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.
As of Imperial Year 2522, the following is a list of the ten remaining provinces, and their ruling Count.
current Elector counts | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
titles | 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 centre 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 | ||||
titles | last Elector count | circumstances | 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 |