Editing D&D5:NoMansLand (section)

===The Jhorzan Empire===

The Jhorzan empire was founded nearly 1500 years ago by the Starborn, who arrived on the continent of Zulemna around the same time that the Rain of Endless Sorrow destroyed the fourth continent. The Starborn arrived in Zulemna as refugees, at the mercy of the nations present at the time. Unique among all peoples of the world, the Starborn seem to be completely incapable of using magic directly, and found themselves driven from region to region until they eventually settled in the harsh lands of north central Zulemna.

It was there they discovered thaumium, the crystalline substance that fuels all arcaontek. And with it, they built engines of war. Remembering every slight, every indignity they had suffered, they waged war across the continent. The size of the Empire has varied over its long life, sometimes covering the entire continent and beyond, as it does now, other times just the central provinces as rebellions temporarily succeed, or wars of succession fracture the Empire.

Life under Imperial rule is harsh beyond measure within the conquered provinces, with their inhabitants being seen as little better than animals. The Empire uses a mixture of collaborators hoping to gain citizenship or some measure of rights, and imperial forces to maintain control. Provinces that have been under imperial rule for centuries without rebellion are usually treated as proper imperials, and they tend towards being even more fervent in their loyalty than the Home Provinces. It is these provinces of nion-Starborn that provide the battlefield spellcasters that the Empire would otherwise lack.

The latest wave of expansion, which saw the Empire reclaim dominance over Zulemna, and establish control over portions of Aukroa and Ru-Za-Ma-He began 30 years ago, and paused 10 years ago. The wars of conquest were halted in part by the loss of their offensive forces in Aukroa in the battle between Auraryuma and Perditam Terminam, but the main factor was the death of Emperor Kharza from natural causes, which sparked a war of succession between his brother Kzarna, and his son Lhorma.

For now, in Aukroa, the Empire maintains forces in the north of Aukroa, on the far side of No Mans Land, anchored by the presence of the arcaontek Fortress Umbram. Those forces have been predominantly content to maintain control of the land they've captured, with occasional forays into No Mans Land, searching for something.

But now there is news that the forces of Lhorma have gained the upperhand in the war of succession, and it may not be long before a new emperor sits upon the Stellar Throne. And it was Lhorma who dispatched his trusted deputy, Consul Millitum Vhalka ze Orzh, to take command of Fortress Umbram. Vhalka ze Orzh, the Bloody Viper, who had recently brutally quelled rebellion in the eastern lands held by Lhorma.
====The Starborn====

The true origin of the Starborn is hinted at by the name they chose for themselves, but the veracity of the claim is more difficult to prove. Regardless, they are a tall, human-like people. Their skin tones range from midnight blue to slate grey to alabaster white. Their hair is rose, purple, cyan, or white. Their eyes are gold, silver, or ruby. In their foreheads, they have a small crystal that usually matches their eye color.

If they have a core tendency, it is arrogance paired with a selective sense of honor. This combination makes them unlikely to consider subterfuge as their first option in their dealings. The strong have no need of trickery. Those that match them strength for strength may receive a certain amount of grudging respect. They value intelligence, competence, and loyalty, but only in those they accept as equals.