Elector Count

Elector Count is the title given to the political and military ruler of a province in The Empire. The title is hereditary and is usually passed from father to son, although there is also records of several countesses.

History

The title traces its origin back to the birth of the Empire, where the tribal leaders united, under Sigmar, agreed upon the term of Elector Count as the title belonging to each provincial ruler, and the title of Emperor given to the count most deserving of ruling the entire Empire.

Originally there were 12 provinces and electors, but after the destruction of Drakwald and Solland, and the absorbtion of their territories by other provinces, only 10 now excists.

Responsibilities

Being an Elector Count brings power to the people who holds the title. Not only does it give them the political control over their own province, they are also allowed to vote for, and gains the chance of becoming, a new Emperor when the old one dies.

The title also comes with certain demands. In addition to uphold a strong enough economy and solve political debates in his province, an Elector Count is also required to protect his subjects from attacks. Because of this most Counts are also experienced generals, and those who are not delegates this duty to other aspiring nobles.

Should the Elector Count show himself to be an incompetent ruler, or if he is exposed as a traitor or heretic, he can be removed of his titles and powers. This is usually a last resort, as the threat of civil war is always present in such situations.

Runefangs 

Each Elector carries a magical sword called a Runefang. These swords were created for Sigmar, by the dwarven smith Alaric the Mad, and such is their power that they can cut through even the heaviest armour with ease.

Current Electors

Province:                                   Elector Count:                             Status:

Averland                                    Marius Leitdorf                             Deceased, no clear heir.

Hochland                                   Aldebrand Ludenhof

Middenland                                Boris Todbringer

Nordland                                    Theoderic Gausser

Ostland                                     Valmir von Raukov

Ostermark                                 Wolfram Hertwig

Reikland                                    Karl Franz                                    Emperor as well as Elector Count.

Stirland                                      Alberich Haupt-Anderssen

Talabecland                                Helmut Feuerbach                        Missing, fate unknown.

Wissenland                                Emmanuele von Liebwitz

Drakwald (destroyed)                   Vilner/Konrad Aldrech                   Deceased, province divided between

Nordland and Middenland.

Solland (destroyed)                      Eldred                                         Deceased, province annexed by Wissenland.

Sources
 * Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th edition, 2006)