Imperials

Most powerful of the civilisations of Upper ArcWorlde (or so they would have you believe) is the island nation of Albionnica. Separated from the mainland, the peoples of Albionnica cut down their forests and slew their monsters many years ago. This has led to an unfettered advancement in many aspects of society, and their Empire stretches across the landmasses of Upper ArcWorlde.

Equipped with the finest weapons and armour the stretched coffers of the military and the fevered minds of the Engineers Guild can muster, the soldiers of the Empire can be found marching throughout the mainland. The Alabaster Council’s search for Arcanite extends ever deeper into the unknown reaches of the Mildaark, where the superior equipment of the Imperial Armies are truly put to the test.

## Forces of the Imperials

### Imperial Captain

At the head of an Imperial Warband sits the Captain. Although many come from families rich enough to pay for their officers training, some Captains are veteran soldiers promoted through the ranks.

As well as a keen tactical mind, Imperial Captains are expected to lead by example and be highly proficient with both sword and shot. The best Captains are loved and respected by their men, who will follow them into the midst of any of the many untold dangers of ArcWorlde.

### Imperial Tinkerer

The Tinkerers’ Guild of Albionnica is a highly esteemed organisation at the forefront of Arcanite-powered technology. In recent years their efforts have been behind some of the greatest inventions the Empire has produced, including the Arcloque weaponry adopted by its armies.

Drafted from the more adventurous member of the Guild, the Tinkerers are tasked with keeping the equipment of the Warband in (relative) working order. Often half mad due to years of working with all manner of dangerous substances, Tinkerers relish any opportunity to test their weird and wonderful contraptions. As such, they are often seen on the battlefield wielding their Arcanite-powered inventions with varying degrees of success.

### Imperial Trooper

The common soldiers of the Albionnican Empire are drafted (or shanghaied) from the multitudinous masses of its working class. The Army is often the only way for a low-born fellow to escape the grinding poverty of the cities, and many opt to ‘take the Crimson’ over a life of toiling in mills or factories.

### Imperial Dragoon

The Dragoons are a cadre of elite mounted soldiers that support Imperial Warbands on their expeditions. Clad in fine armour and plumed helmets, they are a dashing sight trotting alongside the grubby Troopers of the lower ranks.

Although they can fight just as well on foot if required, a charge of mounted Dragoons can be devastating on the battlefield, and many an enemy of the Empire has fallen to the hooves and horns of their noble steeds.

### Imperial Ogre

Ogres have been employed in the Imperial Armies for centuries, their immense size and strength being highly useful both in battle and on campaign.

In recent years, Ogres have been equipped with experimental larger-scale Arcloque weaponry, which they use to devastating effect. There’s nothing an Ogre loves more than to clobber someone up close and personal but blowing away ten enemies with a deafening roar has its upsides too!

### Imperial Arclancer

The Engineers Guild has devised all sorts of marvellous contraptions, but amongst the most bizarre is the Arclance. Resembling a kind of spear, it shocks the target and those around them with bolts of pure Arc-energy.

However, the Arclance is an incredibly dangerous device to wield, and only the brave or insane offer to carry one into battle. The effects of wielding so much raw Arc-energy on a person are yet unknown, but regular Troopers often stay clear of the crazy Arclancers just to be safe.

### Ammo Monkey

Ammo Monkeys are primates who have been trained to assist a solider in the complicated loading and reloading of their Arcloque weapons. Although monkeys are naturally found in the jungles of Chaq-Itza and Raajalan, they have been kept as pets in Albionnica for centuries. The nimble fingers and keen brains of an Ammo Monkey make them perfect for this task, even if they do have a tendency to cause simian mischief around the camp.

## Halfling Civil War

At one time, the halflings were united under the rule of the Empire. Encouraged by the developments of the Empire, some Halflings chose to fight to remain part of it. They wished to strengthen their bonds with their allies, and usher in a new and enlightened age for Hobbleshire. Those halflings who remained with the Empire formed under the banner of the Crimson Fellowship.

## Famous Imperials

### Colonel Brontide

One of the most decorated officers of the Empire, Colonel Nathaniel Brontide has led a distinguished and celebrated career, fraught with danger and derring-do.

Although limited in combat due to his advancing age and lack of limbs (being a soldier is dangerous work, I’m told), he is a skilled tactician and leader of men, inspiring loyalty and feats of great bravery from even the rawest of recruits.