Homebrew Imperial Species Details
The Imperials of the Holy Roman Empire are a diverse and resilient people, bound by a complex web of feudal allegiances, electoral politics, and shared Germanic heritage. Spanning vast territories from alpine mountains to river valleys, they embody a patchwork of principalities, free cities, and ecclesiastical states under the banner of an elected emperor. Known for their armored knights, skilled artisans, and intricate legal traditions, the Imperials navigate a world of internal rivalries, religious schisms, and monstrous incursions with cunning diplomacy and unyielding determination. Their society prizes hierarchy, craftsmanship, and the revival of ancient Roman ideals, blended with magical lore preserved in grand monasteries and universities.
History and Culture
The Holy Roman Empire claims descent from Charlemagne's coronation in 800 AD, positioning itself as the spiritual successor to the Roman Empire in the West. It is a sprawling confederation of hundreds of semi-independent states, ruled by an emperor elected by powerful prince-electors. This decentralized structure breeds both innovation and conflict, with German heartlands providing the core, while Italian and Bohemian regions add cultural depth. The empire's history is marked by struggles with the Papacy over investiture rights, the rise of powerful dynasties like the Habsburgs, and defenses against invasions from all sides.
Imperials excel in armored warfare, their knights charging in gleaming plate while pikemen form impenetrable walls against hordes. Craftsmanship thrives in bustling cities like Nuremberg or Vienna, where guilds produce masterwork arms, intricate clocks, and potent alchemical brews. The revival of Roman law in universities fosters a legalistic mindset, often intertwined with magic—imperial mages study arcane codices to enforce edicts or summon protective spirits. Religion plays a central role, with the empire as a bulwark of Christendom, though internal heresies and the looming shadow of the Reformation add tension.
In a world teeming with magic and monsters, Imperials fortify their realms with enchanted walls and holy relics. Their knights undertake quests to slay beasts terrorizing trade routes, while scholars in monastic libraries decipher spells to counter fey incursions or undead plagues. The empire's diversity is its strength and weakness—alliances shift like sands, but united, they stand as a formidable force against chaos.
Roleplaying an Imperial Character
As an Imperial character, you might be an electoral prince scheming for influence, a guild artisan forging enchanted weapons, or a knight-errant sworn to the emperor's banner. You could hail from a free city, valuing mercantile savvy, or an ecclesiastical state, blending faith with politics. Your bilingualism in Latin aids in deciphering ancient tomes or negotiating with clergy, but the empire's fractious nature may leave you torn between loyalty to your local lord and the greater imperial ideal. You embody ambition, resilience, and a sense of historical destiny, but beware the pitfalls of intrigue and division that plague your people.
Imperial Traits
Creature Type: Humanoid
Size: Medium (about 4–7 feet tall) or Small (about 2–4 feet tall), chosen when you select this species
Speed: 30 feet
Electoral Cunning
The Holy Roman Empire's unique system of electing emperors hones skills in negotiation and intrigue. You gain proficiency in one of the following skills: Deception, Insight, or Persuasion.
Teutonic Knight
Imperials are renowned for their heavily armored knights and disciplined infantry, drawing from Teutonic and imperial traditions. If you're wearing any kind of armor, but not wielding a shield you may add a +1 to your AC
Artisan’s Legacy
The empire's guilds and free cities foster exceptional craftsmanship, from blacksmithing to brewing. You gain proficiency with one type of artisan’s tools of your choice.
Zweihander
you gain proficiency with greatswords.
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