I like the variety of these characters. I went and mad mine all foreign, and then we have Muiri, the not-so-warrior, who really just wants to sit in a corner and make herself healing potions, and we have Captain Trinton, who adds a particular gritty air to the whole situation. I also enjoy the worldbuilding at this point in time.

From what I've seen, the Empire reminds me a lot of medieval Europe. Lots of varied cultures under a single group. Although the idea that they're a relatively small group in a much larger continent is quite interesting, and certainly sets up the barbarians as the superior foe.

Yhe barbarians themselves seem rather generic at this point in time, as they haven't made a large appearance in the story as of yet, but the tattoo aspect reminds me of african tribes. The heavy clubs makes me think of Orcs more than anything, but it seems strange that such a barbaric people with a seemingly low level of technology would have controlover a large swath of land, suggesting they don't have any adversaries of suitable size to challenge them. Quite probably, the Empire just doesn't have the men to push forward.