Rufus Quintus Livius was elected Consul by the senate in 5870. Against the senate’s wishes, he took the name of Cajus (pronounced Kai-us) Tigius believing that continuity was important to the empire. Although not proven, Cajus claimed to have been adopted by Awrelius on his deathbed.

Discovery of the Ogdos Islands
When he was elected, Cajus inherited a stable empire in terms of military conflict, however, the economy was on the verge of collapse due to decades of numerous auxiliary works projects and the increasing amount of welfare given to citizens. The discovery of the Ogdos islands to the southwest in 5867 brought in badly needed resources and new trading partners. The expedition, funded by a senator named Gilsas, was surprised to see Ganarii present running a few stores. With their help, communication was established with the speechless Ogdans. (They appeared to use a sophisticated set of hand signals to ‘talk’ to the Ganarii, but not to each other.) The Ogdans demonstrated an unusual talent to ‘blow’ opaque pottery in a similar fashion to glassmakers blowing glass. The ceramic material used is unknown in other lands of the world. Vessels made of this ceramic are almost indistinguishable from other materials used to make pottery. The only distinguishing characteristics are the round shape and amorphus shapes of color.

Nechka, Milga, and the Ogdan Mug
One peculiar vessel commonly called an Ogdan Mug is almost pear shaped with a small chamber near the top where the top of a handle would normally be located. This mug is used for a specific spiced drink called a nechka. Mead is poured into the larger chamber of the mug and a strong, almost pungent mliga (runny cheese) is placed in the smaller chamber. The mug is tilted to allow a little mead to dissolve the mliga. Once dissolved, the rest of the mead is consumed in such a way that the tip of the nose barely touches the dissolved mliga. Apparently, the Ogdan enjoy the simultaneous experience of sour smell and sweet taste. (The milga is not consumed.)

Ogdan Ironworks and Appearance
The Ogdans proved to be good steelworkers. Their steel is among the purest known, due to their ability to heat furnances to higher temperatures. No one is certain of the process and they are not willing to teach any outsiders, not even the Ganarii. Their swords have a curvature that makes them resemble a khopesh. Their shields are usually round and small. They do not appear to make any kind of armor except a light chain mail. More is not known.

The Ogdans themselves appear to be similar to humans, but are generally shorter and more heavily built. Their have a very small chin and their foreheads are sloped back. They appear to have slightly longer heads compared to other humans and they are much stronger, having particularly strong arms and hands. Like humans, they come with various levels of body hair, but are distinct in that no Ogdan has red hair of any kind, blonde hair is rare.

Cajus Tigius’ Career
Cajus and others resented Awrelius’ decision to trade with the Ogdans instead of conquer them. In particular, Cajus was envious of their superior steel. He dreamed of expanding the empire to her former glory, however the economic crisis at home kept him busy with matters of state.

Those in the border provinces where magic could be used began to create their own gold and silver coins. Indistinguishable from real coins, some merchant discovered that their coins reverted to lead once they crossed the Awrelian Demarcation. With the effect of introducing more coins into the economy and a lack of confidence in gold and silver coin, inflation grew out of control. To curb this, Cajus began to make coins of silver and gold with pieces of nihilite. Although difficult and costly to produce, they could not be magically duplicated, thus restoring some confidence in currency. With the unintentional effect of requiring less gold and silver to make coin, Cajus was able to produce enough coin to bring inflation under control.

With a trustworthy coin, inflation could be controlled, but the recession would not end until there was either enough gold and silver to make coins for everyone, or the dole would have to be reduced. Cajus did both. Unable to get much more gold from old mines, he looked to the east where border provinces stayed afloat thanks to Hesberian trade. He discovered that in some eastern provinces, local rulers had not figured out a way to make trustworthy, magic-proof coins. Taking advantage of their inflation and governmental chaos, Cajus struck boldly to retake eastern lands in 5881. He was easily able to take Gursova and Bithynia. Being cautious, as was his predecessor, he focused on maintaining the two gold-rich provinces. Bringing troops from the southeastern border, Cajus held these territories and they are still part of the Hesberian Empire.

Cajus perished during his second campaign east in 5883. Unwilling to fight without their general and consul, the Hesberian armies did not press, but instead withdrew to established boundaries. Cajus was 47. He represented the second of the two main consuls that stablized the empire after the cataclysm. Awrelius spent tumulous years stablizing society and the new social order. Cajus stablized the economy and the military.