Imperial

# Imperials

*"Stand your ground and see off this menace! Our honor and steel will see us through!"- Jun Lao, Imperial Samurai*

*"Few outside of our holy machine have a grasp of black powder. The Imperials can number themselves among those rare peoples."- Brother Vox Arthus, Machanacite.*

*"Proper reverence for dragons is important. And nowhere is that more pronounced than in the Dragon Empire."-Ilxac Wugrax, Dragonborn soldier.*

## Physical Description:

Slight of frame and stature, Imperials are known to be a strong, honorable people. They have skin tones ranging from pale to a more yellow, with universally dark hair and dark eyes. Hair is worn long by women and carefully styled by both sexes. Men favor long beards or mustaches but being clean shaven is also well regarded. Tattoos and body modification are rare among Imperials, most of whom accept the initial bodies they are given. Dress is commonly in the style of a gi, a tunic or simple robe. Silks are extremely popular among the wealth. Sandals are worn by those of every station, as are wide hats made from reed or straw. Jewelry is limited to the nobility and is seen as a display of wealth only. While the three peoples have some subtle differences in appearance and style, most non-Imperials cannot tell the differences.

## History:

The first Dragon Imperials started as refugees from three peoples who fled the tyranny of the beholder overlords to the lands now west of The Deadlands but east of Itisal. There, they took shelter in the caverns belonging to the great gold dragon Nelbus the Tender. Nelbus protected these humans from the threat posed by the beholders but also taught them various ideals that he held close to his own draconic heart, honor, loyalty, discipline and a strict code of ethics. These practices would become the foundation of a new society, with Nelbus at its heart. The gold dragon did not ask to be named emperor of the new nation, but named emperor he was and so he did his best to rule his new subjects with benevolence. When Nelbus died his son became emperor and so on and so on. Even mighty dragons must die and be replaced by their own children. The Empire grew large, colonizing the northern tip of Zamonia, which put it at odds with the native warrior women, and spread far east into what is now The Deadlands. Over time, the younger dragons forgot why they cared for these mortal men as even good dragons are proud and haughty. Now, the jade throne remains empty and instead stewards rule over the Dragon Empire. While the coming of The Deadlands may have cut off much of the Empire from the rest of Apia it has not stopped their expansion. Dragon Imperials are among the few who can navigate the Deadlands and their fleets allow them to bypass the earthly destruction. They are an exotic sight in many lands, but not a completely rare one.

## Geography:

The Dragon Empire covers a great swath of land and includes all manner of forests and jungles, rice paddies, towering mist covered mountains and mellow valleys. It is a fertile land, abundant in natural resources including gold, silk and other precious stones. Food is abundant as all manner of animals are tended and raised by farmers and wheat and rice are easily grown. Because of the eastern border with the Deadlands and the western border with The Dragon's Neck, the land is easily secured and very defensible.

## Personality:

Dragon Imperials may seem to be cold and emotionless to other humans but this is a misconception. The fact is, they are just as emotional but they prioritize other things first. Honor is paramount to an Imperial, whether he be a samurai or a fishmonger and every action he takes is one consistent with the codes and his place in society. Each has his place as a member of one of the many castes within the Empire, most would never question the divine wisdom that placed him within his caste and fewer try to change it. Loyalty to one's lord is nearly as important as honor and so the Imperials cling to these traits nearly as closely. Family is the cornerstone of the nation, including relatives and ancestors and its not uncommon for each home to have grandparents and even the odd Ancestral Guardian (LN/LG Ghost) living within. They are a people with deep love for each other, for art and culture and for peace and stability. Great poets and artists are honored and everyone tries to make time to take tea with those they love at least once a day. Publicly, displays of affection are considered gouache but in private they are lavish with their affections and most children know the deep love of their parents. Meditation, and peaceful philosophy are important to all castes and temples and monasteries always provide space, free of charge, to any who wish to use them.

## Society:

Imperials live in a society that is very rigid and organized. A warrior is born a warrior, a We Jun and We Jun, a monk a monk and so on. This is highly accepted among the people. Due to their codes of honor, theirs is an orderly society and few people are involved in brawls or even public shouting matches. The codes of loyalty ensure most citizens follow the will of those above them in society and the codes of family ensure that the memory of ancestors are greatly honored. The military is a source of great pride to the Imperials and their forces with their streaming banners and mighty firework cannons are magnificent on the field. In fact, the only exception to the caste is in times of war where peasants of all types are drafted as ashigaru, and their basic martial skills come in handy. Imperials believe theirs is the best way to live and are not opposed to bring it by force but always prefer diplomacy first.

## Religion:

Ancestor veneration is common throughout the Empire and is seen as natural and proper, a supplement to worship of the gods. Bahamut, the dragon god of justice, is venerated above all other gods within the Empire and every family has a small shrine dedicated to his image. While a divine bureaucracy of gods follows him, the deeply spiritual Imperials see Bahamut alone is seen as their divine king.

## Alignment:

Nearly all Imperials are Lawful Neutral. The personal codes of honor, loyalty and family must be followed and upheld. What is right is what is honorable and what is wrong is too disobey one's lord. This usually means that Imperials are on the side of good, as good aligned gold dragons shaped their history and codes. Still, evil Imperials are far from uncommon.

## Relations:

The Imperials hold great affection and respect for the metallic dragonborn, who make up a large portion of the empire. Githzerai and good aligned kenku are also found within and broadly tolerated. The second largest collection of goliaths lives within the southern mountain range and, while they are not commonly associated with, their territory is respected and honored. The Dragon Empire has a formal treaty with the High Elves of Itisal, though they often do not see eye to eye. Zamonia is considered Imperial territory by the Imperials and that has led them into war with the local inhabitants. Delorgan raiders are a constant threat along northern island holdings and the north coast and are treated as enemies whenever seen. Other areas are removed enough that relations with them are mostly over correspondence. Early talks with Latrellus seem like they might lead to more formal alliances and trade agreements.

## Language:

Draconic is the language spoken by the Imperials. Those who adventure also learn common.

## Adventurers:

Imperials adventure for many reasons. Some are parts of the explorer or cartographer caste who are bound to search Apia to expand Imperial knowledge. Others are merchants who are required to facilitate trade with outside nations. Warriors can be sent on missions by lords or become trapped on the other side of the Deadlands due to some tragedy. A few are renegades who reject the strict codes of the Empire, or shamed exiles who have no place in the Empire they once called home. Imperials make excellent adventurers as they are usually honest and true in their dealings and their martial culture ensures that they have some skill with a blade.

### Names:

The main difference with names among Imperials is that surnames are often said before the given name, highlighting the importance of family.

**Example Surnames:** Shang, Shen, Po, Bui, Ling, Lin, Lao, Chai

**Example Male Names:** Pu, Lam, Chan, Chang, Sha, Pei, Uan, Ti

**Example Female Names:** Zin, Ti, Zu, La, Mia, Hai, Qu, Wan

## Traits:

The same as humans on page 19 with the following exceptions:

The following are considered martial weapons to an Imperial, light/heavy repeater crossbow, kama, nunchaku, shuriken, sai, siangham, katana, wazaki and all firearms. While not readily available to the public, this weapons are used enough by monks and soldiers that Dragon Imperials can grasp their use far quicker than the average human. This replaces the free feat at level one.

Automatic Languages: Common and Draconic.

Bonus Languages: Elvish, gith, giant, celestial

Favored Classes: Samurai, Fighter, Monk, We Jun, Ninja. Most Imperials encountered outside the Empire fulfill one of these roles.