Middenheim

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A map of Middenheim.

Middenheim is both the capital city of the Imperial province of Middenland, and an independent city-state.

Its name derives from a Dwarf word thar means watchtower in the middle place. [5a]

Commonly known as the City of the White Wolf, Middenheim is a great fortress-city, second only in size and influence to the Empire's capital of Altdorf. The northernmost city of the Empire, it is built as a bastion against the north and the ever present threats harboured by the Drakwald Forest. The city stands upon a sheer pinnacle of rock, five hundred feet high, and is reachable only by four highways that run along colossal viaducts. Middenheim may seem invulnerable, but the rock it stands upon is riddled with ancient tunnels, Dwarfen and otherwise, that are home to things best not thought about too closely.

History

According to legend, the city was founded by the god Ulric himself to be the centre of his religion in the Old World. Originally the rock Middenheim is now built upon was the base of a tall mountain sacred to Ulric's brother Taal. Taal gave Ulric the mountain, who struck the top of the mountain off with his fist, leaving a flat top a mile across where the city was to be. For this reason the rock is called the Fauschlag ("fist strike").[1a]

A half century before the Empire was established by Sigmar, Artur, chief of the Teutogen tribe, discovered the rock. As the Teutogens were not renowned as great builders, Artur "enlisted" the aid of Dwarfs forced from their ancient home in the Middle Mountains to tunnel up through the rock and build a fortress. [1b] Artur is gifted with the Dragon Sword of Caledfwlch by a Shaman in -47 IC, defeating the Liche-Thing Babrakkos with it in -42 IC, but when it returns again he creates the role Warrior Eternal to reward the leader of the White Wolf riders who destroy it. He is crowned king in -17 IC. [3a]

Artur fought and lost to Sigmar in single combat, leaving Myrsa the Warrior Eternal to command the city and around -1 IC, the scholars of the Teutogens tribe decided that their fortress needed a name and choose Middenheim. [5a] At the coronation of Sigmar as Emperor he appointed Pendrag as the Count of the city. [5b]

In 3 IC, the priests of Morr warned Pendrag that a terror from ancient days had awoken to seek dominion of the lands of men. Several weeks later villages in the foothills were destroyed by the walking dead. Knights of Morr and Ulric were sent into the mountains but none returned [5c] until one, Lukas Hauke a Warrior Priest of Ulric made it back aged and barely alive. Although he died shortly after he rose again, killing many before he could succumbed. He told Sigmar that he served Morath, the Lord of Brass Keep. [5d]

Around 9 IC and following his defeat at the Battle of the Northern Ridge, Sigmar retreated with his army to Middenheim, hoping to draw the invaders to him and buy time for the other Counts to raise armies and march to his aid. [5e] Cormac Bloodaxe wanted to burn and loot his way through the rest of the new Empire which was far less defended but Kar Odacen demanded that he assault the stronghold to destroy Sigmar. [5f] Together they gathered an army of about 16,000 to attack the fortress city which was defended by an army of about half the size, resulting in the first Siege of Middenheim. [5g]

As the dead arise across the Empire, they surround and besiege Middenheim. [7a]

By the 60th year of the Empire the fortress was complete and became the home of the Teutogens.[1b]

In 63 IC, Wulcan, the son of Artur and High Priest of the Cult of Ulric was granted a vision by Ulric which inspired him to consecrate a temple to Ulric. The massive temple took 50 years to complete, but Wulcan lived to see it finished. Trade grows between the town and the other human settlements, whilst wizards are encouraged to settle within Middenheim and who magically strengthen the defences. The Wizard and Alchemists Guild is created by Graf Erich in 97 IC [8] with the High Wizard and her deputies being paid by the city [1b][6a]

As the Cult of Sigmar grows in power, conflict erupts between it and the High Priest of Ulric, Graf Wulfgaeng puts pressure on the Emperor to grant the city provincial status and this finally granted in 555 IC. At the same time, the position of Knight Eternal is created. Although the Black Plague devestates the Empire in 1111 IC, Middenheim largely avoided the devastating outbreak, due to the strict isolationism ordered by Graf Gunthar, the city's ruler at the time. The city was sealed for 6 months until the plague had run its course. His actions saved the city, but hundreds still died from starvation.

As the Black Plague continued to devestate the empire, Middenheim become one of the few remaining bastions of Imperial civilisation in a land overrun by Skaven. The city was under siege by the rat men and the situation appeared hopeless. However, Count Mandred, called Skavenslayer coordinated an amazing defence of both the city and the tunnels beneath it. The months passed, and the Skaven horde eventually ran out of food, forcing them to withdraw.

In 1122 Mandred rallied enough of the nobility to proclaim a crusade against the Skaven. In a series of great battles the Skaven were driven back below ground. The Empire was saved, and Mandred Skavenslayer was crowned Emperor. Mandred rebuilt the shattered infrastructure of his nation during the glorious twenty-five years of his rule; tragically, though, he died from the poison of an assassin, the last act of spite from the broken and bitter ratmen. Graf Erich annexes Middenland in 1152 IC. [1b]

Ar-Ulric Krieger moves to Talabheim to support Ottilia I's claim to the throne. [6a]

War breaks out between the city and Talabheim and Middenland breaks away in 1550 IC.[1b] Count Siegfried proclaims himself Emperor in 1547 IC beginning the Time of Three Emperors and moves to besiege Talabheim in 1550 IC but fails to take the city and returning to Middenheim finds that the nobles have renounced him and he is unable to retake his home. [6a]

In 1812 IC the Middenlanders under Grand Duke Karl-Heinz lay siege to Middenheim for nine months. They are repulsed with Dwarf aid, gaining them special status in the city and the Undercity is sealed as well as substantial new fortifications being constructed. [1b]

The Wizards War touches the city in 1979 with many necromancers and daemonologists being executed. [1b]

At the Battle of Four Armies in 2100 IC, the Count of Middenland and his rival the Ottila have each other assassinated during the battle. [6a]

The Norse of Thialfi Swiftaxe are defeated by Giger, Grand Master of the Knights of the White Wolf and Sechse of the Knights Panther but both to claim the victory. [6a]

Magnus the Pious visits in 2302 IC, humiliating the High Priest of Ulric who had attempted to brand him a heretic, Magnus walks through the Fire of Ulric and many join him on his crusade against Chaos.[1b]

Boris Todbringer (great-grandfather of the current Graf) marries the Countess von Bildhofen in 2371 IC, their son Bertholdt Todbringer becoming Count of Middenland. [6a]

In 2502 IC, current Boris Todbringer marries Anika-Elise Nikse two weeks after first meeting her. [6a]

In 2515 IC the city was besieged by Waaagh! Goretoof. [4a]

Boris Todbringer begins a great purge of the Drakwald in 2518 IC and takes the eye of Khazrak but a year later, the banebeast returns the favour. [6a]

Storm of Chaos

During the Storm of Chaos, Middenheim was besieged by the dread Chaos lord Archaon, Everchosen of the Dark Gods. Luckily, the renowned Valten, rumoured to be the reincarnation of the imperial god Sigmar, was present to do battle alongside the defenders and hopefully defeat Archaon. Unfortunately, Valten was mortally wounded and despite Archaon's defeat by the Orc warlord Grimgor Ironhide and later retreat, he died. Since the events of the war, Middenheim has been rebuilding, and it remains to be seen how the city will be affected in the future.

Rulers

Middenheim is currently ruled by Boris Todbringer, Elector Count of Middenland, a descendant of Gunthar von Bildhofen, brother of Magnus the Pious.[1b]

Graf Boris himself sought to become Emperor, but accepted the ascension of Karl Franz and is now one of his most loyal supporters.

Military

Boris is protected by the Knights Panther, a secular order of knights dedicated to the eradication of mutants. The knights, together with their associated sergeants and men-at-arms, are a key part of Middenheim's army. In addition there is the formidable force of the Templars of the White Wolf, sworn servants of Ulric and reporting directly to Ar-Ulric.[1e]

The Teutogen Guard are Knights of the White Wolf who fight on foot. They are hand picked by Ar-Ulric as a personal bodyguard annually based on merit and not rank. It is one of the greatest honours a knight can receive. The city always houses a contingent of the Kislevite Gryphon Legion – these are 'loaned' by the Tzarina in exchange for a unit of Knights Panther. Middenheim is a cosmopolitan place, with a sizeable population of Dwarfs, many Halflings and even a few High Elves.

Unusually the Wizards of the city are well integrated with the military and are even on occasion to be found accompanying the City Watch, both the High Wizard and his deputy receive a stipend from the city for their ongoing contribution to its defences. [1e] According to the edict of 1555 IC all humans between 16 and 50 must own a longbow, sword or crossbow and train for 2 hours a week with their local serjant-at-arms. A force of mercenaries are also quartered in barracks around the city. [1e]

The Warriors of Ulric are no more than militia; they have no formal training like the free companies, but as Ulric commands they have trained themselves for battle. Hunt Masters drive vicious Hunting Hounds into battle, usually used for sniffing out Beastmen lairs their bite is worse than their bark. The so called Wolf Kin are similar to sigmarite flagellants, however Ulrics stern values and stoic nature means that devotees of Ulric are not possessed of such a mentality, but retain their clothing, weapons and armour, band together and seek vengeance on the forces that raid the Empire.

Notable

Politics

The Graf rules the city within the context of a semi-democratic government developed by his forebears. Technically, he enacts all laws within the city, but he has many advisers, and interested parties (merchants, artisans, religious leaders, and others) can make recommendations to him through the numerous established public commissions (one for nearly every aspect of city life), or even directly in some cases.

The city's civil service is complex and unwieldy. There are dozens of public commissions, the purpose of many of them, although they nonetheless still exist, have been forgotten in the mists of time. The most important commissions as far as the city's government is concerned, are the Komission for Commerce, Trade and Taxation and the Worshipful Guild of Legalists. Other major Komissions are the Komission for Public Works, the Komission for Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Komission for Elven, Dwarven, and Halfling Interests.

Because of the ever present threat of mutants and Skaven, all drains leading into the sewer system are required to be locked. Chaos is not tolerated in The City of the White Wolf and mutants are commonly executed upon revelation of their taint. Some parents abandon their obviously tainted offspring into the nearby Drakwald Forest, swelling the numbers of Beastmen present there.

Religion

The Cult of Ulric

Middenheim is the home of the Cult of Ulric and many priests can muster and lead troops not normally found within an Imperial army (as can be expected from the god of battle, wolves and winter). The city is also home to the High Priest Ar Ulric (son of Ulric), head of the cult for the whole Empire and like the Graf of the city a Provincial Elector. In Middenheim the worship of Ulric overshadows that of Sigmar [1c]

Burial

With the city's size prescribed by geography, burial space is at a premium and only the very wealthy can afford the price of a plot of land in Morrspark, the city's only burial ground. Those who can afford it can also be interred in the catacombs under the city's Chapel of Morr. The less wealthy usually cremate their dead, or bury them outside the city in the shadow of the Fauschlag. Paupers are simply stuffed in a sack and tossed off the Cliff of Sighs into the forests far below.

Temples

  • Temple to Shallya: Contains an infirmary for the sick and poor as well as a small school and orphanage for twenty children. [1c]
  • Temple to Sigmar: Notable for the attached Gragh Mar School, open to children of all ages between the ages of 8 and 13 to learn Imperial history amd law, established by Magnus the Prior in 2340 IC. The name is dwarvish and means Stone Tablet. [1c]
  • Temple of Ulric: Ulric's temple,located in the Ulricsmund district is a vast impressive blend of cathedral and castle with a high vaulted roof some 120ft high, dominating the city. The holy fire that burns before the great altar is said to do no harm to true followers of the god – something that was proven true by Magnus the Pious when Ar-Ulric Kriestov accused him of heresy, and the saviour of The Empire stepped into the flames and emerged untouched. The Knights of the White Wolf, templars of Ulric, are based at the temple and utterly dedicated to it and the cities defence. [1f]
  • Temple to Verena: Located in the Ulricsmund district, it is well known for its arched pillars and marble busts as well as its extensive library, and where most marriages are held for the middle and upper classes. A beautiful statue of the goddess stands at entrance whilst a vast golden owl twelve feet across has its wings spread around the main alter.[1c] [1f]

Quotes

This will make a good place for a temple and on this rock shall grow a great fortress city, secure against all enemies. The fires in my temple here shall burn eternally, and men shall look here to find me, above all places in the world.

~Ulric.[1a]

Gallery

Miniatures

The provinces & city-states of The Empire
Provinces Reikland - Middenland - Nordland - Ostland - Hochland - Talabecland - Ostermark - Stirland - Averland - Wissenland - The Moot
City-states Altdorf - Nuln - Middenheim - Talabheim
Lost provinces Drakwald - Solland - Westerland - Sylvania

Sources

Sources

The Empire
Units Arch Lector of Sigmar - Ar-Ulric - Battle Wizard - Celestial Hurricanum - Chapter Master - Demigryph Knight - Elector Count - Empire Archer - Empire Captain - Empire Crossbowman - Empire Dwarfs - Empire General - Empire Greatsword - Empire Halberdier - Empire Knight - Empire Mortar - Empire Swordsman - Empire Spearmen - Empire War Wagon - Flagellant - Free Company - Grand Master - Great Cannon - Halfling Hot Pot - Handgunner - Helblaster Volley Gun - Helblaster Wagon - Helstorm Rocket Battery - Hunting Hounds - Knight of the White Wolf - Knight Panther - Kriegsritter - Luminark - Master Engineer - Outrider - Pistolier - Reiksguard - Seneschal - Steam Tank - Teutogen Guard - Warrior Priest - Witch Hunter - Wizard Lord - War Altar of Sigmar - Warriors of Ulric - Wolf-kin
Characters Adora - Agnetha Weiltraub - Alberich Von Korden - Albrecht Helseher - Aldebrand Ludenhof - Aldred Fellblade - Alun Gartner - Angelika Fleischer - Anna von Verbeeck - Annette von Telland - Anton Veidt - Axel Weissberg - Axelbrand - Balthasar Gelt - Benedict Stross - Bertha Bestraufrung - Bloody Beatrice - Blucher von Vincke - Borin Fatalismus‎‎ - Boris Todbringer - Breugal - Bruno Malvoisin - Clarissa Lohft - Cryston von Danling - Daniel von Brentzingen - Deathclaw - Dieter Schmiedehammer - Detlef Sierck - Diel Ulricsson - Dieter IV - Eberhardt - Eberhardt von Kreuzzug - Ebrem Manlect - Einrich Moltke - Eldred - Elise Kreiglitz-Untern - Else Sigloben - Elspeth Magritta VI - Elspeth von Draken - Emil Valgeir - Emmanuelle Nacht - Emmanuelle von Liebwitz - Erich Granholm - Erina Eberhauer - Erzbet Wegener - Felix Jaeger - Ferdinand Gruber - Fozzrik - Frederick van Hal - Erich Aldolphus - Frederick von Tarnus - Friedrich Holmann - Friedrich von Finklemann - Frederich Weirde - Freida Grünwald - Garvan Paranoth - Gaspar von Derberg - Genevieve Dieudonné - Giger - Gunter Dunkelmund - Gunther Bearhide - Gunther Stahlberg - Gunthar von Bildhofen - Haf Lorenentz - Hans Leitdorf - Haqiqah Al-Hikmah - Harald Kleindeinst - Hasso - Hedrich - Heinrich Altendorfer - Heinrich Johann - Heinrich Todbringer - Helena von Culper - Helmut Van Dorf - Helmut Weisser - Illona Horvathy - Immanuel-Ferrand Holswig-Schliestein - Imperial Dragon - Isolde Begegnen - Jacob Stacheldhorf - Janna Eberhauer - Jerek Kruger - Jarrick Valgeir - Joachim II - Johann Esmer - Johann Helsturm - Johan Zauberlich - Josef Sparsam - Jovi Sunscryer - Jubal Falk - Jurgen Muntz - Karl Franz - Karl Raachwald - Karl-Rikard Goellner - Kaslain - Kaspar von Velten - Katarina Todbringer - Katelina Matthias - Kriesmann Henckler - Kistiane Brockdorf - Konrad Ludenhof - Konrad Vollen - Krieger Valiant‎‎ - Kristoff Haamar - Kurt Helborg - Leonardo of Miragliano - Leopold Groeth - Leopold von Raukov - Leos von Liebwitz - Liepmund Holzkrug - Lilli Nissen - Lothar Metternich - Lothar von Diehl - Ludmilla III - Ludwig Schwarzhelm - Luigi Giovanni - Luitpold - Emperor Luitpold - Luthor Huss - Magnus the Pious - Mandred Skavenslayer - Maria Glockenspiel - Maria-Luise von Walfen - Maria-Ulrike von Liebwitz - Marieka Van der Perssen - Marius Hollseher - Marius Leitdorf - Marius van Diesl - Markus Wulfhart - Martin - Mattheus II - Maximilian Schreiber - Maximillian von Klaus - Mechthild von Stroharm - Mikael Hasselstein - Mornan Tybalt - Narris Mortus‎ - Necrodomo the Insane - Nikolai Mouss - Oswald von Konigswald - Ottilia I - Ottilia III - Otto Jaeger - Otto Sider - Pieter Lazlo - Raphael Julevno - Reinhadt Mortarian‎ - Rein Volkhard - Reuben Kyte - Rudiger von Unheimlich - Rudi Wegener - Rutgar - Rutger Wolfrick - Salli Spaak - Salundra von Drakenburg - Schadrach Bürke - Sibylle Hagerdorn - Sigfreda Marham von Sieblich - Sigismund the Mad - Sigismund II - Sigmar - Soloman Vantor‎ - Tarradasch - Theoderic Gausser - Theodore Bruckner - Theodosius Schreiber - Thunderball - Thyrus Gormann - Tobias Helmgart - Tochter Grunfeld - Ulrich Schutzmann - Valdemar - Valmir von Raukov - Valten - Valst Lishen - Varga Schezain - Veiran Thugenheim - Vesper Klasst - Viktor Helmgart - Vladamir Ludennacht - Volans - Volkmar the Grim - Voltan von Khrest - Vorgan Corpsehand - Vorn Thugenheim - Werner von Kriegstadt - Wilhelm III - Wilhelm Hague - Wilhelm the Wise - Wilhelm von Vaulk - Wilhelmina von Garrick - Wolfram Hertwig - Wyat Lagus‎‎ - Zavant Konniger - Zofia Miska
Provinces and City-states Altdorf - Averland - Hochland - Middenheim - Middenland - The Moot - Nordland - Nuln - Ostermark - Ostland - Reikland - Stirland - Talabecland - Talabheim - Wissenland
Images - Magic items - Miniatures - Vehicles