Board Thread:Online Discussion/@comment-188.179.65.153-20140129065643/@comment-208.242.14.200-20140310192628

I'd like to clarify all of the Imperial stipulations. The only real benefit of the Imperial Edition is that you get to start with a mount, which are pretty expensive in the current beta build. As far as the Imperials and the Imperial cosmetic style, the developers have eluded to and heavily hinted that all players will be able to complete a questline and unlock the Imperial race. The same thing pertains to the "any race on any alliance." As far as the Imperial style, when crafting equipment, you have to select a style during creation. Every race starts with their own style unlocked and can unlock other styles via books that can be looted from bookshelves; including all other races, Imperial, Ancient Elven and a couple others.

So if you don't want to drop the extra money on the Imperial Edition, you will be able to still play as an Imperial. You'll just have to do a little bit more work. I hope that helps! :)