The Empire: Two Thousand Years of Barely Not Dying
The Empire at a Glance: Organized Chaos
The Empire of Man is the largest human nation in the Old World, which is like being the tallest building in a city that's on fire. Founded by Sigmar Heldenhammer over 2,000 years ago, it's a collection of semi-independent provinces held together by tradition, mutual enemies, and the desperate hope that tomorrow won't be worse than today.
graph TD
A[The Empire] --> B[Electoral Provinces]
A --> C[City-States]
A --> D[The Emperor]
B --> E[10 Elector Counts]
C --> F[Altdorf, Nuln, Middenheim, Talabheim]
D --> G[Karl Franz Currently]
E --> H[Vote for Emperor]
F --> I[Independent-ish]
G --> J[Herds Cats]
H --> K[Usually Corrupt]
I --> L[Constant Politics]
J --> M[Good Luck!]
The Electoral System: Democracy with Swords
The Great Provinces: Where You'll Probably Die
Major Cities: Centers of Civilization (Sort Of)
Imperial Law: Justice with a Hammer
graph TD
A[Imperial Justice System] --> B[Roadwardens]
A --> C[City Watch]
A --> D[Witch Hunters]
A --> E[Local Lords]
B --> F[Patrol roads 10% effective]
C --> G[Keep peace Take bribes]
D --> H[Burn heretics Ask questions later]
E --> I[Whatever they want Usually hanging]
F --> J[Justice?]
G --> J
H --> J
I --> J
J --> K[Usually death]
Languages and Dialects: Talking Your Way to Trouble
Imperial Culture: Paranoia as a Lifestyle
Core Imperial Values:
Sigmar Above All: The state religion dominates (Ulric in the north)
Fear the Mutant: Burn first, ask questions never
Trust No One: Your neighbor might be a cultist
Work Until Death: Then work some more (necromancy)
Obey Your Betters: They have bigger swords
Education is Suspicious: Unless you're rich
Magic is Terrifying: Even legal magic
The Imperial Calendar: Measuring Doom
Common Threats by Province
Regional Danger Guide:
Reikland: Cultists, political intrigue, occasional beastmen
"The Empire endures not because it is strong,
but because everything trying to destroy it hates each other more."
- Attributed to Emperor Magnus the Pious