Kroog & The Arisen
Within the vast universe of Allods Online, my character Kroog emerged in 2012 as a member of the Empire faction, a choice influenced by the faction’s distinctive lore rooted in Russian-inspired aesthetics and its selection of original playable races. Among these races, the Arisen stood out as particularly compelling due to their unique conceptual design. These cybernetically augmented resurrected beings bear notable parallels to characters such as Taylor Bloc from Neal Asher’s The Voyage of the Sable Keech, blending science fiction with themes of posthumous existence.
Known officially as the Arisen, they are colloquially referred to as “Zems,” “Returners,” or “Ironmen,” epithets that reflect both their origins and their unsettling appearance. Despite the informal or derisive tone of these nicknames, the Arisen command significant respect and fear across Sarnaut. Their presence within the Empire is formidable, their contributions indispensable. Originating as tall, dark-skinned mortals with amber eyes, their physical forms have long since decayed, replaced or reinforced by mechanical components. A distinctive facial mark serves as a remnant of their former humanity, symbolising their enduring existence through millennia.
The integration of the Arisen into imperial society traces back to the reign of Yasker, marking a transformative period in their history. Once confined to servitude in the Xadaganian mines, their intellectual capacities evolved over three centuries, enabling them to transcend their initial roles as laborers. Their advancements in astral ship construction and mana station development solidified their status as vital contributors to the Empire’s technological and military infrastructure. Presently, between three and four hundred Arisen reawaken monthly in Sarnaut, perpetuating their race through a blend of necromantic and mechanical processes.
Though occasionally jeered at by fellow imperial citizens such as the Xadaganians and Orcs for their emotional detachment or macabre appearance, the Arisen remain widely respected. Their acceptance within the Empire is unequivocal, and their mechanical augmentations—whether visible or concealed beneath garments—serve as emblems of their resilience. Their value to imperial objectives is such that open disrespect is considered both unwise and rare.
The Arisen are distinguished by their scientific prowess, a trait reflected in their nomenclature. Each name combines a title denoting academic rank with a personal name often drawn from Egyptian mythology. Junior titles such as Semer, Sarang, Yaver, and Sarbaz denote varying levels of expertise, while senior ranks include Yasskul, Nomarkh, Negus, and the singular position of Nefer, held exclusively by their leader, the Great Mage Nefer Ur. This hierarchical structure underscores their culture’s emphasis on intellectual achievement, positioning the Arisen not merely as survivors of a bygone era but as architects of the Empire’s future.
