Imperial (ethnic group)

The Empire has conquered hundreds of indigenous peoples, both minor and major, and has actively sought the integration of its many subject races. As a result, the modern Imperial is a race unto itself, albeit more in shared culture and language than in appearance.

Imperials speak Imperial Common, and are discouraged from speaking any native tongues they might know. As a race, they are industrious, creative, and technically adept. These traits are most common among those descended from the core provinces of the Riftlands; those peoples' harsh environment led them to an ingenuity uncommon even among humans.

The Imperial culture is strongest in the massive urban centers for which the Empire is so well known. An Imperial thinks of himself as a citizen first and everything else second. He feels a strong desire to work for the betterment of his Imperial brethren, at the direction of his betters, and, ultimately, the Emperor. Any creative impulse he has is best channeled into the service of the state.

The Empire's near-unhindered conquest in previous centuries has emboldened the Imperial spirit, leading many to believe they are innately superior to other races and cultures. This attitude is strongest among those of the core provinces.

Physically, there are distinct subraces of Imperials; simply put, the racial distinctions between the Riftlanders and the subject races of the Empire still exist, and create a dichotomy in Imperial society.

The primary subrace are the Core Imperials, those from the northern central plains and rift valleys of the Imperial Continent. They are pale-skinned, of medium height, and tend toward brown hair and brown or hazel eyes. Ethnically, they are descended from Nargo-Austian nomads who migrated to the northern continent some 15,000 years ago, and they differ from those ancient people mostly in skin color and body hair, adaptations to a colder climate.

The secondary subraces include Austlanders, Nar, and numerous others. These subject people tend to be treated with less respect than Core Imperials, living in poorer areas, holding inferior posts in government and military professions, and generally disdained by their social betters.

In the lands south of the Great Barrier, Imperials are integrated with the distinct races of the south such as Indigans and Esseni. In such places, the Imperials bear even more contempt for the indigenous people, tempered only by the political considerations of diplomacy and mercantilism.

For game information, see Imperial (race).