Elector Count
The Empire consists basically of 10 large semi-independent provinces; each province is ruled by a respective Elector Count.
This position is hereditary, and usually passed from father to eldest child [1]. As a badge of office each Elector Count wields a Runefang: one of the 12 magic swords forged by Alaric the Mad, a Dwarf Runesmith.
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 [2]. 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 issues the Emperor is but the 'first among equals'.
As rulers of their provinces the Elector Counts must defend them from internal rebellions and outside threats [3]. 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 is stripped only in cases of high treason or extreme incompetence. This is always a last resort measure because of the threat of a civil war.
current Elector counts | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
name | titles | residence | notes | sources |
Marius Leitdorf (deceased) | Elector Count of Averland | Averheim | no clear heir, position is currently disputed | [4] |
Aldebrand Ludenhof | Elector Count of Hochland | Hergig | [5] | |
Boris Todbringer | Elector Count of Middenland, Graf | Middenheim | Middenheim is a city-state and centre of the cult of Ulric | [6] |
Theodoric Gausser | Elector Count of Nordland, Prince of Marienburg, Prince of Salzenmund | Salzenmund | forbidden to enter the city of Marienburg upon pain of death | [7] |
Valmir von Raukov | Elector Count of Ostland | Wolfenburg | [8] | |
Wolfram Hertwig | Elector Count of Ostermark | Bechafen | [9] | |
Karl Franz (current emperor) | Elector Count of Reikland, Prince of Altdorf | Altdorf (current capital of the Empire) | Altdorf is a city-state and centre of the cult of Sigmar | [10] |
Alberich Haupt-Anderssen | Elector Count of Stirland, Graf | Wurtbad | [11] | |
Helmut Feurerbach (missing) | Elector Count of Talabecland | Talabheim | Talabheim is a city-state | [12] |
Emmanuelle von Liebwitz | Elector Countess of Wissenland | Nuln | Nuln is a city-state | [13] |
"lost" Elector Counts | ||||
last Elector count | titles | circumstances | notes | sources |
Eldred | Elector Count of Solland | slain by Orc Warlord Gorbad Ironclaw | province was later annexed by Wissenland | [14] |
unclear, Vilner or Konrad Aldrech | Elector Count of Drakwald | unknown | province was later divided between Middenland and Nordland | |
unknown | Elector Count of Marienburg | unknown | Marienburg seceded/became independent much later |
Notes & sources
- ↑ Warhammer Armies: The Empire (4th Edition) p.16
- ↑ Warhammer Armies: The Empire (4th Edition) p.16
- ↑ Uniforms & Heraldry of The Empire p.9
- ↑ Uniforms & Heraldry of The Empire p.9 & 14 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (4th Edition) p.73 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition) p.22
- ↑ Uniforms & Heraldry of The Empire p.9 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (4th Edition) p.72 - Armies: The Empire (6th Edition) p.49 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition) p.22
- ↑ Uniforms & Heraldry of The Empire p.9 & 26 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (4th Edition) p.72 - Armies: The Empire (6th Edition) p.49 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition) p.22
- ↑ Uniforms & Heraldry of The Empire p.9 & 28 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (4th Edition) p.16 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition) p.22
- ↑ Uniforms & Heraldry of The Empire p.9 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (4th Edition) p.73 - Armies: The Empire (6th Edition) p.49 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition) p.22
- ↑ Uniforms & Heraldry of The Empire p.9 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition) p.22
- ↑ Uniforms & Heraldry of The Empire p.8 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (4th Edition) p.16 - Armies: The Empire (6th Edition) p.49 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition) p.22
- ↑ Uniforms & Heraldry of The Empire p.9 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition) p.22
- ↑ Uniforms & Heraldry of The Empire p.9 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition) p.22
- ↑ Uniforms & Heraldry of The Empire p.9 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition) p.22
- ↑ Uniforms & Heraldry of The Empire p.9 & 14 - Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition) p.22