The favored son of Oleksandr I, Prince Rolf shadowed his father throughout his many military conquests. After emerging victorious in the Trial of Kings and assuming the role of Crown Prince, Rolf was entrusted with stabilizing Omangan presence in the conquered territories and devising the longevity of the regime. After ascending the throne, the second emperor continued to rule with the iron-fisted legacy of his father. He implemented social Darwinism to the extreme, "repurposing" vast numbers of people who "lacked contribution" into the cold northern mines - often to their deaths. Any hint of dissent was crushed with extreme prejudice. The ensuing mass purges conveniently removed many old foe remnants, consolidating his power base in every city. With power firmly in his grasp, Oleksandr II focused the Empire's resources on technological innovation. Omangan scientists toiled night and day to harness robotics and nuclear energy. Their gambit paid off, and the Empire rose to become the eminent power in the region. The "Empire of Blood and Steel" took the world by storm, and its imperial feats echoed throughout the Acid Rain Era.