"Before all the other gods, there are Taal and Rhya, the Father and the Mother. Without their blessing and union, there would be no world for us to live in."
- —Carlott Edelbrecht, priestess of the Cult of Taal and Rhya[2a]
Talabecland, officially the Grand Duchy of Talabecland or the Grand Freistadt of Talabecland, is one of the founding Electoral Provinces of the Empire of Man and is located at its geographical centre. The provincial capital city of Talabecland is Talabheim, a large city-state built inside a titanic meteorite crater miles upon miles wide.[1a] The very province itself is named after Taal, the god of nature and the wilderness in the Old World Pantheon, and he is considered the province's patron god after Sigmar himself.[2a]
Talabecland is perhaps one of the largest of the Imperial provinces, and its dominant features include its dominion over the River Stir and the River Talabec, as well political control over nearly all of the Great Forest. Much of the province's trade flows along these rivers, as well as trade that flows through to the north and south along the Great Forest Road.[1a]
When times are relatively tranquil, the province is a thriving centre of commerce and the many coaching inns that line the roads of Talabecland are typically filled to capacity with merchants and tradesmen of all kinds and nationalities. In Talabecland lies the major fortress-city of Heldenhame Keep, which is situated on several key trade routes.[1a]
History[]
The Anarchy[]
The heraldry of Grand Duke Ludwig XII of Talabec in 2276 IC. He maintained a strong claim on the Imperial throne during those final years of the Anarchy.
During the period of Imperial disunity remembered as the Anarchy, several defined regions existed within the Empire, each ruled by a claimant to the Imperial throne, yet the Empire remained very much a divided nation. Its once powerful Grand Provinces crumbled over long years of strife and turmoil into innumerable smaller states and counties.[6a]
By ca. 2276 IC, the largest unified regions within the Empire -- the Barony of Westerland, the Grand County of Osterlund, the Principality of Reikland and the Grand Duchy of Talabec -- each drew together, in whole or in part, several of the traditional seats of the Electoral College.[6a]
Westerland, for example, had grown to cover great tracts of land formerly part of Middenland and much of Nordland. Osterlund encompassed Hochland, much of Ostland and the larger portion of Middenland. Reikland at this time was the smallest of these major Imperial power blocs, its borders having expanded little, though its heritage as the ancestral realm of Sigmar and his people, the Unberogens, cemented the province's power and political and cultural significance. By contrast, the Grand Duchy of Talabec was a vast league of loosely allied states, such as Talabecland itself, Stirland, parts of Ostermark, the Mootland and the remnants of accursed Sylvania.[6a]
The Empire of Man as it was during the Anarchy in ca. 2276 IC when there was no de jure emperor but multiple claimants all vying for the throne. The major claimants for the throne at this time included Elspeth Magritta VI of Westerland, Ludwig XII of Talabec, Sigismund Ulric of Osterlund, and Wilhelm I of Reikland.
Alongside these major states were the free states of the Empire's south: Averland, Wissenland and Sudenland. Rich and fertile Grand Provinces all, they maintained good relations with the wider Empire, for their pragmatic Elector Counts preferred to trade their rich bounties in exchange for coin and military aid in their defence when needed, rather than throw their whole-bodied support behind any one of the feuding Electors and would-be emperors to their north.[6a]
In addition to these large and bombastic provinces, several independent city-states emerged within the Empire at this time. The most significant of these, great cities such as Nuln and Averheim, were joined by innumerable small towns whose burgomeisters chose to use the freedom offered by the constant conflict to secede from the Grand Provinces they occupied and govern themselves as they pleased.[6a]
With an ever-evolving political landscape and frequent border skirmishes fostering a continued state of dissolution and turmoil during the Anarchy, the difficulty of electing a single Emperor of Man to unify the shattered nation only increased, for even the Electoral College fell victim to division and confusion. By tradition, the Electoral College had always consisted of twelve Elector Counts, each the ruler of a Grand Province of the Empire founded within the borders of the ancestral lands of one of the twelve tribes of Men that swore their allegiance to Sigmar as king, and later emperor. To these hereditary Electors were added the Ar-Ulric, the chief high priest of the Cult of Ulric, and the Grand Theogonist, the high priest of the Cult of Sigmar.[6a]
Where difficulties arose was that, after 1979 IC, many claimants to the Imperial throne saw fit to elevate their cronies to the rank of Elector. In the Reikland, for example, the two Arch Lectors of the Cult of Sigmar, the chief lieutenants of the Grand Theogonist, were counted amongst the Electors. In Talabecland, the Elder of the Halfling Moot was acknowledged as having a vote in the Electoral College, whilst in Marienburg the High Priest of Manann, the god of the sea, was recognised as a legitimate Elector, to name but a few.[6a]
Obviously such appointments made it easy for a pretender to the Imperial throne to claim they held the support of a majority of Electors, especially when they refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of Electors appointed by their rivals. In truth, meetings of the various Electoral Colleges during this time led to war and bloodshed on several occasions, with the armies of rivals mobilising to disrupt the meeting of Electors they considered illegitimate on many occasions.[6a]
In the final years of the Anarchy in ca. 2276 IC, the four major claimants for the Imperial throne included:
- Ludwig XII, Grand Duke of Talabec, who was considered the rightful claimant of the Ottilian Emperors.
- Wilhelm I, Prince of Altdorf and Grand Prince of Reikland, one of the Reikland Pretenders.
Geography[]
"I've drunk fine wines with Emperors and tasted the most potent beer of the King of Karaz-a-Karak, but I have never encountered anything as strong as the home-brew thunder-water of the Talabeclanders. My head still hurts!"
- —A Bretonnian traveller[1a]
The fertile woodlands of Talabecland
Stretching more than 700 miles from east to west, Talabecland occupies the centre of the Empire, bordering on more Electoral Provinces than any other. Consequently, it has become a major transit route for trade within the Empire, with traffic flowing up and down the River Stir and the River Talabec, and north-south trade making extensive use of the Old Forest Road from the town of Hermsdorf to the provincial capital city of Talabheim.[1a]
The dominant feature of Talabecland is the Great Forest, which stretches from end to end along the province's long axis. Though less dangerous than the Forest of Shadows or the Drakwald Forest, the Great Forest is nonetheless home to its share of dangers and mysteries. Although there are isolated villages scattered throughout the forest, and despite the Talabeclanders' skill as woodsmen, the interior of the Great Forest remains a fearful and mysterious place to many. Deep within it lurk tribes of Beastmen and Greenskins left over from many previous invasions, as well as maleficent things that have lived there since the dawn of time. The west in particular, in the region around the Barren Hills, is known for harbouring a large number of mutants.[1a]
The landscape of Talabecland as depicted in Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.
Many Talabeclanders make their living from the woods in one way or another, either as foresters, charcoal burners, or trappers. The woodlands themselves are part of the same original primordial forest that once covered all of the lands of the Empire and the northern reaches of the Old World. Formed of oak, birch, and beech in the south, moving towards darker evergreen pines in the north, the woods are pierced now and again with the occasional clearing of fertile farmlands or rock outcropping. It is in such places that the villages of the woodsfolk can be found.[1a]
A central spine of hills runs east to west in Talabecland, and cartographers divide them into three distinct regions. Near the province of Ostermark are the Kölsa Hills, which are largely uninhabited but known for harbouring eldritch stone monuments atop many hills, apparently arranged like paths from hilltop to hilltop. Occasionally, farmers that are clearing trees for land have discovered earthworks and odd mounds formed in strange, suggestive shapes. Their purpose is a mystery, but the hierarchy of the Cult of Taal and Rhya have claimed this land as a cult preserve for their own research.[1a]
A map of Talabecland. (Unofficial, created by MadAlfred)
The Färlic Hills in the middle are home to many clans of herdsmen who are also part-time bandits, preying on traffic along the Old Forest Road. The Elector Counts of Talabecland, therefore, maintain a large number of roadwardens along the road, and have even sent troops into the hills to punish the raiders. The road itself is of patchy repair. In some places, stone flagging and gravel form a smooth surface, whilst in others, it is little better than a dirt path. Tollhouses, many abandoned now, are supposed to raise coin for the upkeep of the road and the troops stationed there. Many of these have been attacked and destroyed by forest beasts, and there are few who are willing to transverse it.[1a]
Talabeclanders fear the eastern Barren Hills, a land they consider cursed. More than 100 years ago, to hear country people tell it, the Chaos moon Morrslieb spat upon the world, its spittle landing on what were then called the Green Hills. Soon, most plants and animals within the area died. Those that did not mutated in horrible ways, had to be destroyed by the elector count's forces. Today, the Barren Hills are shunned by all save a few, either treasure hunters following rumours of lost gold or magical items, or those who think they are protected from the curse.[1a]
Notable Settlments[]
- Talabheim - Talabheim is one of the largest cities in the Empire and the provincial capital of Talabecland.
- Bek - Bek is a quiet trading town that exports dried fish and lumber.
- Heldenhame Keep - Heldenhame Keep is the fortress of the Knights of Sigmar's Blood, founded seven ceturies earlier after the order returned from the Arabyan Crusades enriched by its plunder.
- Hermsdorf -This small village overlooks the Wurtbad valley to the south.
- Lieske - Site of the largest fortified coaching inn in Talabecland outside of Talabheim itself, Lieske is also the unofficial southern headquarters for a large contingent of roadwardens, who patrol from Talabheim to the Stir to keep the Old Forest Road safe.
The Talabeclanders[]
"You want to find your way through the woods, boy, hire that Talabeclander there. No one knows the forest ways like them."
- —An innkeeper[1a]
Heartland of the Ottilian Emperors in Talabecland in ca. 2276 IC in the final days of the Age of Three Emperors.
Most of the inhabitants of Talabecland are descendants of the ancient Taleuten tribe of Men, whom after years of wandering the Great Forest, found the Great Crater, a huge bowl in the earth surrounded by a natural wall. The wall itself was pierced by a tunnel. According to legend, Krugar, the chieftain of the Taleutens, decided this was a sign from Taal himself and ordered the building of a great city within the crater. Known first as Taalahim, later to become Talabheim, it soon became the largest city within the Empire's eastern territories and is considered by many to be near-impregnable.[1a]
A thickly forested place, Talabecland has a reputation for barbarism and ignorance amongst the other Imperial Electoral Provinces. The folk of Talabecland ignore this nonsense, holding instead a private pride in their forestcraft and practical skills. The role of the father is considered especially important to the folk of the Great Woods. Even town-born men take their sons to the woods during the summer and teach them how to follow a trail, light a fire, and catch a meal. This is considered a matter of practicality, just like a Marienburger learning to swim. A lad without a father to patiently teach him the ways of the wood and the bow is considered unlucky.[1a]
At their best, Talabeclanders are patient woodsfolk, with a quiet intensity and honour. Talabeclanders, even their nobility, are unusually self-effacing for an Imperial people. Their histories tell tales of great deeds while downplaying the role of the individual persons involved. At the tournaments held every two years at Küsel, Talabecland knights wear the provincial colours on their shields, the only indication of their families being a small badge on their shoulders. Tradition considers the glory won to belong to the people of Talabecland as a whole.[1a]
The heraldry of Talabecland as depicted in Total War: Warhammer.[4] The antlered tree is a symbol of Taal, god of the wilds; represents nature and his divine presence.[5a]
At their worst, Talabeclanders can be argumentative, primitive, hard drinking, and just plain mean. Reading, writing, and the scholastic arts are respected, but held in second place to the lore of the wilds. And though they do not wear leaves, as outsiders sometimes accuse them of doing, Talabeclanders generally eschew elaborate clothes and prefer practical garb that can stand up to rough handling. [1a]
The Talabeclanders are also a religious people, revering all the gods of the Empire, but holding special reverence for Taal and Rhya. Indeed, Taal's greatest temple is found in the small woods outside Talabheim in the Great Crater. Ulric is also popular, for although not braggarts, Talabeclanders are known for their warlike ways. Talabheim itself was the home of the Cult of Ulric for a while in the Second Millennium IC, when the Ar-Ulric left Middenheim for Talabheim after a dispute with the local elector count.[1a]
Talabeclander speech is smooth with slurred-together words, though the cultured elites of Talabheim prefer to speak “proper” Reikspiel. The rest of the Empire puts this curious speech down to the well-known Talabec tradition of brewing “moonshine” liquor in the woods. The men of Talabecland favour silence and deed over long speeches, but their womenfolk have a soft side for a honeyed word. As a consequence, rakish types, poets, and Reiklanders are viewed with firm suspicion throughout the province -- though in general Talabeclanders are more welcoming than their rural Stirlander cousins.[1a]
Heraldry and Uniforms[]
The city of Talabheim lies deep within the Great Forest, an oasis of civilisation amidst a sea of danger. Its symbolism reflects its location on the sacred River Talabec, dedicated to Taal, god of nature, animals and the wilderness, as well as the city's unique position within a massive meteor crater. The twin-tailed comet embodies the beliefs of Talabheim's regiments of State Troops that they are marked -- perhaps even blessed -- by the gods. The crater's towering walls form the foundations of mighty fortifications, topped with great cannons, making Talabheim a formidable stronghold.[5a]
In Talabecland, the primary deity worshipped is Taal. Taal is not deeply concerned with the affairs of soldiers, but regiments from the banks of the River Talabec often dip their standards into its waters to seek his blessing. In return, they bear his symbols on their banners. Taal is typically represented by an antlered head or skull, or by a gnarled tree whose branches resemble antlers -- such as the one featured on the banner of Talabecland.[5a]
Although the eagle traditionally represents Myrmidia, the goddess of war and strategy, in Talabecland it symbolises the keen sight of Taal. Thus, the banner of Talabecland prominently features the antlered tree, the skull, and the eagle -- each a symbol of Taal.[5a]
Some Talabheim standards also display icons of Sigmar, including widely recognised Imperial symbols like the twin-tailed comet or the warhammer.[5a]
The laurel wreath remains a classic Imperial symbol of leadership and victory.[5a]
Notable Locations[]
Gazeteer of the Grand Duchy of Talabecland in 2522 IC, after the Storm of Chaos. (Part 1)
- Talabheim - Talabheim is the great fortified capital city of the province and lies within a massive crater miles wide, with fertile farmlands lying within.[1a]
- Küsel - Küsel is a chartered Free Town and the capital of the Grand Duchy of Talabecland.[1a] The State Parliament of selected Prime Estate representatives and burgomiesters meet in Küsel.[3b] At tournaments held there every two years, Talabeclander knights wear the provincial colours on their shields, the only indicator of their familial heritage being a small badge on their shoulders. Tradition considers the glory won in these tournaments to belong to the people of Talabecland as a whole. Küsel has also attracted many refugees from across the province and the Empire fleeing various conflicts who live in a shanty town of some 3,000 people that has been erected outside the town's walls.[1b]
The Gazeteer of the Grand Duchy of Talabecland in 2522 IC, after the Storm of Chaos. (Part 2)
- Bek - Bek is the chief town of the province ruled by Count Josef von Behring that specialises in the export of dried fish, timber and tollbooths.[1a]
- Lieske - Lieske is the site of the largest fortified coaching inn in Talabecland outside the city of Talabheim itself. The inn is also the main headquarters for the province's roadwardens.[1a]
- Krieglitz - In times when Talabecland and Talabheim were politically separate within the Empire's structure, Krieglitz served as the capital of Talabecland.[3a]
- Priestlicheim - Priestlicheim is a Sigmarite monastery that lies within the outskirts of the Barren Hills. The monks that live there have dedicated themselves to the eradication of whatever curse lies within the region.[1a]
- Tarnhelm Keep - Tarnhelm is a squat, crumbling structure where the Grand Dukes and Duchesses have traditionally locked up offenders. It has an evil reputation, and tales are told late at night about how, once or twice a year, a prisoner can be heard screaming as they are torn apart by... something.[3b]
Notable Inhabitants[]
- Helmut Feuerbach - Helmut Feuerbach is the missing Elector Count of Talabecland and Prince of Talabheim.[5a]
Sources[]
- 1:Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 2nd Edition: Sigmar's Heir (RPG)
- 2:Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 2nd Edition: Tome of Salvation (RPG)
- 2a: pg. 62
- 3:Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition: Archives of the Empire Vol. I (RPG)
- 4:Total War: Warhammer III (PC Game)
- 5: White Dwarf 326
- 5a: pg. 53
- 6: Arcane Journal - Empire of Man (Warhammer: The Old World)
- 6a: pp. 3-5