Just as ambassador Shilard Fitz-Oesterlen was the Emperor's mouth here in the North, Renuald aep Matsen was his iron-clad fist. One look at this stern warrior's face was enough to instill a justified respect. He and his ilk became symbols of Nilfgaardian power when black standards and cloaks fluttered together with the tramp of the cavalry's hooves and the clash of arms in battle. The veterans from the Impera brigade were famed for their fanatical loyalty to the Emperor, and Matsen was no exception in that regard. He carried out his ruler's every order without question.