Empire

The Empire

Sigmar’s realms – for as long as we can hold them

Founding Foundedcirca −30 IC FounderSigmar Heldenhammer Current LeaderEmperor Karl Franz Geography CapitalAltdorf Major CitiesNuln, Middenheim, Talabheim, Marienburg (semi-independent) RegionsReikland, Stirland, Averland, Middenland, etc. Biology Lifespan35–50 years (70+ if you dodge arrows and plague) Height160–190 cm (5′3″ – 6′3″) Culture LanguageReikspiel ReligionSigmar (dominant), Ulric, Taal & Rhya, Verena, Shallya Government GovernmentElective feudal monarchy Relations AlliesDwarfs, High Elves, Halflings, Kislev (usually) EnemiesChaos, Greenskins, Skaven, Beastmen, Undead, Dark Elves

The Empire is the largest human realm in the Old World, a creaking patchwork of provinces hammered together by Sigmar a thousand years ago when the greenskins were busy trying to eat everyone. Picture the Holy Roman Empire after someone spiked its beer with gunpowder and grimdark: gothic spires, filthy streets, forests full of things that want you dead, and more religious lunatics per square mile than anywhere else. Nobles plot, priests preach, engineers blow themselves up for science, and Witch Hunters burn first and ask questions never. Yet somehow the whole mess keeps staggering on, held together by blackpowder, faith, and the stubborn refusal to just lie down and die.

Overview

If you want to play ordinary humans holding the line against the end of the world with nothing but courage and a halfway decent handgun, this is your lot.

Appearance

Ordinary humans in practical clothes, provincial uniforms, or fancy plate if they’re rich or lucky.
Average Lifespan: 35–50 years (longer if you avoid arrows, plague, and angry priests)
Height Range: 160 cm (5'3") to 190 cm (6'3")

Culture & Society

• Regions: Reikland, Averland, Stirland, Middenland – basically the whole middle of the Old World.
• Culture: Feudal, loud about Sigmar, obsessed with guns and not dying.
• Names: Good solid Reikland names – Karl, Liesl, Heinrich, Greta, Wolfgang.
• Religion: Sigmar first, Ulric for the hairy northerners, Taal and Rhya for country folk, Verena if you like books.

Relations with Other Races

• Dwarfs – Friendly (old allies, still owe us a few favours)
• High Elves – Friendly (distant, but they respect the job we’re doing)
• Halflings – Friendly (they cook, we protect – works out)
• Bretonnians – Neutral to Hostile (depends who’s asking)
• Orcs & Goblins, Beastmen, Skaven – Hostile (obviously)
• Chaos Corruption – Burn it, shoot it, then burn it again.
• Slavery – Forbidden. We’ve got serfdom and press-gangs, but outright chattel slavery is for Tileans and Bretonnians.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Strengths: Adaptable, inventive, numerous, and too thick-headed to know when they’re beaten.
• Weaknesses: Corruption, scheming nobles, witch-hunter paranoia, too many holidays dedicated to drinking and fighting.

Playing an Imperial

You’re not special. You’re not seven feet tall, you don’t live a thousand years, and you can’t rip a tree out of the ground with your bare hands. What you’ve got is a stubborn streak, a loaded handgun, and a talent for turning the tide by the skin of your teeth.

Pick a province and a job and run with it. Reiklander knight? Nuln gunner? Middenheimer wolf-pelt berserker? Stirlander who’s seen too many graves open at night? They’re all valid.

Talk like someone who’s grown up expecting the world to end next Tuesday: mutter prayers under your breath, curse the tax collector, brag about the time your regiment held the bridge at Bögenhafen with three handguns and a bad attitude. Be suspicious of strangers, proud of your province, and quietly convinced that tomorrow will probably be worse than today – but you’ll be damned if you let the beasts win without a fight.

Physical Appearance

Take one look at an Imperial and you’ll see a human who’s been through the mill. Reiklanders: fair hair, clean jaws (until the stubble). Northerners: broader, hairier, red-nosed from the cold. Stirlanders: look like they’ve never slept. Averlanders: Tilean tan and a cocky grin.

Clothes tell the story. Peasants: patched wool and woodsmoke. Townsfolk: slashed doublets and ridiculous hats. State troops: bright provincial colours and dented breastplates. Knights: full plate that costs more than a village. Engineers: oil, burns, and goggles. Wizards: dramatic robes that still look good half-burnt.

Everyone has the same wary squint – the look of folk who know something nasty is always hiding just past the treeline.

Notable Ranks & Careers

• Free Company rabble → State Trooper → Greatsword → Knightly Orders → Reiksguard → Demigryph Knight
• Apprentice Engineer → Master Engineer → Steam Tank commander
• Initiate Priest → Warrior Priest → Arch Lector