Difference between revisions of "Elector Count"

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An '''Elector Count''' is the ruler of one of the ten provinces of the [[Empire]].  
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[[The Empire]] consists basicly of 10 large semi-independent provinces, each of them ruled by an '''Elector count'''.
  
The position of Elector Count is hereditary, and the main duties that they hold are two-fold. First, the Elector Counts are charged by the Emperor to rule their province and to be loyal citizens of the Empire.. They must aid the Emperor when he demands it, and also they must keep the province in line. Should an Elector fail in their duties, they may have their title stripped, and even be executed. The second duty they must fill is as such: When the Emperor dies, the Elector Counts gather together and then they elect one of their own to become the new Emperor, hence the title "Elector" Count. There are other important individuals in the Empire who also hold the ability to cast a vote for the next Emperor. They include the [[Grand Theogonist]], The Two Arch-Lectors of Sigmar, The Elder of The Moot, and The Ar-Ulric. However, only an Elector Count may be elected to be Emperor.
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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.
  
Although the Empire may seem to be a unified nation, this is far from the truth. The Emperor has technical rule over his Empire, but the day to day power rests in the hands of the Elector Counts. Indeed, their words are the law, superseded only by the word of the Emperor himself. As such, the power the Electors hold is enormous, but they are still duty-bound to serve the Emperor. It has not been unknown for the ruling Emperor to be forced into military action to quell the squabbling between the Counts.
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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.
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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 his local ruler. In many occasions the Emperor is only the 'first among equals'.
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As rulers of their provinces the Elector counts must defend them from internal rebellions and outside threats. Most of them are experienced generals and commanders-in-chiefs, while those who aren't pass such responsibilities to a (hopefully) loyal and adequate substitute. 
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Many elector counts are quite warlike and, on occasion, may even wage war against each other.
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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.
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When an Emperor dies, the Elector Counts gather together and elect one of their own to become the new Emperor. Over the centuries other important officials were given equal voting-rights: the [[Grand Theogonist]], the two Arch-Lectors of Sigmar, the [[Ar-Ulric]], and the [[Elder of The Moot]]. These persons cannot be elected however.
  
As a badge of his office, the Elector Count carries a [[Runefang]]: one of the 12 swords forged by the Dwarf Runesmith Alaric the Mad as a gift to Sigmar for his aid in fighting the Orcs. Originally, there were 12 Counts, but over the years two of the family lines have been wiped out and their provinces lost due to war. There are now 10 Elector Counts, as the provinces of [[Solland]] and Drakwald have been absorbed into the provinces of Wissenland and Stirland respectively.
 
  
 
As of Imperial Year 2522, the following is a list of the ten remaining provinces, and their ruling Count.
 
As of Imperial Year 2522, the following is a list of the ten remaining provinces, and their ruling Count.
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* [[Talabecland]]: [[Helmut Feurbach]],
 
* [[Talabecland]]: [[Helmut Feurbach]],
 
* [[Wissenland]]: [[Emmanuelle von Liebwitz]].
 
* [[Wissenland]]: [[Emmanuelle von Liebwitz]].
 
For a list of former Elector Counts from the long Imperial History look [[List of Elector Counts|here]]
 
  
 
==Source==
 
==Source==
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[[Category:The Empire]]
 
[[Category:The Empire]]
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[[de:Kurfürst]]

Revision as of 00:57, 25 November 2008

The Empire consists basicly of 10 large semi-independent provinces, each of them 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 his local ruler. In 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 generals and commanders-in-chiefs, while those who aren't pass such responsibilities to a (hopefully) loyal and adequate substitute.

Many elector counts are quite warlike and, on occasion, may 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.

When an Emperor dies, the Elector Counts gather together and elect one of their own to become the new Emperor. Over the centuries other important officials were given equal voting-rights: the Grand Theogonist, the two Arch-Lectors of Sigmar, the Ar-Ulric, and the Elder of The Moot. These persons cannot be elected however.


As of Imperial Year 2522, the following is a list of the ten remaining provinces, and their ruling Count.

Source