The Empty

History

Origins and Creation

The Empty are the tragic byproduct of Bulan's forced experiments under the cruel watch of Zun-3. Obsessed with achieving true immortality, Zun-3 captured Bulan, a demigoddess with the power to manipulate life and death, and imprisoned her. Bulan was coerced into experimenting on the dead, reanimating fallen soldiers using her powers to force life back into their bodies. However, this was not true life; the reanimated soldiers became hollow shells, devoid of emotion or feeling, and came to be known as The Empty.

Appearance and Armor

The Empty are known for their distinctive and haunting appearance. They wear dark, featureless armor that covers their entire bodies, designed to enhance both their intimidation factor and functionality in battle. Their helmets are particularly striking, featuring masks like mirrors that reflect everything around them, symbolizing the void within. These reflective masks serve as a constant reminder of their hollow existence.

The Fighting Force and Reanimation

The Empty have become a powerful and seemingly invincible fighting force within the Aurorum military. Their ranks never seem to diminish because Bulan continually reanimates them after they fall in battle. Each reanimation strips away another piece of their soul and humanity, making them even more detached and emotionless. Despite their lifeless state, they are formidable warriors, lacking fear, pain, and remorse, and executing their orders with cold, unyielding precision.

Bulan’s Despair and Compassion

Bulan's role in creating The Empty brings her immense despair and pain. She never intended to create such abominations and feels a deep sense of responsibility for their existence. To her, The Empty are like her children, and she is tormented by the knowledge that she has condemned them to a hollow, soulless existence. Despite her captivity, Bulan shows compassion towards The Empty by walking through their camps, veiled and dressed in white, singing lullabies to them. Though they stare vacantly into space, her acts of kindness provide her with some solace amidst her suffering.

The Empty in Battle

On the battlefield, The Empty are an unstoppable force. Their ability to be reanimated continuously by Bulan means they can sustain heavy losses without their numbers dwindling. This gives the Aurorum military a significant advantage, as The Empty can keep fighting long after mortal soldiers would have fallen. Their presence is both a psychological and strategic weapon, instilling fear in their enemies and bolstering the morale of their allies.

Legends and Myths

The Empty have become the stuff of legends and myths across Alathor. Tales of their fearlessness, invincibility, and unyielding loyalty to The Exalted are told in hushed tones in taverns and around campfires. Some believe that The Empty are not entirely human but rather constructs or beings animated by dark magic. Others think they have sold their souls for power, becoming something more and less than mortal men.

Bulan's Secret Plan

Despite the control Zun-3 exerts over her, Bulan secretly plots to liberate The Empty and end their suffering. She seeks allies among the living soldiers of Aurorum, whispering tales of hope and resistance, and planting the seeds of rebellion in their hearts. Her ultimate goal is to gather enough support to challenge Zun-3 and find a way to release The Empty from their cursed existence.
In the heart of Alathor, the tragic tale of The Empty serves as a dark reminder of the consequences of ambition and the abuse of power. Their existence is a testament to Bulan's resilience and quiet defiance as she continues to fight for their redemption and her own.

Type

Infantry