The Empire
From Lexicanum
The Empire is the largest and most powerful nation of the Old World. It is located east of Bretonnia, south of Kislev and north of Tilea. The current Emperor is Karl Franz, who was elected and crowned in 2502 IC.
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Political structure
Although the Emperor is both head of state of the Empire and commander-in-chief of its armies, the real power within the Empire is held by the 10 Elector Counts.
Upon the death of an Emperor the throne does not automatically pass to his heir. An election is held with 15 Electors, 10 of which are Elector Counts. Each of them casts a vote, and the candidate with most votes becomes Emperor.
The Emperor is largely the leader of the Elector Counts, who are extremely powerful and independent. His power is severely limited by the inability of enforcing his edicts within the semi-independent provinces, as the Elector Counts can effectively choose to largely ignore most of his edicts.
A wise emperor will realize that trying to subdue the Elector Counts through force and/or threats is a very dangerous errand, which all too easily ends up in open rebellion and civil war. Gaining their respect and loyalty through example and fair leadership tends to be the best solution.
Provinces
The Empire is not a centralized nation, but rather a feudal confederacy of 11 large and semi-independent provinces, bound together by common interests, history, language, and culture.
The provinces are further subdivided into smaller minor counties, baronies, and leagues. Somewhat outside of the rule of the nobility are the semi-independent city-states. There the burgers choose their own Burgomeisters. It's very likely that the richest and most influential merchants have the greatest influence over the whole process but precise details are currently unknown.
Provinces
- Averland
- Hochland
- Middenland
- Nordland
- Ostermark
- Ostland
- Reikland
- Stirland
- Talabecland
- Wissenland
- The Moot, technically not a elector state
City-states
Foreign relations
The Empire's oldest and foremost allies are the Dwarfs and the Empire of Kislev, but over the centuries the High Elves and the Kingdom of Bretonnia have also fought at the side of The Empire in the eternal struggle against the forces of Chaos and the Greenskin hordes.
Society & culture
The overwhelming majority of the citizens of The Empire are human but Halflings, Dwarfs, Elves, and Ogres are present.
Religion
Nearly all deities of the Old World pantheon are openly worshipped and accepted. The Cult of Sigmar is the most important one. Other deities widely worshipped are Ulric, Taal and his wife Rhya, Shallya, Morr, and Ranald.
Magic
The Empire has the 8 Colleges of Magic which, in exchange of a suitable fee, teach and train powerful magicians. The colleges were founded by Teclis at the request of Emperor Magnus the Pious. The magicians provide valuable magical support and protection for the armies of the Empire. Nevertheless the majority of the common people see magicians with more than a little amount of unease, fear, and suspicion.
Military
The armies of the Empire are massive and diverse fighting forces, having a wide range of available units while the Imperial navy patrols the mighty rivers of The Empire besides protecting the northern coast of Nordland.
Notes & sources
The Empire has been fairly static since its introduction into Warhammer Fantasy, staying with probably the most diverse army in Warhammer. The Empire has cannons, guns, knights, and tactically resourceful infantry giving it the possibility to use various tactics on the battlefield. In recent editions of Warhammer Fantasy with the addition of Warrior Priests, Luthor Huss, and Valten in sixth edition the Empire seems to be moving towards a more religious themed army.
- Warhammer Armies: The Empire. 5th ed. Baltimore: Games Workshop Ltd, 1996.
- Warhammer: The Empire. 6th ed. Glen Burnie: Games Workshop Ltd, 2000.
