In Arcanum Imperium[]
The Vesper Vanguard are the elite forces of the undead kingdom of Zarathrum.
Before the Enthrallment[]
Before Zarathrum fell and its army was transformed into the undead, it boasted a formidable and unique military force known as the "Vesper Legion." The Vesper Legion was known for its distinctive characteristics:
Race:
- The soldiers of the Vesper Legion were predominantly composed of the native inhabitants of Zarathrum, a race of people known as the "Eidral." The Eidral were originally known for their exceptional affinity with darkness and shadow magic.
- Eidral possessed distinct physical features such as ashen or obsidian-colored skin, elongated limbs, and sharp, angular features. These traits were inherited from their ancient ancestors who had made pacts with shadowy entities.
Powers:
- The Eidral soldiers were highly skilled in shadow manipulation and illusion magic. They could cloak themselves in darkness, becoming nearly invisible to the naked eye. This made them exceptional spies and assassins.
- They could create shadowy duplicates of themselves to confuse and overwhelm their enemies in battle. These duplicates could strike and manipulate shadows independently, creating a bewildering and deadly dance of darkness on the battlefield.
- Some Eidral soldiers possessed the ability to drain the life force of their enemies by touch, weakening foes and bolstering their own strength.
Equipment, Weapons, and Armor:
- The Veseper Legion wielded unique weapons and armor forged from rare materials found only in the depths of Zarathrum's subterranean caverns. Their armor was crafted from "Umbrastone," a dark, semi-transparent mineral that provided both protection and agility.
- Their weapons were infused with shadow magic. Blades would extend shadowy tendrils to strike at opponents from a distance, while archers' arrows would fade into darkness before reappearing to strike their targets.
- The Eidral soldiers also carried lantern-like devices called "Soulshards." These devices absorbed the life force of fallen foes, which could be later used to heal wounds, enhance their powers, or empower their weapons during battle.
Overall, the Vesperr Legion was a formidable force with a mastery of shadow magic, illusion, and unique equipment. Their transformation into undead soldiers under the Lich King's control amplified their powers and made them even more formidable in death. These eerie and powerful abilities, combined with their distinctive appearance, made them a force to be reckoned with in the dark and twisted kingdom of Zarathrum.
After Undeath[]
- The undead Eidral now wear their armor night and day to mask their undeath. They still retain the powers and traits they had in life. They are now the backbone of Zarathrum's forces and also operate abroad within the Imperium acting on behalf of the Emperor and the Citadel fighting their shadow wars.
- The Vesper Vanguard wielded unique weapons and armor forged from rare materials found only in the depths of Zarathrum's subterranean caverns. Their armor was crafted from "Umbrastone," a dark, semi-transparent mineral that provided both protection and agility.
- Their weapons were infused with shadow magic. Blades would extend shadowy tendrils to strike at opponents from a distance, while archers' arrows would fade into darkness before reappearing to strike their targets.
- The Eidral soldiers also carried lantern-like devices called "Soulshards." These devices absorbed the life force of fallen foes, which could be later used to heal wounds, enhance their powers, or empower their weapons during battle.
- The umbrastone armor is powered by captured wildones bound within the magical stone and draws its power from their tortured agony. This is a carefully guarded secret, as umbrastone is in high demand across the Imperium for its magic-enhancing properties - its main customers being the Citadel and the Imperial Legions.
Overall, the Vesper Vanguard was a formidable force with a mastery of shadow magic, illusion, and unique equipment. Their transformation into undead soldiers under the Lich King's control amplified their powers and made them even more formidable in death. These eerie and powerful abilities, combined with their distinctive appearance, made them a force to be reckoned with in the dark and twisted kingdom of Zarathrum.