The Imperium of the North An absolutist state centered around the First Emperor, with the Regent of the North ruling in his place Human A strong military culture, with a large fighting force for its population, but still smaller than most continental powers, although individual soldiers are stronger due to the harsh polar conditions Strong high seas navy, suited best for Convoy Escort missions Economy controlled by the Imperial High Table, a group of advisors hand-picked by the Emperor Formerly, bands of separate warriors and nomads inhabited the far north. However, a mysterious figure formerly known as the Seer of the Lines unified these people through demonstration of his strength and ability, earning the eternal loyalty and respect of his people, becoming the First Emperor of this new Imperium. One night, he declared he must fulfill his purpose and marched off into a blizzard. Reportedly, there were great flashes and sounds of battle before the night returned to silence. It is believed by the people of the Imperium, who all loved the Emperor dearly, that he still lives out in the snow, chasing away the horrors of the night. The Emperor's close friends and advisors did not wish to shake this theory (many too had the same hope), so appointed the Emperor's most trusted attendant to the position of Regent, a 'temporary' title. Since then, the state has been ruled by several militaristic Regents, who have all been preparing the state for a Crusade out to the West, to find the Emperor and bring him back. Also, a colony was set up across the Arctic Sea, where warriors of the Imperium are sent to train and drill, in the environment even colder and harsher than that of the mainland, which has proven to result in tougher, stronger soldiers of war. Non-humans were trusted once, before a band of them killed a Regent in the past and burnt the capital to the ground. Now, the Imperium is strictly against all non-human peoples. Religion is not tolerated, as the Imperium sees depending on a higher being for protection and purpose for life is a shackle. The only religious group tolerated within the Imperium is the small but slowly growing Imperial Cult, which presents the First Emperor as a god who unified the Imperium, and now fights the enemies of Mankind throughout the blizzards and ice. The Imperium cannot exactly abolish this Cult without drawing the ire of their people.
