So here's the direction I pushed the warlord faction in Ulrath towards - corrupt heroes.

Basically it's a case of the blind leading the blind. The leader fell from grace with convincing power, took over the kingdom, and has made all of his citizens loyal and devote. Thing is I'm not doing this with any sort of OH THIS IS A POLITICAL ALLEGORY SO THAT MEANS IT'S SMART. It isn't smart to do that, it's just stupid and it ruins good literature. It's just based on human nature and what can happen, as such the characters feel conflict, duty, pride, honor, shame, etc.

Makes for a much more compelling villain faction, imo. They're still big, scary, mean looking, but with a much less used vibe.