The Imperium

The Imperium is an iron-fisted religion that legitimizes oppressive rule by claiming a divine mandate. It is founded on the belief that the Gods have chosen the strong to lead, and only those who rule with dominance can secure Endros's "righteous" future.

The Imperium is sustained by ambitious nobles, known as Viceroys, who wield authoritarian power in their domains. Viceroys collaborate to expand their influence, and wage overt and covert wars against dissenters. They hoard tribute and enforce laws that keep themselves firmly in power.

Though their influence is primarily concentrated in northern Silven, some Viceroys have established footholds in larger settlements across Endros. They are a formidable force that employs leagues of Shadow Mercenaries to usurp power wherever the opportunity exists.

Philosophy & Doctrine

Scripture is often directly quoted from the word of Kratos, the God of Conquest, and the actions of Pyros, Nautilus, and Tempest, Dragon Gods that conquer and dominate, yet whose very presence is crucial to the survival of mankind. The church's dogma interprets their wrath as a sign to show no mercy to opposition, embodying the destructive nature of the elements. Strength, ferocity, and ruthlessness are not seen as tyranny but as the natural order of things. Favor and prosperity are earned through tribute and conquest. They treat wealth and power as rewards for their unwavering devotion.

Absolute submission is demanded of the weak, those unable to fend for themselves, who are therefore obligated to serve. Overt racism and slavery among the faith are rampant. Integral to this doctrine is the belief in a divinely ordained caste system—one in which birth typically determines one's place. Yet, it is also held that exceptional strength and conquest may, against all odds, allow an individual to ascend the hierarchy.

Structure & Hierarchy

At its apex, the Imperium is loosely connected through the Divine Council—a cabal of its strongest Viceroys. Most influence is exerted within each Viceroy's domain where they can freely dictate doctrine, demand tributes, and enforce their will. Their influence is further solidified through overt conquest and covert shadow wars waged by specialized operatives against rival factions and non-believers.

Supporting the Council is a force of martial clergy and militant enforcers who lead military campaigns and display divine wrath in public. Any hint of rebellion is suppressed swiftly and ruthlessly. Specialized enforcer units patrol the realm, rooting out dissent and silencing alternative beliefs through secret tribunals and brutal purges.

Practices & Holy Sites

Citizens are compelled to sacrifice goods, services, and labor to those deemed divinely worthy. Excessive tributes and brutal sacrificial rites are not merely acts of penance; they are mandatory rituals imposed to secure divine favor and legitimize the power of the ruling elite.

Titheholds - small, imposing chapels built on the estates of the Viceroys - are constructed where subjects come to offer the required tribute to their overlords. These relentless demands often force citizens into crippling debts that lead to enslavement, ensuring that the subjugated remain ever indebted to those in power.

Public executions instill a constant atmosphere of fear. Any deviation from prescribed norms is branded heresy and swiftly eradicated. Brutal public ordeals and blood sacrifices serve to punish dissent and showcase divine judgment, deterring any thoughts of rebellion. While these offerings are ostensibly made to appease the Gods, they ultimately justify the extraction demanded by the Viceroys.