Nuln

The Freistadt of Nuln is an independent city-state of the Empire.

The City-State
Although Nuln is found within the Grand County of Wissenland, it is neither the capital of the province, nor even technically a part of it. Instead, it is an independent territory, a city-state. It has a population of approximately 85,000 within the city itself and the surrounding villages which help provide the city with food. It lies on the Reik River, south and east of Altdorf, at the lowest point on the river which can still be crossed by a single-span bridge.

The ruler of Nuln is the Elector Countess Emmanuelle von Liebwitz. She is also the ruler of the Grand County of Wissenland, which she finds a chore, much preferring the excitement of Nuln society to the much quieter provincial capital, Wissenburg (pop. 9,000). She is, in fact, rumored to be negotiating with the Emperor Karl Franz to divest herself of Wissenland in favor of the Toppenheimer family (who would also receive an electoral vote), while maintaining her own position (and electoral vote) as the head of state for Nuln.

Nuln has a high proportion of foreigners living inside the city, especially Tileans. This is due, obviously, to their geographical proximity. Also, they come for the culture and educational opportunites, both at the Imperial School of Gunnery and at the University of Nuln, an ancient institution dating back to the earliest days of the Empire. Altdorf may be the political center of the Empire, but Nuln is the cultural heart.

Armies
Nuln's most famous contribution to the armies of the Empire is undoubtedly the Imperial School of Gunnery. Few Imperial armies are without at least a few of the Great Cannon or Mortars produced by the Imperial School, and often manned by their master gunners, in the traditional black of their uniform (handy for hiding gunsmoke stains).