Army of Pallass

Lore & Background

The Army of Pallass is not merely a collection of soldiers; it is a reflection of the city-state's progressive values. Known for its integration of non-human species and strong rule of law, the army operates with professionalism and discipline, with only isolated instances of corruption. This makes them a reliable force, where loyalty is earned through competent leadership and a shared commitment to protecting the city. Despite their strengths, individual soldiers within the Army are often portrayed as complex figures caught between duty and the harsh realities of a dangerous world. Many soldiers are ordinary people forced into conflicts they do not fully understand, only to find themselves fighting alongside unlikely allies against greater threats like the Goblin King or the forces of the Demon Lord. However, the army as a whole does not undergo a widespread arc of becoming loyal allies of the Inn; such changes are limited to individual Watch members, who are separate from the army.

In Their Own Story

The mud of the battlefield sucked at their boots as the Pallassian line wavered. Captain Laken shouted orders that died in his throat, drowned out by the screech of a Griffin and the roar of a Goblin Warband. He looked down at the terrified face of a young conscript, a boy who had never seen combat before leaving his farm. 'Hold the line!' Laken screamed, but he knew the truth: their steel was good, but their hearts were heavy with fear and confusion. Across the field, a figure in green armor moved with impossible grace, cutting through their ranks not as an enemy, but as a savior they had been taught to hate.

Reader's Guide

The Army of Pallass serves as the military arm of a kingdom struggling to define its place in a world teeming with magic and monsters. Its primary goal is the defense of Pallassian borders and the enforcement of royal decrees, though these objectives are frequently undermined by corruption within the officer corps. Membership consists mainly of human volunteers and conscripts, often lacking the training or equipment necessary to face high-level threats effectively. However, the presence of skilled officers and the occasional integration of non-human allies has begun to shift their capabilities. In the broader conflict, the Army acts as a foil to the protagonists, initially representing the status quo that must be challenged. As the story progresses, they become a critical variable in the war against greater evils, forced to evolve or perish alongside the nations they swore to protect.

Did You Know?

• The army's effectiveness is bolstered by the city-state's inclusive policies, allowing non-human combatants to serve alongside humans without legal restrictions.
• Individual Watch members, not army soldiers, have undergone significant character development, transitioning from prejudiced figures to loyal allies of the Inn.
• The city is known for its strong rule of law and competent military leadership, with only isolated instances of corruption.
• The Army of Pallass sent forces to assist in the defense of Celum during the siege by Necromancer Az'kerash's forces.