Davinia

Davinia is the eldest heir to the Imperial throne; the daughter of Emperor Ephestus and Aurelia. Usually Davinia would be the first in line to the Imperial throne (the Merebian Empire does typically operates a system of primogeniture in such matters and Empresses are rare but not unheard of) but in a break with tradition, Ephestus named his second-born child, Gaius to be his heir.

Davinia was born in 304IC and so will soon be 40 but has had a distinguished career in the military, rising up through the ranks from Decurian (the lowest officer rank) to Prefect (2nd in command of a Legion) within her 20 years of service. She has always demanded to be treated no differently to other officers and has regularly seen font-line combat, earning the respect of all in her command.

Politically Davinia is a 'hawk' and has repeatedly made public statements regarding a desire to take the military might of the Empire (finally now at full strength after the end of the War of Secession) and to expand the Empire eastwards. This has made her a very popular figure within many circles.

Despite this (or maybe because of this), Ephestus decided to proclaim Gaius as the next Emperor.