"By strength we rule, by frost we endure."
The Vandu Empire is a giant-led militaristic theocracy, driven by the belief in their divine mandate to dominate the galaxy under the banner of Rastu, the Archon of Might, Domination, and Ice. Known for their formidable size, strength, and endurance, the Vandu see themselves as the rightful rulers of all lesser races, waging a relentless crusade to bring every world under their control. Their society is a rigid military dictatorship guided by the divine authority of Rastu, where obedience, loyalty, and martial skill are paramount.
Jotun, the Vandu homeworld, is a harsh, frigid planet of snow-covered mountains, sprawling tundra forests, and vast frozen oceans. Life here is a crucible, shaping the giants’ resilient bodies, formidable strength, and strategic thinking. Settlements are typically fortified citadels carved into mountains or built atop glaciers, with enormous darksteel halls, training grounds, and watchtowers dominating the landscape.
Population: Vandu are towering, muscular beings, often over 9–12 feet in height, with light blue skin and hair in black, white, or red. Their imposing size and strength allow them to dominate both battlefield and politics. Conquered worlds are ruled by Warlords, each answering directly to the Empire’s supreme leader, the Warchief Horgar Icebane.
Culture: The Vandu culture is steeped in military discipline, religious reverence, and devotion to Rastu. Every citizen is trained in combat and survival from youth, with achievements in battle or strategy bringing prestige, rank, and leadership positions. Rituals focus on strength, endurance, and martial honor, with stories and songs commemorating legendary warriors and divine interventions by Rastu.
The Empire is led by Warchief Horgar Icebane, who combines both absolute political authority and religious leadership. Each Vandu-controlled world is overseen by a Warlord, enforcing Imperial law, conscripting armies, and ensuring obedience to the Warchief’s decrees. Governance is strictly hierarchical, with power concentrated in the hands of Horgar and a few trusted lieutenants, leaving little room for dissent.
Local populations are integrated into the military structure or subjugated, and civilian life is secondary to Imperial priorities, conquest, and devotion to Rastu.
Corsus, the Vandu capital, is a massive fortress city carved into icy cliffs and mountains, dominated by darksteel ramparts, training arenas, and the towering Temple of Rastu. The citadel serves as the seat of the Warchief, military command, and religious ceremonies, while vast barracks, forges, and war academies train the Empire’s elite soldiers.
Notable Locations:
Rastu’s Throne Hall: A monumental hall housing Horgar Icebane’s seat, council chambers for top lieutenants, and ceremonial altars honoring Rastu.
The Frozen Arenas: Combat grounds where warriors demonstrate skill, loyalty, and divine favor. Duels here determine promotions and leadership within the military.
Iceforged Arsenal: Industrial complexes producing weapons, armor, and warships, protected by frost-forged defenses and elite guards.
The Vandu military is central to the Empire’s identity. They deploy towering infantry, elite shock troops, siege engines, and massive capital ships, reflecting both brute strength and disciplined strategy. Expansion is a holy crusade, with fleets sent to subjugate independent worlds, enforce tribute, or eliminate rival powers.
Vandu warriors excel in harsh conditions, leveraging size, endurance, and coordination to overwhelm enemies. Tactics include direct assault, psychological warfare, and overwhelming fleet strikes, all justified as divine mandate.
Enemies: All other factions and races are considered inferior and are targets for conquest.
Memberships: Independent; enforces compliance through force rather than diplomacy.
Economy: Based on war spoils, tribute from conquered worlds, and resource extraction.
Culture: Martial discipline dominates life, while devotion to Rastu reinforces loyalty and divine purpose.
The Vandu Empire represents strength, divine authority, and unyielding conquest. From the frozen peaks of Jotun to distant star systems, the giants under Warchief Horgar Icebane march to expand their dominion, leaving a trail of fortified citadels, conquered planets, and legends of unmatched might.