Imperial Surveyor
"Where none now tread"
~Motto of the Surveyors Corps
The people of Mordâd live a dangerous life so close to the Dragonwaste, but of all the positions in the remnant army of the Empire, none is so dangerous as that of a Surveyor. It is the task of the Surveyor to travel deep into the Wastes seeking to map and understand the patterns of that desolate land. Surveyors face the harsh elements, the terrible beasts, and the constant danger of detection by the largest, oldest, and most cunning of the the dragons that remain. Even so, their work is considered vital to preparing the way for the Empire's eventual return, and Surveyors see themselves as behind enemy lines, mapping out the territory of the foe.
~Motto of the Surveyors Corps
The people of Mordâd live a dangerous life so close to the Dragonwaste, but of all the positions in the remnant army of the Empire, none is so dangerous as that of a Surveyor. It is the task of the Surveyor to travel deep into the Wastes seeking to map and understand the patterns of that desolate land. Surveyors face the harsh elements, the terrible beasts, and the constant danger of detection by the largest, oldest, and most cunning of the the dragons that remain. Even so, their work is considered vital to preparing the way for the Empire's eventual return, and Surveyors see themselves as behind enemy lines, mapping out the territory of the foe.
Perception
Purpose
Mordâd's surveyors explore the Dragonwastes, mapping both the landscape and the ruins that lay within it. Their objective is to identify locations that might contain important artifacts of the old Empire, and - far more dangerously - to determine the locations of dragon lairs in the Waste. While the Strategos will often supplement the efforts if Surveyors by hiring adventurers for the same task, Mordâd considers its own trained surveyors to be far more reliable.
Social Status
Surveyors are often away from Mordâd, and live a dangerous life away from the relative safety of the city. Within Mordâd, the Surveyors are held in respect and are eagerly listened to for tales of the Dragonwaste, but they do not hold positions of authority. Surveyors naturally have a high mortality rate, but those who live long enough can expect promotion, and this may even mean reaching the upper echelons of the officer corps.
History
According to Mordâd's traditions, the Surveyors were once the elite scouts and military engineers of the Empire, traveling ahead of armies to find river crossings, camping sights, and even to choose the ground for battle. Surveyors worked closely with draconic allies, often performing their task for the air on dragonback. Mordâd's surveyors are forced to go on their own two feet, and now must hide themselves from the great beasts their ancestors rode.
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