earning early graduation, he entered the Imperial Military Academy in January 1964. This was at the peak of Xiomera's involvement in the Great War, and Topilpopoca was expected to join Imperial forces after graduation in what was expected to be glorious conquest. However, in 1966, Emperor Zuitotoa was overthrown and Xiomera negotiated its exit from the war rather than face defeat on the battlefield.
The new Emperor, Xiucona, spared Topilpopoca's father Cihuaxahual from the fate of other Xiomeran war leaders because of their mutual ties from Imperial Army service. Cihuaxahual was also spared because his tactical brillance had been the only thing that had spared Xiomera from total defeat. This would prove to be fortunate for Topilpopoca as well. He was allowed to remain in the Academy, graduating in 1967 and entering the postwar Imperial Army as a second lieutenant.
Military Career
The humiliation of Xiomera's defeat in the Great War would shape both Imperial politics and Topilpopoca's military service. The years after the war would be a tumultuous period in Xiomeran history. The previously unshaken faith Xiomerans had in their leaders and their military as infallible and invincible had been shattered. Previously unheard-of opposition to the government and military began to manifest in the postwar years. Xiomera's military and security forces were increasingly used to stifle and control the opposition.
During this period, Topilpopoca would rise rapidly within the ranks of the Imperial Army. He became a lieutenant in 1969, a captain in 1971, and a major in 1973. He would achieve colonel rank in 1975. He would earn the attention of Xiomera's top military leaders for his role in helping to suppress the major pro-democracy protests that occurred in August 1977. As the commander in charge of the Tlālacuetztla Military District, Topilpopoca conducted the crackdown that secured the capital and ended the protests there. The Emperor of the time, Xolōtl, gave Topilpopoca the Imperial Order of the Sun for his service and encouraged him to seek higher rank.
In 1978, Topilpopoca completed advanced officer training and earned the rank of General. He joined the Imperial General Staff as second in command to General Xipil, then the top military officer in Xiomera. He would serve in this role from 1978 to 1984. During that period, Topilpopoca also taught logistics and tactics at the Imperial Military Academy.
In 1985, upon Xipil's retirement, Topilpopoca was named General of the Army and assumed leadership of the General Staff. He would serve in this role until 2001. During this period, Topilpopoca would push for expansion and modernization of the Imperial military. He wrote the white paper Unleashing Imperial Power and Potential in 1990, which would lay the foundation for the military's conversion from a regional power to one capable of exerting force well beyond Caxcana. In 1991, Topilpopoca would coordinate Xiomera's participation in the Bjeorg conflict.
During his tenure as General of the Army, Topilpopoca would lead the expansion and re-arming of the Imperial military. After its loss in the Great War, Xiomera had allowed its military to wither and had avoided potential conflict. Topilpopoca's determination to restore Xiomera as a military power would guide Imperial militarism from 1985 to 2001.
Rise to the Obsidian Throne
In 2001, Emperor Xolōtl passed away from natural causes related to age. During the Great Selection of that year, Topilpopoca defeated multiple candidates (including the Emperor's son, Xochiuhue) to rise to the throne. His victory was attributed to his long military service, as well as his success at restoring the Imperial military and Xiomeran pride.
Reign as Emperor
Topilpopoca's reign as Emperor would be marked by both achievements as well as conflict. His reign was marked by a prolonged period of political and economic stability, during which Xiomera would expand its already considerable international trade.
Domestically, Topilpopoca would pursue a path of slow change. While unwilling to embrace true democracy, Topilpopoca was willing to allow changes to the Xiomeran system to gradually allow greater political freedom, as well as freedom of expression.
On the international stage, Topilpopoca's reign was marked by both achievements and conflict. He was the first Xiomeran leader to pursue expanded diplomatic and economic relations with Kerlile. His reign also saw the Extradition Crisis and the August 2019 Trade War.
Assassination
On September 9th, 2019, Topilpopoca was about to give a speech outside the Palace of Flowers when he was shot by Cētlalhui, his former Secretary of Justice. Cētlalhui had been dismissed by the Emperor for his failures during the Extradition Crisis. Despite the best efforts of Imperial doctors, he passed away on October 3rd, 2019.
Personal Life
Topilpopoca married Yauhmi on September 12th, 1975. He had one child, Texōccoatl.