Imperial
As Aristea fell to the Cindrian Plague, the golden age of humanity came to a screeching halt. With the Aristean race largely destroyed, all eyes fell to their cousins to see who would become the new examples of human ingenuity and adaptability. Two particular groups led the pack, being the Karadians and the Imperials. The people of the Karad Jungle had no interest in such public scrutiny amongst the ruling class, however, and continued as they always had- resisting foreign influence and strengthening their own culture. The Imperials of the World Garden Empire, however, were born for the spotlight.
Since its founding, the World Garden had long sought to be the center of human civilization and advancement. When compared against heroes like the Rebel Princess Aristea, however, they could not compete- until now. The propaganda machine of the empire kicked into overdrive, and soon every person on Arith and Ardina had heard the news of the new center for human culture and growth.
A Melting Pot
The Imperial demonym has always covered a wide range of different smaller ethnicities, as is the nature of an imperial nation. In recent centuries, however, the differences between these individual groups have shrunk. As industry boomed and more and more people flocked to the big cities for jobs, these groups began to lose their connections to home and instead intermarried with other tribes. This led to the ultimate melting pot of physical characteristics that are what the world knows as “The Imperials” today. Imperials can be recognized by their high and broad foreheads, wide eyes, strong noses, and their powerful and prominent jaws. When Imperials travel through elven territory they are often referred to as “stone men” because when compared to the soft and beautiful faces of elves, these humans resemble statues hewn from rough stone. Most imperials have dark brown or black hair that hangs in loose curls, but never beyond their ears. Long hair is seen as childish and immature amongst the high class, and a working hazard amongst the low class, and is thus generally avoided by all but those who serve the goddess Selune in the Petals of Bloom.Laborers and Merchants
When an Imperial reaches adulthood, it has two paths ahead of it: the way of commerce, or the way of war. The Imperial Legion and the Imperial working class are the two pillars that hold up the idealized image of the World Garden, protecting its borders and building its monuments. As a result, all but the lowest class within the empire are trained in at least some skills, be it combat or commerce. The smartest recognize that both of these skills complement each other very well- a silver tongue can end a battle before it begins, while a sword at your side will prevent a slimy merchant from trying to swindle you. Most Imperials spend at least 6 years at the Imperial Academy in order to earn a scroll of prestige for their education and a small living space within the military districts of cities for the next 10 years. With this base line of needs being met, they are able to throw themselves into the tumultuous world of Imperial Industry, and hopefully they’ll land a spot in a reputable company. Those that don’t simply end up back where they started, pulling levers in factories or swinging picks in mines.
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