Empire

Lore & Background

Born from the ashes of tribal warfare and forged in the fires of a desperate need for unity, the Empire was established by Sigmar to create a civilization capable of withstanding the horrors of the Dark Gods. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a complex patchwork of provinces, each with its own customs, laws, and leaders, all nominally bound together by the authority of the Emperor and the Elector Counts in Altdorf. This political structure often leads to infighting, as princes vie for power and influence, yet whenever the threat becomes existential, these rivals are forced to unite under the banner of Sigmar. The Empire is not merely a military machine but a society deeply rooted in faith and tradition. The Temple of Sigmar guides the moral compass of the realm, while the Colleges of Magic provide arcane support against supernatural foes. However, this reliance on magic has also birthed heresies and corruption within its own ranks. The presence of the Chaos Wastes to the north means that every generation must fight a war for survival, with the Empire's borders constantly shifting as it pushes back the tide of monsters or retreats in the face of overwhelming odds.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled through the icy passes of the Northern Pass, carrying the scent of ozone and rot. Captain Kaelen tightened his grip on the hilt of his runeforged sword, looking out over the valley where the Imperial Guard formed a thin, desperate line. Behind them lay the burning villages of the borderlands; ahead, the red eyes of Chaos beasts glowed in the twilight. A thunderous roar shook the ground as a Great Unclean One emerged from the mist, its greasy flesh dripping with corruption. Kaelen raised his sword high, the golden light of Sigmar flaring against the encroaching dark. 'For Altdorf! For the Realm!' he shouted, and the sound of steel ringing against metal answered him, a defiant chorus in the face of oblivion.

Reader's Guide

The Empire originates from the unification of the tribes by Sigmar Heldenhammer to combat Chaos. In Total War strategy, it excels at balanced warfare, combining strong infantry lines with versatile magic and gunpowder units. Players must manage internal stability while defending against relentless external threats. Key unique units include the Imperial Guard, a stalwart heavy infantry line capable of holding ground; Halberdiers, who excel at countering cavalry charges; and the Reiksguard, elite knights that provide superior shock power. The Empire also boasts powerful artillery like the Great Cannon and the unique ability to field Witch Hunters to counter enemy magic. Campaign objectives typically involve reclaiming lost territories from Chaos or rival factions, securing trade routes for income, and maintaining high public order to prevent rebellion. Players must navigate the political intrigue of the High Lords while ensuring their armies are well-equipped and led by capable generals.

Did You Know?

• The Empire is one of the few human nations in the world that possesses a formalized system of magic colleges.
• Sigmar Heldenhammer, the founder, is worshipped as both a king and a god within the Imperial faith.
• The capital city, Altdorf, is located on the Reik River and serves as the political heart of the realm.
• Imperial armies often rely on 'Reiksguard' knights, who are trained specifically to protect high-ranking nobles.