Elector Count

The Empire consists basicly of 10 large semi-independent provinces, and each one of them is ruled by an Elector count.

This position is hereditary, and usually passed from father to eldest son. As a badge of office each Elector Count also wields a Runefang: one of the 12 magic swords forged by the Dwarf Runesmith Alaric the Mad.

At the beginning of the Empire there were 12 Counts, but over the centuries two of the provinces ceased to exist as the respective noble family-lines were extinguished. Today there are but 10 Elector Counts.

Technically the Emperor rules over the whole Empire, and the Elector Counts owe him their loyalty. In reality however the true power belongs to the Elector Counts as each province is usually very independent and far more loyal to its local ruler. On many occasions the Emperor is only the 'first among equals'.

As rulers of their provinces the Elector Counts must defend them from internal rebellions and outside threats. Most of them are experienced and able generals, while those who aren't will pass such responsibilities to a (hopefully) loyal and adequate substitute.

Many Elector Counts are quite warlike and, on occasion, even wage war against each other.

Their title may be stripped only in cases of high treason or extreme incompetence. This measure is always a last resort as the threat of a civil war is far too high.

current Elector counts
name	titles	residence	notes
Marius Leitdorf (deceased)	Count of Averland	Averheim	no clear heir, position is currently disputed
Aldebrand Ludenhof	Count of Hochland	Hergig
Boris Todbringer	Count of Middenland, Graf	Middenheim	Middenheim is a city-state and centre of the cult of Ulric
Theodoric Gausser	Count of Nordland, Prince of Marienburg, Prince of Salzenmund	Salzenmund	forbidden to enter the city of Marienburg upon pain of death
Valmir von Raukov	Count of Ostland	Wolfenburg
Wolfram Hertwig	Count of Ostermark	Bechafen
Karl Franz (current emperor)	Count of Reikland, Prince of Altdorf	Altdorf (current capital of the Empire)	Altdorf is a city-state and centre of the cult of Sigmar
Alberich Haupt-Anderssen	Count of Stirland, Graf	Wurtbad
Helmut Feurerbach (missing)	Count of Talabecland	Talabheim	Talabheim is a city-state
Emmanuelle von Liebewitz	Countess of Wissenland	Nuln	Nuln is a city-state
vanished Elector Counts
last Elector count	titles	circumstances	notes
Eldred	Count of Solland	slain by Orc Warlord Gorbad Ironclaw	province was later annexed by Wissenland
Konrad Aldrech	Count of Drakwald	unclear	province was later divided between Middenland and Nordland

Notes & sources

• Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition), p.22