Arcane Legion

The Arcane Legion is the smallest but most specialized of the three High Legions that form the military backbone of the Dominion of Torment. While the Steel Legion focuses on physical combat and defense, and the Ash Legion masters mechanical warfare, the Arcane Legion is a force of elite spellcasters who wield the raw power of Magic. Born from the famous infiltration of the High Heavens led by Patricia, the Arcane Legion has earned a reputation for its mastery of magical warfare and its ability to turn the tide of battle with arcane precision. Due to the difficulty of mastering magic, recruitment into the Arcane Legion is highly selective, drawing only the most gifted and disciplined spellcasters from across the Dominion.

Despite being the smallest of the three legions, the Arcane Legion compensates with unmatched versatility and potency. Its members include battle-mages, illusionists, spies, and arcanists, all of whom play critical roles both on and off the battlefield. In wartime, they amplify the fighting power of the Steel and Ash Legions by providing magical support, deploying destructive spells, and using illusion magic to deceive and mislead enemies. Their expertise in Fire magic and arcane tactics makes them a devastating force, whether raining fireballs from above or disrupting enemy formations with illusionary phantoms.
The Arcane Legion’s role extends beyond combat. They serve as the Dominion’s primary source of intelligence, conducting reconnaissance and sabotage missions with precision. Their deep ties to the Dominion of Doubt and its renowned institutions, such as the Polymath College, also make them key players in advancing the Dominion’s arcane knowledge and military strategies. Though few in number, their mastery of magic ensures that they are an indispensable component of the Dominion’s military and a vital force in its ongoing survival.

Structure

The Arcane Legion is the most selective of the Dominion of Torment’s three High Legions, relying on a small, highly trained cadre of spellcasters whose magical prowess compensates for their reduced numbers. Unlike the overwhelming force of the Steel Legion or the technological might of the Ash Legion, the Arcane Legion excels in surgical, precision-based magic, with each battle-mage and arcanist chosen from the most gifted across the dominions. Their command structure is streamlined, with officers leading small, specialized units of fewer than 50 soldiers, focusing on swift, tactical strikes and magical coordination to deliver devastating, high-impact operations.
High Command

• Tribune. The Tribune of the Arcane Legion commands all aspects of the Legion’s operations. They are responsible for the overall coordination of magical deployments, intelligence gathering, and arcane research. Though overseeing fewer soldiers compared to their Steel and Ash counterparts, the Tribune’s role is crucial in ensuring that the Legion’s limited, yet powerful, forces are used to maximum effect in both battle and strategic governance.

• Primus. Commanding smaller elite groups, often ranging from 50 to 100 spellcasters, the Primus is responsible for executing the Tribune’s directives. They specialize in arcane warfare strategies and often coordinate advanced magical tactics. Unlike in other legions, a Primus within the Arcane Legion is frequently found in the thick of battle, leading arcane strikes and defending key positions with powerful magic.

Command Ranks

• Centurion. A Centurion in the Arcane Legion typically commands units of 30-50 battle-mages. These officers focus on small-scale magical tactics, ensuring that their units are ready for rapid deployment in key areas of battle. Centurions play a vital role in maintaining the precision and discipline needed for magical warfare, often coordinating illusionary scouts, arcane bombardments, or protective wards.

• Legionnaire. Legionnaires oversee squads of 10-20 spellcasters, directing their magical capabilities in tactical skirmishes or specialized missions. Due to the high-value nature of their troops, Legionnaires must balance aggression with careful planning, ensuring that each magical asset is used efficiently without overextending their forces.

• Lieutenant. Lieutenants work under Legionnaires and Centurions, managing logistics and coordinating smaller squads of up to 5 mages. Their duties include maintaining the flow of magical resources, such as enchanted items, arcane scrolls, and wards. In battle, Lieutenants position their squads for optimal impact, supporting the high command’s strategies with precision.

Rank-and-File Soldiers

• Battle Mage. The backbone of the Arcane Legion, Arcane Soldiers are highly-trained battle-mages skilled in various schools of magic. Though fewer in number compared to traditional infantry, each Arcane Soldier is capable of turning the tide of battle through coordinated magical attacks. Typically, they operate in squads of 3-5, using their combined magic to enhance the power of their spells.

Specialists

• Pyromancer. Specialists in fire-based magic, Pyromancers serve as living artillery on the battlefield, either flying over enemy lines to unleash fiery devastation or entrenched in key positions to provide magical bombardment. Often working in pairs or trios, their destructive capabilities are unmatched, and they frequently operate Flame Effigies, golem-like constructs fueled by magical fire.

• War-Scholar. The intellectual backbone of the Arcane Legion, War-Scholars focus on research and advancing magical warfare techniques. Although they rarely see direct combat, their contributions to arcane strategy and innovation are essential in maintaining the Arcane Legion’s edge.

• Stalker. Masters of illusion and infiltration, Illusory Stalkers excel in reconnaissance and deception. They use their arcane talents to blend into surroundings, gather intelligence, and create false images to mislead enemies. Often deployed behind enemy lines, they manipulate perception to remain undetected, making them key operatives for espionage and battlefield disruption.

• Battle-Cleric. Instead of worshipping traditional deities, Battle-Clerics of the Arcane Legion make pacts with divine entities outside the High Heavens—rogue gods, forgotten celestial spirits, or otherworldly beings seeking influence. Through these deals, they gain access to divine magic that allows them to heal wounds, erect protective wards, and channel holy energy in battle. Though they do not offer prayers or devotion, their ability to strike sacred bargains makes them powerful allies, supporting the Legion’s forces with celestial power bound by contract rather than faith. Operating in small groups, Battle-Clerics sustain the Legion through their unique blend of divine and arcane forces.

Despite its smaller size, the Arcane Legion’s structure is built for efficiency and adaptability, allowing it to punch well above its weight on the battlefield. Each command rank and specialist role is filled by highly skilled individuals who bring a unique arcane advantage to the fight. This allows the Arcane Legion to operate with a degree of precision and strategic insight that compensates for its lack of numbers. Whether through the fiery devastation of a Pyromancer’s assault or the subtle infiltration of an Illusionary Scout, the Legion’s impact on any battlefield is immediate and profound.

Culture

The Pursuit of Magical Mastery. The Arcane Legion’s culture is deeply rooted in the pursuit of magical mastery. Members are not simply warriors who wield magic; they are scholars, researchers, and innovators dedicated to pushing the boundaries of arcane knowledge. From the moment a recruit joins the Legion, they are immersed in a rigorous process of study, experimentation, and spellcraft. Texts on ancient magic, forgotten languages, and forbidden schools of thought are made available to them, with senior mages acting as mentors and guides. Every spell cast is done with precision, and every incantation is an opportunity to refine their control. The Arcane Legion thrives on the intellectual challenge of mastering the most intricate aspects of magic, fostering a culture where continuous learning is both a responsibility and a privilege.
Independence and Self-Reliance. While the pursuit of knowledge drives much of the Legion's culture, there is an equally strong emphasis on independence and self-reliance. Arcane Legion members are often deployed in small teams or as individuals to carry out covert operations or reconnaissance missions, requiring them to be highly adaptable. Whether infiltrating enemy fortresses, gathering intelligence, or providing tactical magical support from a distance, they are trained to think on their feet and operate without the direct oversight typical in other legions. This autonomy encourages a level of personal responsibility that is rare in military organizations, as every mage must trust in their own abilities and decision-making. As a result, members of the Arcane Legion are known for their confidence and resourcefulness, able to act decisively even in unpredictable situations.
Community and Brotherhood. Despite this independence, community and camaraderie are still central to the Arcane Legion’s culture. The shared experience of wielding immense magical power, combined with the isolation that often comes with their duties, fosters a strong bond between its members. Regular gatherings within the Legion offer opportunities to exchange ideas, teach new spells, and recount the stories of their missions. These communal events serve as both a celebration of individual achievement and a reaffirmation of their collective purpose. The Legion’s members view each other as part of a greater arcane brotherhood, knowing that while they may fight alone, they are united in their mastery of magic and dedication to the Dominion of Torment.
Secrecy and Deception as Core Values. Another core element of the Legion’s culture is its embrace of secrecy and deception. Many of its members are trained in the shadowy arts of illusion, espionage, and subterfuge, and these skills play an integral role in their operations. The Legion’s spellcasters are masters of misdirection, using their abilities to manipulate perceptions, create false realities, and confound their enemies. This mastery of the unseen has led to the development of a culture where secrecy is second nature. Arcane Legionnaires are often sworn to silence about their missions, and many of their most powerful spells and techniques are closely guarded secrets. Deception is seen not as a dishonorable act, but as a necessary and highly respected skill. To hide one’s true power and intentions until the perfect moment is a mark of true mastery in the Arcane Legion.
The Fusion of Arcane and Forbidden Magic. On the fringes of Arcane Legion culture lies the practice of forbidden and esoteric magics. While the core of the Legion focuses on

elemental and arcane mastery, a shadowy subset of its members dabbles in Necromancy, shadow magic, and other taboo forms of spellcraft. This practice is not officially endorsed, but neither is it entirely discouraged, as these darker powers have proven invaluable in espionage, intelligence gathering, and sabotage. These mages, often closely tied to the covert Order of the Silencers, walk a fine line between innovation and corruption. Though their methods are unconventional, they are tolerated as long as they remain effective and do not threaten the Legion’s overall discipline. For those within the Arcane Legion who explore these dangerous arts, it is not about reverence or devotion, but about harnessing every available power to serve the Dominion of Torment.

Public Agenda

The Arcane Legion's agenda is multifaceted, encompassing both public goals aimed at enhancing the Dominion's strength and private, shadowy objectives that delve into more morally ambiguous practices. While their public-facing agenda emphasizes the role of magical innovation and defense, behind closed doors, a small but influential faction within the Legion seeks to push the boundaries of magic, often venturing into dangerous and forbidden territories. Below is a breakdown of their key objectives, both open and secretive.

• Masters of Arcane Warfare and Defense. The Arcane Legion prides itself on being the Dominion of Torment’s elite force in magical warfare. Their goal is to deploy small but highly skilled groups of spellcasters who can control the battlefield with precision, using arcane forces to support the Steel and Ash Legions. The Arcane Legion acts as the Dominion’s most formidable defense against magical threats and provides tactical reconnaissance through arcane scrying and illusions.

• Tactical Superiority Through Magic. The Arcane Legion emphasizes the strategic use of magic to gain battlefield dominance. By deploying elite battle-mages, illusionists, and spies, they aim to disrupt enemy formations, gather crucial intelligence, and turn the tide of battle without relying on sheer numbers. Their focus on magical precision and adaptation makes them indispensable in wartime, especially in clandestine or covert operations.

• Collaboration with Other Factions. A key aspect of the Legion’s agenda is maintaining strong alliances with external factions, particularly the Dominion of Doubt. By sharing research and cooperating in magical advancements, the Arcane Legion strengthens diplomatic ties that benefit Torment’s broader political and military ambitions. They also work closely with institutions such as the Polymath College’s Academy of War, ensuring they stay at the cutting edge of magical innovation.

• Magical Defense of the Dominion. The Arcane Legion plays a vital role in fortifying the Dominion’s borders and key assets through the use of arcane wards, protective enchantments, and powerful magical constructs. Their public agenda emphasizes the defense of Torment against external threats, both magical and mundane, ensuring the safety of the Dominion’s population and infrastructure through arcane means.

Private Agenda

• Pushing the Limits of Forbidden Magic. A clandestine subsect within the Arcane Legion, in collaboration with the Order of the Silencers and darker organizations from the Dominion of Doubt, seeks to explore the most dangerous and forbidden branches of magic. This includes necromancy, shadow magic, and taboo arcane practices, as well as humanoid experimentation. Together, they conduct secret trials on enhancing physical and magical abilities through arcane manipulation, often pushing the boundaries of what is considered ethical. These experiments aim to uncover new ways to bolster the Dominion’s military strength, even at the cost of moral and ethical norms. The collaboration with the Dominion of Doubt brings in expertise from some of the most secretive and morally ambiguous corners of the arcane world, further shrouding these activities in mystery and secrecy.

Assets

The Arcane Legion’s assets are as unique as its approach to warfare. Unlike the larger, more resource-intensive Steel and Ash Legions, the Arcane Legion relies on a combination of specialized magical artifacts, powerful spellcasters, and strategically located bases of operations to maintain its edge. Their resources, though fewer in number, are of the highest quality, focusing on maximizing the potential of each individual asset to deliver precise, devastating results on the battlefield or in covert operations.

• Ashenveer. A massive floating city suspended above the Infernus Pools, Ashenveer is the primary training facility for the Arcane Legion’s mages and is also home to a large portion of Torment's Imp populace. It is a place steeped in arcane energy, where new recruits undergo intense and specialized magical training. The floating city is equipped with advanced enchantments that simulate battlefield conditions, allowing for real-time spellcasting practice and arcane experimentation. Ashenveer also houses some of the Legion's most dangerous magical artifacts, which are closely guarded.

• Arcane Libraries and Research Facilities. The Arcane Legion has exclusive access to several libraries that house ancient magical tomes, forbidden spells, and vast knowledge of the arcane arts. These libraries are located in secret or heavily fortified locations across the Dominion of Torment. Many of the most prominent mages and war scholars study within these libraries, constantly refining their spells and developing new magical strategies. These repositories of arcane knowledge are considered some of the most valuable assets in the entire Dominion.

• Flame Effigies. These powerful, fiery constructs, developed in collaboration with the Ash Legion, serve as the Arcane Legion’s most devastating siege weapons. Resembling
  
  massive humanoid cages of wrought iron, flame effigies burn with enchanted fire and can operate either autonomously or be controlled by pyromancers. Though rare, each flame effigy is an unparalleled force multiplier in battle, capable of overwhelming enemy defenses with its infernal power. They serve as a terrifying reminder of the Legion’s ingenuity and ability to blend magic with war machines.

• Elite Battle-Mages and Arcanists. The true strength of the Arcane Legion lies in its people. Every soldier is an expertly trained spellcaster, often capable of wielding destructive forces far beyond what ordinary troops can manage. These battle-mages and arcanists are some of the finest in the Dominion, capable of manipulating the battlefield with illusions, firestorms, or barriers that can shield entire battalions. Despite their relatively small numbers, the quality and skill of each mage make them a formidable asset.

• Magical Artifacts and Relics. The Legion holds a number of powerful magical artifacts that provide strategic advantages both in combat and during their covert operations. These items include enchanted amulets that bolster spell strength, scrying orbs for far-reaching reconnaissance, and cloaks that grant invisibility or protection from detection. Some of these artifacts are ancient and imbued with otherworldly powers, providing the Legion with unique advantages over their foes.

• Secret Projects. The Arcane Legion is involved in a number of classified projects that explore the limits of arcane magic, often delving into forbidden or taboo practices. These projects include experiments with humanoid transformation, necromancy, and even the manipulation of souls. Conducted in remote or hidden facilities, these experiments are done in collaboration with the Silencers and darker factions within the Dominion of Doubt, aimed at creating new forms of magical weaponry and spellcasters. The results of these secret projects remain largely unknown, though rumors suggest that they may produce powerful, unconventional tools for future wars.

History

The Arcane Legion’s origins can be traced back to the formation of the Grand Legion, when Demon-kind first found themselves exiled to the inhospitable continent of Ragnarok. During this time, the most skilled magic users were scattered among the Dominion’s forces, serving as advisors and battle-mages within various warbands. The use of magic was vital in defending the fledgling Dominion against angelic raids, but there was no formal organization of spellcasters. It wasn’t until the rise of Patricia, a visionary arcane master, that these scattered mages began to form the foundation of what would become the Arcane Legion.
Born on what would later be known as Mt. Patricia, Patricia was not a follower of Lucifer or his legacy, but a revolutionary in her own right. Her mastery of primal and arcane magic outpaced that of any of her predecessors, and she gathered around her a cohort of mages who shared her vision of reshaping Ragnarok’s barren lands into something livable. Patricia’s rebellious spirit and disdain for the Dominion’s reliance on suffering as a path to power set her apart. Her enclave, founded on Mt. Patricia, grew in prominence, with her teachings becoming the bedrock of arcane study. It was Patricia who first led the daring infiltration of the High Heavens, stealing the Infinus Divinititum and reshaping the future of demon-kind. Her legacy of arcane mastery, combined with her bold vision, led to the creation of the Arcane Legion.
Though the mages who followed Patricia had operated as a loose collective, it was Ashbane Aul’Karlon who officially formalized the Arcane Legion during his reformation of the Dominion after the Age of Blood. Ashbane divided the Grand Legion into three specialized High Legions: Steel, Ash, and Arcane, each focusing on a different aspect of warfare. The Arcane Legion was tasked with the mastery of magical combat, espionage, and arcane research. Patricia’s teachings became institutionalized within the Legion, and her enclave on Mt. Patricia became a center of magical training. Unlike the other legions, which relied on vast numbers, the Arcane Legion was small but highly selective, composed only of the most gifted spellcasters across the Dominion.
During the War of the Undying, the Arcane Legion proved itself as an indispensable force in the Dominion’s survival against Vauldis, the first lich, and his legions of undead. While the Steel Legion held the line and the Ash Legion provided technological firepower, the Arcane Legion was responsible for the development and deployment of potent anti-necromantic spells. Their battle-mages, specializing in both fire and soul magic, were critical in disrupting the necromantic forces, countering the lich’s dark magic, and breaking the endless cycle of resurrection that threatened to overwhelm the Dominion, enabling them to hold off Vauldis' relentless undead horde while the Invasion of Kalki Isle took place.
Following the War of the Undying, the Arcane Legion’s role in the Dominion’s military evolved, especially during the Crusading War against the Karthan Commonwealth. In the cold war that followed, the Arcane Legion became key players in the covert battles between the two powers. The Legion’s mastery of espionage, illusion, and magical reconnaissance allowed them to gather intelligence and launch strategic strikes without direct confrontation. It was during this period that a small, secretive subsect of the Legion, in collaboration with the Silencers and clandestine factions within the Dominion of Doubt, began to push the boundaries of forbidden magic. This alliance with these dark entities gave the Arcane Legion a dangerous edge, enabling them to maintain dominance in the current shadow war against the Commonwealth.

Map of Rangarok

Open full size

Type

Military Order

Leader

Veraz Aul'Baelfire

Leader Title

Tribune

Parent Organization

High Legions

Location

Three Keeps

Controlled Territories

• Ashenveer
• Ember-cage Cliffs
• Infernus Pools

Notable Members

• Veraz Aul'Baelfire

The Black Holds

The Black Holds are shadowy arcane research facilities, hidden deep within the Dominion of Torment’s most remote and inaccessible regions. Officially, they do not exist—these sites are left off maps, mentioned only in whispers among high-ranking officials of the Arcane Legion and the Silencers, a covert organization specializing in espionage, assassination, and the manipulation of information. Operated jointly by the Silencers and the Arcane Legion, the Black Holds serve as the Dominion's clandestine laboratories and arcane research centers, where the boundaries of magical experimentation are pushed beyond ethical limits. These sites are fortified by advanced arcane wards, illusionary barriers, and blood-bound guardians, making unauthorized access nearly impossible. Only the highest-ranking officers and researchers are even aware of the existence of these holds, with each facility engaged in its own specialized, classified projects.

Purpose

The primary function of the Black Holds is to explore arcane possibilities that the rest of the Dominion would consider too dangerous, unethical, or outright heretical. Here, researchers manipulate the fabric of life itself, experimenting with soul magic, blood magic, necromancy, and other dark arts that have been banned or restricted in most circles of arcane study. The ultimate goal of these experiments is to harness untapped powers that could give the Dominion an edge in future wars, whether through the creation of new magical weaponry, the enhancement of soldiers, or even manipulation of entire populations. The Black Holds are also used to study the limits of spellcraft, developing magical techniques that could be employed by elite units of the Arcane Legion in both overt and covert operations.

Experiments

The experiments conducted within the Black Holds are as varied as they are terrifying. The Juggernaut program, for example, focuses on infusing Mountainfolk with unstable blood magic, transforming them into walking tanks of arcane fury. These hulking creations are physically enhanced to endure extreme combat conditions, but the unstable nature of the blood magic means they are prone to uncontrollable fits of rage, making them just as dangerous to their allies as their enemies. Other experiments focus on creating mind-wiped assassins and sleeper agents, individuals whose memories have been erased and replaced with programmable directives, making them perfect tools for espionage and assassination. Some of these agents are children, indoctrinated from a young age, trained in combat, and sent into the field as untraceable killers.

Silencer Collaberation

The Black Holds operate in tandem with the Silencers, who supply the arcane researchers with “subjects” for their experiments and provide critical intelligence for ongoing projects. In return, the Silencers benefit from the lethal products of the Holds—mind-wiped sleeper agents trained for covert operations, as well as experimental magical devices designed for stealth and sabotage. The Silencers are also the ones tasked with cleaning up any potential leaks from these black sites. Whether it’s rogue Juggernauts or escaped child assassins, the Silencers ensure that any failures are swiftly handled, often deploying their own agents to hunt down and eliminate loose experiments before they can expose the Dominion’s secrets.

Containment

Despite the tight security and heavy fortifications of the Black Holds, some experiments have escaped or been unwittingly released into the world, creating chaos in their wake. Rogue Juggernauts have said to have wander into populated areas, wreaking havoc before being tracked down and neutralized. Sleeper agents who recover their memories become highly unpredictable, often turning against their creators or fleeing into enemy territories. These incidents are rare but have the potential to create significant political and social problems for the Dominion. Rumors about these rogue entities persist and spread fear among the populace, but are usually quashed and ridiculed as wild conspiracy theories. The Black Holds are always in a state of high alert, knowing that one misstep could lead to the exposure of the Dominion's darkest secrets. However, the potential rewards from these forbidden experiments keep the darkest pragmatists of the Arcane Legion and the Silencers committed to their work, despite the risks.