Elector Count

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The Empire consists of 10 large semi-independent provinces, and each one of them is ruled by an Elector count, who is the Head of State and Supreme Commander of each of the Provinces.This position, of Elector Count 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 then the Emperor. 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. As of Imperial Year 2522, the following is a list of the ten remaining provinces, and their ruling Count.

The Elector Counts

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

Sources