The Empire (Warhammer)

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For the Empire from Star Wars, see Galactic Empire (Star Wars).

For the Empire from The Inheritance Trilogy, see The Empire (Inheritance).

The Empire is one of the human political factions and armies of the Warhammer Fantasy world and features in most of the games and novels derived from it. It is roughly equivalent to the Imperium in the Warhammer 40,000 science fiction setting. As of 7th edition The Empire will get a new line-up and new models for the game et to be avaliable in early 2007.

Contents 1 Characteristics 2 History 2.1 Battle of Black Fire Pass 2.2 Magnus the Pious 3 Current Provinces 3.1 Averland 3.2 Hochland 3.3 Middenland 3.4 Nordland 3.5 Ostermark 3.6 Ostland 3.7 Reikland 3.8 Talabecland 3.9 Talabheim 3.10 Wissenland 4 Former Provinces 4.1 Drakwald 4.2 Solland 4.3 Sudenland 4.4 Westerland 4.5 Sylvania 5 Gaming 6 Notable characters 7 References 8 External links

[edit] Characteristics

Like much of the Warhammer setting the Empire resembles a period of European history but with the addition of fantasy elements such as the presence of magic and non-human races. Both visually and in geography is it based upon the Holy Roman Empire during the Renaissance period. There are wealthy city-states which bear similarity to Hanseatic league cities such as Hamburg, and place and character names are Germanic in tone; for example, the capital of the Empire is the city of Altdorf, which translates as "old village" and is the name of several real-world places.

The Empire is the largest and most powerful of all the nations of the Old World. The Empire is bordered by the nation of Kislev to the north and the Sea of Claws, the World's Edge Mountains to the east, and the Great Ocean, Black Mountains, Grey Mountains and the land of Bretonnia to the south and west. To the east the Empire is threatened by the Orcs and goblins. A large amount of the Empire is heavily forested.

The Empire consists of ten large provinces: Nordland, Reikland, Middenland, Talabecland, Ostland, Hochland, Ostermark, Averland, Wissenland and Stirland. Each of these provinces is governed by an Elector Count, whose office is derived from one of twelve chieftains that followed Sigmar. Two of those provinces are now defunct: Drakwald (lands now under the jurisdiction of the Elector Counts of Middenland) and Solland (under the Elector Counts of Wissenland). Another, Westerland, originally incorporated the areas now divided between Nordland and the Marienburg/Wasteland area. Also, a new Province has been founded on the isle of Albion called Neuland,though whether this still exists after Kroq-Gar's counter-attack is unknown.

The Empire is nominally ruled by the Emperor. The Emperor is chosen by election of the various electors. The electors are the ten Elector Counts, the Grand Theogonist of the Sigmarite Church, the two Arch Lectors also of the sigmar church, the High Priest of Ulric and the Elder of the Moot representing the [[halfling]s. Karl-Franz, of the Holswig-Schliestein family, is the current Emperor. The Emperor is usually also one of the Elector Counts; Karl-Franz is the Elector Count of Reikland.

The religion of the Empire is polytheistic, with the god Sigmar being the most important. Sigmar is exalted, having been a powerful warlord who unified various tribes to form the Empire. The Grand Theogonist is the leader of the Imperial Orthodox Church, which devotes itself entirely to Sigmar, and is analogous to the Pope. Sigmar's worship is strongest in Altdorf but runs throughout the Empire. However, some regions have a stronger link to other gods, such as the Middenheimers, who revere Ulric before all others.

The armies of the Empire are amongst the most diverse in the Old World. Older forms of troops like spearmen, swordsmen, archers and crossbowmen fight alongside more 'modern' troops like cannon, Handgunners and Pistoliers (pistol armed warriors on horseback). The inventiveness of the Empire has produced warmachines such as a steam-powered tank. The Empire is also noted for having excellent cavalry in the form of its Knights. The Empire also often fields state-trained Battle Wizards and religious fanatics such as Warrior Priests and Flagellants. The armies can be led by Elector Counts, Grand Masters of the various Knightly Orders, captains chosen by the Counts, or even the Emperor, Karl Franz, himself.

An interesting side note is that a realm in the province of Stirland, named Sylvania (an obvious homage to Transylvania, the home of the Dracula of legend) has been ruled by a family of vampires for many centuries. These vampires have on more than one occasion attempted to conquer the rest of the Empire, generally at the head of an Undead army.

The Empire has diplomatic relations with the other human states and the populace as a whole is generally tolerant of the Elves and Dwarfs. A large contingent of Dwarfs have settled in the Empire and these owe allegiance to the Empire rather than their ancestral homelands. The kingdom of Kislev to the North and east has been on good terms with the Empire and their forces have fought as allies with those of the Empire.

[edit] History

[edit] Battle of Black Fire Pass

The First Battle of Black Fire Pass was the culmination of Sigmar's campaigns to cleanse the lands of the Empire of orcs and goblins, this battle saw the power of the greenskin races broken in the lands of Men, and drove them into the Bad Lands, their current domain. Taking place in the year IC -1, a year before Sigmar's coronation as the first Emperor, this battle is looked upon as Sigmar's greatest victory and the site is now a site of pilgrimage for members of the Sigmarite faith.

Black Fire Pass lies in the south of Averland, where the Black Mountains part and the Old Dwarf Road moves out into the Border Princes' Realm and toward Karaz-a-Karak, the greatest of the Dwarf holds and the seat of their High Kings. Along with Axe Bite Pass in the west, which leads into Bretonnia, Black Fire Pass is the only other land route through the mountains that fence the Empire, and as such is of vital strategic importance.

[edit] Magnus the Pious

Another notable Emperor, Magnus the Pious led the Empire against the forces of Chaos.

[edit] Current Provinces

As of 2522 in the Imperial Calendar, the latest date given in game materials.

[edit] Averland

Grand Countess Ludmilla von Alptraum was 77 years old at the start of The Enemy Within campaign. She lived long enough to send Feldmarschall Marius Leitdorf to assist the beleaguered Ostlander forces at the Battle of Wolfenburg in 2514. The old Countess died shortly after and was succeeded by her eldest daughter, Baroness Marlene. Unfortunately, Marlene passed away from the plague that ravaged the land after the war. Marlene's only surviving child and heir, Helena, abdicated in favour of her husband, Marius Leitdorf. Elector Count Leitdorf did not rule long, having been killed by an Orc Warlord in battle near Black Fire Pass in 2520. His eldest unnamed son succeeded Marius.

[edit] Hochland

With trouble brewing between Talabecland and Ostland in 2514, Baroness Hildegarde Tussen-Hochen was compelled to name Count Aldebrand Ludenhof, betrothed to her daughter Sophia, as Grossmarschall of Hochland. Later that year, troubles in Bergsburg and her failing health forces the Baroness to abdicate in favour of the Count. The 2515 Volkshalle Edict elevated Hochland to Electoral status.

[edit] Middenland

Grand Duke Leopold von Bildhofen was one of the prime instigators of the outbreak of war in 2514. The 2515 Volkshalle Edict stripped von Bildhofen of his status as Elector and the province was once again united with Middenheim, under the rule of Graf Boris Todbringer. The actual city is built on a pleatau called Ulric's Bluff

[edit] Nordland

While Nordland regained its northeastern provinces (lost to Ostland during the Dark Ages), Baron Werner Nikse was forced by the 2515 Volkshalle Edict to relinquish his holdings in Salzenmund and nearby towns in order to compensate Ostland for instigating the war of 2514. The Electors elevate Nordland to Electoral status and named Count Theoderic Gausser as its new ruler. Nordland is noted for incorporating the Laurelorn Forest, home to one of the few communities of Elves in Elthin Arvan (the Eltharin term for the Old World). The Elector Count is wise enough not to press any claims on this well-defenced realm, however!

[edit] Ostermark

Chancellor Maximillian Dachs was killed during the war of 2514. Hauptmarschall Wolfram Hertwig, who led the Ostermark contingent with distinction at the Battle of Wolfenburg, succeeded him. The 2515 Volkshalle Edict elevated Ostermark to Electoral status and Wolfram named as its Elector.

[edit] Ostland

Grand Prince Hals von Tasseninck died in battle along the Nordland front during 2514. Kriegmarschall Valmir von Raukov was elevated to Grand Prince and Elector Count of Ostland by the 2515 Volkshalle Edict.

[edit] Reikland

The richest and most powerful province in the Empire, Reikland extends from the frontier with the Wasteland along the course of the river Reik and the Grey Mountains, across from the Kingdom of Bretonnia. It contains Altdorf, the Imperial capital and largest city in the Empire, home of the Colleges of Magic. Helmgart and Ubersreik are heavily fortified towns at the eastern edge of the Grey Mountains, guarding the Axe Bite Pass and Grey Lady Pass respectively from human and Greenskin intruders. Reiklanders are the most forward-looking and confident people of the Empire, proud of their Unberogen heritage and convinced the brightest days are yet to come - and that as the people of Sigmar, should naturally take the lead in Imperial endeavours. Unsurprisingly, such an attitude wins Reiklanders few favours in the war-torn north...

[edit] Talabecland

As with the Elector of Middenland, Grand Duke Gustav von Krieglitz was found guilty of instigating the 2514 war. The 2515 Volkshalle Edict stripped von Krieglitz of his status as Elector and Count Helmut Feuerbach, a Talabeclander noble who stayed out of the war, was elevated to succeed him. Elector Count Helmut accompanied Grand Theogonist Volkmar to fight Chaos Lord Archaon across the River Lynsk in 2521. Somehow Feuerbach managed to make it back from the battle that he claimed took the life of the Grand Theogonist. Some of the Electors at the Conclave of Light are said to have commented about Feuerbach's lack of any injury or wounds behind his back.

[edit] Talabheim

Though no direct evidence was found to prove her complicity, there were strong suspicions that Grand Duchess Elise Krieglitz-Untermensch provided loans to her cousin, von Krieglitz. Rather than submit to an inquisition, Grand Duchess Elise abdicated her Electoral status, but was able to secure the continuance of the city's Freistadt status under her rule.

[edit] Wissenland

Wissenland is contrasted between the dour and hardy people of the countryside and the expressive city-dwellers of the great city of Nuln, former Imperial capital and persistent centre of learning in the arts and sciences. The wealth and power of Nuln paid for the much of the reconstruction of the war-torn Empire. Grand Countess Emmanuelle von Liebewitz of Nuln exercised her own form of justice and took over the rule of Wissenland from her errant vassal, Count Bruno Pfeifraucher in 2514. Later, she annexed the province of Sudenland and its rich wool trade. Even with all this manoeuvring, von Liebewitz retained her rule over the Freistadt of Nuln.

[edit] Former Provinces

As of 2522 IC, these provinces are no longer politically individual parts of the Empire.

[edit] Drakwald

One of the founding provinces in the time of Sigmar Heldenhammer, located in the centre of the eponymous Drakwald forest, this province was stripped of its assets, its territory divided between Middenland and Nordland.

[edit] Solland

Once a province on the southern frontier of the Empire, Solland was lost in the face of a massive Orc invasion, led by Gorbad Ironclaw, its Runefang seized by the invaders after the Battle of Sollands Crown and only retrieved at length. Solland's territory has been subsumed by Wissenland, where there is a profound sense of tragedy at the fall of their once-neighbours.

[edit] Sudenland

In former editions of Warhammer, Sudenland was a province in its own right, with the background noted here. However, in 4th edition background, Sudenland became Solland, and was destroyed by Gorbad Ironclaw and subsumed into Wissenland. Former background appears to state that Sudenland had only been separated from Wissenland and ruled by the von Mecklenberg family since the time of Magnus the Pious in recognition for their outstanding services in the Great War against Chaos in 2303. Johann von Mecklenburg abdicated the rule of the province in 2505 to his cousin, Grand Baroness Etelka Toppenheimer. For undisclosed reasons, the Grand Baroness surrendered her Electoral status in 2515 and the province was reunited with Wissenland. Rumours have it that Toppenheimer's heir and adopted son of a distant relative, Baron Olaf Sektliebe, was somehow involved with this strange turn of events.

[edit] Westerland

When the great port city of Marienburg lay within the Empire's borders, it was part of the province of Westerland, at the mouth of the river Reik. Upon declaring independence, the region is now referred to as the Wasteland, yet those within the Empire who would seek 'reunification' retain the use of the previous term.

[edit] Sylvania

Sylvania was a province long considered cursed and backward. It first came to fame after the necromancer Vanhel ruled it with an undead horde and fought off a massive Skaven incursion that ravaged the Empire. After Vanhel's death the province came under the rule of the mad Von Drak family until the heiress, Isabella, of that family was married to a stranger from outside the area - a move by the ruling Count to deny his brother the throne. The man was Vlad Von Carstein, an ancient and powerful vampire. Vlad built a huge army partly made fo forces of the undead. With this he attacked the Empire, starting the Vampire Wars. After nearly destroying the Empire, Vlad was killed in battle by the Grand Theogonist of Sigmar at the siege of Altdorf. His heirs continued the war for over 100 years before Mannfred Von Carstein, last of the great Vampires of the Von Carstien bloodline was defeated by the Count of Stirland and Sylvania was absorbed into his territories, but only in name as the land was in truth more or less abandoned. Current rumour suggests that Mannfred Von Carstein has returned and is inhabiting Drakenhoff castle.

[edit] Gaming

In Warhammer Fantasy Battle, the forces of the Empire are the most diverse of the human armies. They field a number of different troop types as well as artillery and war machines.

• Cavalry

The main mounted troops of the Empire are the knightly orders and the mounted Reiksguard. Unlike the knights of Bretonnia which are based on an earlier medieval period, these are renaissance style with heavy plate armour for knight and horse. Each knightly order has its own traditions but only one actually makes a significant difference to gameplay. The order of the White Wolf, coming from Middenheim, fight not with lances but with two-handed warhammers.

Lighter armed mounted troops are armed with pistols.

• Infantry

The Empire can put units of spearmen, halberdiers, and swordsmen into their armies. Their ranged-weapon troops include crossbowmen, archers, and handgunners.

• Artillery

The Empire has an artillery school at Nuln which supplies the gunners and engineers to operate their artillery. The majority of the artillery are cannon and mortars but the Empire also has the Hellblaster Volley Gun which is a carriage mounting a dozen gunpowder guns.

[edit] Notable characters

• Sigmar Heldenhammer, the now-deified founder of the Empire.
• Karl Franz, the reigning Emperor, Elector Count of Reikland.
• Kurt Helborg, Captain of the Reiksguard Knights, Reiksmarshall of the Imperial armed forces.
• Ludwig Schwarzhelm, the Emperor's Champion.
• Emmanuelle von Liebewitz, Elector Countess of Wissenland.
• Boris Todbringer, Elector Count of Middenland.
• Vladimir von Raukov, Elector Count of Ostland.
• Aldebrand Ludenhof, Elector Count of Hochland.
• Marius Leitdorf, former Elector Count of Averland.
• Balthasar Gelt, iuncumbent Supreme Patriarch of the Colleges of Magic.
• Thyrus Gormann, former Supreme Patriarch, prior to Gelt's succession.
• Johann Esmer, current Grand Theogonist of the Church of Sigmar.
• Volkmar the Grim, former Grand Theogonist - and the source of much controversy in the aftermath of the Storm of Chaos...
• Luthor Huss, Prophet of Sigmar.
• Valten, Champion, then Chosen, then Exalted of Sigmar... now 'Returned' to Sigmar...

[edit] References

• Warhammer Armies: the Empire (1993), Games Workshop and Bryan Ansell

[edit] External links

• Warhammer-Empire Active community site.
• Sigmar's Heirs The official source book for the Empire for Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, from Black Industries.
• Paths of the Damned: Spires of Altdorf the official source book for the Imperial city of Altdorf for Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, from Black Industries.
• Paths of the Damned: Forges of Nuln the official source book for the Imperial city of Nuln for Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, from Black Industries.
• Paths of the Damned: Ashes of Middenheim the official source book for the Imperial city of Middenheim for Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, from Black Industries.
• Terror in Talabheim the official source book for the Imperial city of Talabheim for Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, from Black Industries.
• BI Forum Maps page A selection of maps depicting the regions of the Empire, as well as other countries in the Old World.

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