Imperial Arbiters

Arbiters are the lifeblood of the Empire, the thin line of defense that keeps the Imperial holdings from falling into complete anarchy. Picked from the many noble houses of the Empire and trained from an early age, the average Arbiter is a scholar of Imperial law, a learned historian, and an expert fighter. Once trained they are sent out into the world to keep the Imperial peace at any cost. The Arbiter's word is supreme and final, only the Emperor themselves are above the law.

History

The roots of the Arbiter corps stretch back to the very foundation of the Empire, a time when the First Emperor sought to solidify his rule over a fractured and rebellious land. Realizing that military might alone could not quell dissent, he created a specialized force, tasked not only with enforcing laws, but also with instilling a deep-seated fear of the consequences for defying his absolute authority.
These early Arbiters were drawn from the ranks of his most loyal and ruthless soldiers, individuals who had proven their dedication to the Empire through bloodshed and unwavering obedience. Their authority was absolute, their methods brutal, and their very presence cast a long shadow over those who might even whisper thoughts of defiance.
As the Empire expanded and its legal system grew increasingly complex, the role of the Arbiter evolved. They were expected not just to wield force but to possess a keen understanding of Imperial law, capable of interpreting complex codes and delivering judgment with swift precision. The Academy of Law was established in Aetheris, a harsh and unforgiving institution designed to train new recruits not only in combat, but in the intricacies of law enforcement, interrogation, and psychological manipulation.

Operations

Investigation and Interrogation

Arbiters are expected to investigate crimes against the Empire, from petty theft and smuggling operations to accusations of treason, heresy, and practices of forbidden magic. Their methods are varied – surveillance, informant networks, and, if deemed necessary, brutal interrogation techniques honed to extract information through any means required.
Arbiters act as both judge and jury, determining guilt and meting out punishment. Sentences range from fines and imprisonment to public executions designed to serve as chilling warnings. There is no recourse, no filing appeals. If an Arbiter wants you dead, there isn't much you can do aside from fleeing for your life.

Training

Aspiring Arbiters are typically selected from the Empire’s noble houses, those with families steeped in Imperial tradition and a demonstrated loyalty to the throne. Their records, lineage, and any whispers of potential dissent are scrutinized before they are even considered. Selected candidates endure the grueling training program at the Academy of Law in Skyepoint. They face rigorous physical challenges, intense studies of Imperial law and history, and brutal combat drills that often push them to the edge of their physical and mental limits. Those who fail are either returned to their families with a mark of shame or disappear, victims of the very order they sought to enforce.
Upon graduating from the Academy, recruits must face a final trial, a real-world mission where they prove their ability to uphold Imperial justice, regardless of personal risk or moral implications. Only those who complete this task with unwavering conviction and chilling efficiency are granted the black uniform and the authority of an Imperial Arbiter.

"Don’t let those shiny badges and magitech swords fool you, lovelies. An Arbiter’s loyalty isn’t to justice, it’s to the Emperor and the fat purse of whoever greases their palms the most. They’ll twist the law into a pretzel if it serves their needs, and you can bet those pristine black uniforms have seen more blood than a butcher’s apron. I know what those eyes hold - the hollow emptiness of those who've sacrificed their souls on the altar of “order.” And if you hear the whisper of their boots behind you, darling… run." - E Dawnstrider

Type

Legal

Used By

• The Tervalkyre Empire