FOR THE WARHAMMER

No description.

1. #1Elves

   Keys: Elfs, Elvish, Elves, Eltharin, Elf, Elven

   The Elves were the first civilized race to walk the world. Brought into creation by the Old Ones, the Elves showed a natural talent for magic and superlative martial skill. The once thriving civilization of the Elves was torn by a bitter civil war, resulting in the sundering of the race into three distinct kindreds: the evil Dark Elves, the proud and noble High Elves who continue the ancient traditions from before the sundering, and the rustic, sylvan and mysterious Wood Elves. The High Elves inhabit the island of Ulthuan. The Dark Elves inhabit the continent of Naggaroth. The Wood Elves live in the forests of Athel Loren in the Old World. Compared to humans, Elves are tall, fair-skinned, and slender. They have high cheekbones, slightly angular faces and slanted eyes. Elves are slender in build but strong. Assuming they do not die a violent death, Elves are capable of living for thousands of years. Elves are inherently magical. Elves are resistant to disease and to physical mutations caused by Chaos, although notably they are still vulnerable to Nurgle's Rot. Elves experience emotions and thoughts more intensely than most other races. At best, they spend centuries training or honing a skill to perfection. At worst, they can become "lost" in their experiences, over-indulging and losing track of reality. Elves are especially vulnerable to corruption by Slaanesh and the Pleasure Cults, weakness is widely acknowledged among the Elves, viewing it as a grave danger to the soul. The original language of the Elves is known as Eltharin, an ancient and flowing tongue. The High Elves speak the purest, most unchanged form which is Tar-Eltharin; the Dark Elves speak a language called Druhir, which has changed significantly, while the Wood Elves speak Fan-Eltharin. Elven writing is notoriously hard to decipher for non-Elves. There are many gods and goddesses in the Elf pantheon, roughly organized into two groups: the heavenly Cadai and the dark Cytharai.

2. #2Lizardmen

   Keys: Lizardmen

   The cold blooded Lizardmen are the oldest nation of the world, servants of the enigmatic Old Ones. Most Lizardmen dwell in the southern part of the New World known as Lustria, a tropical continent which is mostly covered in jungles and dotted with their monolithic Temple-Cities. The Slann, who act as leaders and priests, lead the Lizardmen blindly, via ancient prophecies containing almost incomprehensible instructions left by the Old Ones. The culture and aesthetic of the Lizardmen are heavily inspired by those of the Aztec and Mayan cultures. The Lizardmen are not a single race but four: the powerful and enigmatic Slann; the disciplined, warlike Saurus; the clever and agile Skinks; and the large, brutish Kroxigor. Lizardmen do not reproduce in the normal manner. Instead they are birthed from ancient Spawning pools deep within their Temple-Cities. Lizardmen emerge from the Spawning Pools fully grown and with instinctual knowledge. Often, in times of need, special spawnings will produce Lizardmen with unusual abilities. Most vestiges of the unlimited power and technology of the Old Ones have been lost, although the Lizardmen still guard a few objects such as the Device of the Great Beyond. The Lizardmen often ride the reptilian beasts of Lustria into battle. They are staunch opponents of Chaos and the forces of destruction. Lizardmen particularly hate Skaven after many long campaigns fought against the children of the Horned Rat. The Lizardmen are not necessarily friendly towards younger races like Elves and Humans, whom they refer to as "warmbloods". Any warmbloods who set foot in Lustria that are not killed by the dangerous fauna and flora may find death or worse at the hands of the Lizardmen. Most have blue-green scales and skin but those marked by the Old Ones have sacred coloured scales and skin. Albinos are the most celebrated - being blessed by all of the Old Ones. As Lizardmen grow older, their back scales become harder with some ossifying completely - often taking on a brown, white or yellow tinge. This improves their natural resilience and in contrast, newly spawned lizardmen tend to have glistening skin.

3. #3Dwarfs

   Keys: Dwarven, Dwarf, Dwarfs, Dawi

   The Dwarfs or Dawi are an ancient and proud race. Their craftmanship, steadfastness, battle prowess and ale-drinking is most renowned. The Dwarfs are masters of the forge and of metal working. Many are supremely skilled craftspeople and great formidable inventions of the Dwarf Engineers Guild. In the distant past Dwarfs ruled a great empire of Karaz Ankor, spanning the whole range of the Worlds Edge Mountains. Their empire fell to earthquakes and invasions of Orcs, Goblins, Skaven. Today their once-interconnected fortress cities are isolated and scattered. The three groups of Dawi are the Karak, Imperial and Norse Dwarfs. As well as defending their own besieged realm, Dwarfs have often given their support to other races against common enemies. Their closest ally is The Empire. Dawi are short, powerful and squat. A Dwarf has broad shoulders and are strong and resilient with broad hands and feet. Dawi are stubborn but with a practical mind, they respect age, skill and wealth. The age of a male Dwarf can be determined by his beard. Dawi lives three times longer than Men. They become fully grown between 18 and 20 years and are considered adults when they reach 30 years. Dawi are highly resistant to the effects of magic, including the corrupting effects of Chaos. The Dawi have no ability to use magic other than their own unique power of rune smithing. Dawi Females are much rarer than males, with only 1-2 of every 10 births being female and a daughter is seen as a blessing from Valaya. Usually Dawi women run the household and raise the children. Dwarf women live up to fifty years longer than the men. Dwarfs are organized into strongholds each governed by a King. The kings of each stronghold are independent but all swear allegiance to the Dwarfen High King. Those belonging to the royal clan are considered to be at the highest level of society, even those who have are from lost holds. The principles of Dwarf society are often summarized as five things: age, wealth, skill, reputation, and honour, with the three first being the most important. Dwarfs do not boast of their family achievements, they merely set the record straight and proclaim their ancestors' greatness. Dwarf males never cut or trim their beards, as the length of a beard indicates wisdom. Those with the longest beards are looked to for leadership. Forcibly shaving a dwarf is the most grievous insult. Dwarf females have thick hairs which they maintain as much as males do their beards. Braids convey status, more elaborate braids are usually found with the nobles of the hold. Dwarfs have an affinity for the past and constantly seek to remember their forebears.

4. #4Norse Dwarfs

   Keys: Norse Dwarf, Norse Dwarfs

   The third major kindred of Dwarfs are known as the Norse Dwarfs, a fiercely independent nation in the north of the Old World.

5. #5Empire of Sigmar

   Keys: The Empire, Land of the Hammer and the Wolf, Empire of Sigmar, Empire of Man

   The Empire is an electoral monarchy composed of 11 large and semi-independent feudal states called Electoral Provinces or Grand Provinces, bound together by common interests, history, language, religion, and culture. The Empire is the largest, most populous, most powerful and most important of the nations of Men in the Old World. It is located east of Bretonnia and the Grey Mountains, south of Kislev and the Sea of Claws, north-east of Tilea, north of the Border Princes and the Black Mountains and west of the Worlds Edge Mountains. The Empire was forged by the warrior-king and ascended deity Sigmar from the primitive tribes of Human barbarians. The people of the Empire are not beholden by the limits of tradition to the same extent as the Elder Races and continue to progress culturally, technologically and magically. Having yet to succumb to any threat, external or internal, it is the faith, the sense of righteousness, and the unconquerable spirit of the realm's citizens which gives the Empire its strength, as well as the ruthless efficiency of its military and religious orders. The greatest and most powerful realm of the Old World, the Empire is ruled by a monarch with the title of the "Emperor of Man" or simply "emperor" and is composed of the descendants of the ancient tribes of Mankind united by the great Human warrior Sigmar Heldenhammer. Although the Emperor is both head-of-state of the Empire and commander-in-chief of its armies, the real power within the Empire is held by the 10 Elector Counts, of which the Emperor is one. The Emperor is essentially the leader and first among equals of the Elector Counts, who are extremely powerful and independent. The Provinces are Reikland, Stirland, Averland, Wissenland, Talabecland, Hochland, Ostermark, Nordland, Ostland, Middenland, and Mootland. Sylvania was a former province until Vlad von Carstein took over and broke off from the rest of the Empire and formed the Vampire Counts. The Empire is seldom at peace. Orcs and Goblins raid constantly while the Beastmen infest the many internal forests of the realm. The Empire's oldest and foremost allies are the Dwarfs of Karak Ankor and the Empire of Kislev. The Empire is a diverse nation. There exists varied idiosyncraties, superstitions and dialects within the Empire. Each of the surviving states is fiercely proud of their heritage and rightfully wary of their neighbour's traditions. Although the grand institutions of learning such as universities, academies, Imperial College of Engineers and the Colleges of Magic gather the brightest of mankind, the Empire is also a land of ignorance and fear. The southern and western lands are more cosmopolitan and civilized while the northern and eastern provinces are more rustic and warlike for the constant threat of invasions. Travel by the mighty Rivers of The Empire is usually safer than along the primitive roads of the Empire. The overwhelming majority of the citizens of The Empire are human but Halflings, Dwarfs, Elves, and Ogres are present. Each of the Elector Counts, including the Emperor, maintains their own standing armies, called State Troops, which are largely composed of infantry. There are various secular and religious Knightly Orders which will form most of the cavalry. Alongside these forces are various auxiliaries such as Battle Wizards, Engineers and artillery. The Empire boasts the most powerful military in the Old World, composed primarily of a standing army of professional infantry regiments. Each Grand Province and City-State of the Empire is responsible for the creation, training, and provision of its own army. These provincial armies are supplemented in wartime by the Empire's various independent military, religious, and magical organizations

6. #6Sigmar

   Keys: Sigmar, Sigmar Unberogen, Sigmar Heldenhammer

   Sigmar, who reigned as the first Emperor of Man, is a former mortal man who has become an ascended god of the Old World Pantheon, embodying the spread of civilisation and its protection. He is the founder of the Empire of Man, its first emperor and its current patron deity. Sigmar is the object of devotion for the state religion of the Cult of Sigmar, the most powerful religious institution of the Empire. In Sigmar's divine, all-seeing wisdom, he sees the need for strength from his followers, not only of sinew, but of will and of faith. Unholy threats assail his favoured nation, both from within and from without, and thus he channels his might into his mortal champions, the mighty Warrior-Priests of Sigmar and the Witch Hunter Templars. It is faith that serves as the chief weapon of the Empire. Unwavering in their devotion, the warriors of the Empire stand strong against such horrors that would make lesser men go mad with fear.

7. #7Cult of Sigmar

   Keys: Clergy of Sigmar, Cult of Sigmar, Holy Temple of Sigmar, Church of Sigmar, Sigmarite Cult

   The Cult of Sigmar is the state church of the Empire of Man that administrates the worship of that realm's patron god, Sigmar Heldenhammer. The Cult of Sigmar it's one of the most powerful religious forces within the domains of the Empire, so strong that Sigmar has supplemented Ulric as the Empire's god of war and chief patron deity. Cult of Sigmar has become an essential part of Imperial society. Nearly every city, town or village within the Empire has dedicated a portion of their wealth and land to the creation and maintenance of a Sigmarite temple, from which a priest of the Cult of Sigmar will attend to the spiritual well-being of its citizenry, whether it be through holy words of prayer or through heroic actions and trials by combat. The priests of the Cult of Sigmar demand that its followers fight all forms of evil in the Known World with the strength of their arms as well as their faith.

8. #8Sigmartag

   Keys: Sigmartag

   The festival of Sigmartag celebrates Sigmar's ascension to the heavens as a god. Held on the 18th of Sigmarzeit, it also marks the first day of summer. Throughout the Empire, work ceases and citizens feast, drink, and sing. Sigmar's exploits are recounted in tales and plays. Consumption of the intimidating 'Sigmar's Sausage' is central to the celebrations. Those who manage to eat a whole sausage in a single sitting are promised strength and vigour for the rest of the year. The most magnificent celebrations take place at the High Temple of Sigmar, presided over by the Grand Theogonist, and attended by the Emperor. Thousands crowd outside the temple to partake in the holy liturgies. The festival culminates with spectacular pyromantics organised by the Bright College.

9. #9Reikland

   Keys: Reikland, Grand Principality of Reikland

   Reikland is one of the founding Electoral Provinces of the Empire of Man and very important western province, being the homeland of the ancient Unberogens and Sigmar, founder of The Empire. Reikland has been the most important state of the Empire for nearly one hundred years, for it surrounds Altdorf, the current Imperial capital city. Reikland are considered the heartland of the Empire culturally, politically, economically, religiously and in every other way that matters. The province is named after the river Reik. Reikland is located between Wissenland to the south, while Stirland and Talabecland lie in the the east. To the north are Middenland and independent The Wasteland. The Grey Mountains are Reikland's western border, forming a natural buffer zone between The Empire and Bretonnia. Reikland has a relatively large population and it is crossed by important trade routes; All this trade and the accompanying tools and taxes make Reikland the most prosperous and cosmopolitan imperial province. The main color of Reikland is white. The banner of Reikland depicts an eagle, representing Myrmidia. In its left talon is a hammer of Sigmar. In its right is a sword, the Runefang of Reikland. Atop its head is a crown. The imperial cross on the eagle's shield represents imperial unity. Notable Locations include: Bloodpine Woods, Blackstone Tower, Karlsbaum Monastery, Oppenehim Veinyard, Monastery of the Holy Word, Reikwald Circle, Steirlich Manor and Altdorf.

10. #10Reiksguard

    Keys: Grand Order of the Reiksguard, Reiksguards, Reiksguard

    The Reiksguard, pride of the province's state army and the most powerful and prestigious regiment in the Empire, are the bodyguards of the Emperor. The armies of Reiksguard are said to be the most disciplined troops in the Empire. They are famous for their precise coordination and their steady resolve. Reiksguard is recruited from the oldest sons of the Empire's nobility. The Reiksguard is divided into warriors who fight on foot as heavy infantry and on horseback as traditional heavy cavalry. The Knights' weapons are of the highest quality, and their full plate armour is polished to a mirror-like finish and topped with crests that carry the colours of the reigning Emperor. In battle, the Reiksguard fight in large regiments to better cow the enemy. Despite the potential power and influence that such a reputation offers, the Reiksguard has always stayed apolitical and loyal first to the reigning Emperor.

11. #11Altdorf

    Keys: Altdorf, City of Spires, Capital of the Empire

    Altdorf, known as the "City of Spires," is the capital city of the Empire and the Electoral Province of Reikland, an independent Imperial principality in its own right. Altdorf supports a flourishing economy, which attracts all kinds of people. It is a bustling city with a substantial community of merchants, adventurers, mercenaries and fortune seekers from all across the Old World. Aside from the Imperial Court, Altdorf houses many of the Empire's other preeminent institutions like the University of Altdorf, Holy Temple of Sigmar, Colleges of Magic. Altdorf stands astride the confluence of the Rivers Reik and Talabec, and is renowned for the numerous bridges that traverse these waterways. The Reiksport, home of the First Fleet of the Imperial Navy, is a deep-water harbour built on the shores of Altdorf. Altdorf is very well defended. It is enveloped by strong white walls with red slate roofs. It has a large garrison and is home to several knightly orders. Notable locations: Imperial Zoo, Imperial Palace of Altdorf, University of Altdorf, Holy Temple of Sigmar, Colleges of Magic, Reiksport

12. #12Imperial Palace

    Keys: Imperial Palace, Palace of Altdorf, Imperial Palace of Altdorf

    Imperial Palace of Altdorf is a massive, highly elaborate keep standing near the middle of the Imperial capital city. The palace is home to both the Reiksguard household guards, and the ruling Emperor. The Imperial Palace is a vast building, easily the largest in the city. The emperor's court is always filled with nobility from across the Empire, and is a hotbed of political intrigue, social manoeuvring, and hedonistic frivolity. The palace can be accessed by a portcullis gate from the Kaiserplatz. This gate is guarded by two Reiksguard knights. The general public cannot move through the gate. Above the gate are a series of gargoyles which can disgorge molted lead in the event of a siege. The Palace includes a medium-sized garden and hundreds of rooms like gymnasium, great ballroom, eleven banquet halls, the Hall of Mirrors, Mappa Mundi, Volkshalle, Emperor's Bedchambers and the Emperor's private library. The Imperial Palace has an impressive sewer system. Another structure in the Imperial Palace is the Prince's Palace, or the Princess's Palace, which is situated alongside the the rest of the palace. It is ancient, and is dwarfed by the rest of the palace.

13. #13Volkshalle

    Keys: Volkshalle

    One notable structure in the Imperial Palace is the Volkshalle. It is here that the electors meet to elect the emperor and here that the newly-elected emperor is crowned. The Reikland Council and Reikland Diet also meet in the Volkshalle, in the Wilhelm Chamber and Holzkrug Chamber, respectively.

14. #14Mappa Mundi

    Keys: the Great Chart, Mappa Mundi

    Another notable room in the Imperial Palace contains a mosaic mappa mundi of the Empire, called the "Great Chart," inlaid onto the floor. Various geographical features are represented by opulent materials. The boundaries of the Imperial provinces are depicted with rosewood, limewood, copper, and brass. Rosettes of oak or maple wound with gold wire mark the locations of the city-states, while other cities are ivory buttons. Rivers of pearl and steel thread flow into silver mirror lakes, and the entire floor is marked by the ebony chevrons depicting forests. The edges of the map itself are made of satin wood and silver thread.

15. #15Holy Temple of Sigmar

    Keys: Cathedral of Sigmar Risen and Transformed, Holy Temple of Sigmar, Cathedral of Sigmar, High Temple of Sigmar

    Holy Temple of Sigmar is the greatest temple and most sacred space of the Cult of Sigmar, located in the Imperial capital city of Altdorf. It is the seat of the Grand Theogonist and is considered one of the true marvels of the Old World. It is the largest and most powerful religious edifice within the Empire and beyond. The cathedral's magnificent carved stone facades dominate the city around it, and the building demonstrates to all good citizens for miles around the awesome power of Sigmar, and of the Empire. The cathedral has a cavernous, high arched ceiling, overlooked by countless balconies and precarious gantries, able accommodate thousands of worshipers. The reliquary below the temple boasts many sacred and powerful artifacts. The Temple is never quiet, it is staffed by hundreds of priests, lay brothers, and templars. Notable locations: Palace of the Grand Theogonist, Sun Chapel, Librarium Secularum, Vaults.

16. #16Palace of the Grand Theogonist

    Keys: Palace of the Grand Theogonist

    Palace of the Grand Theogonist is located in The Holy Temple of Sigmar, although it is not a discrete building. It sprawls through a dozen ranges of rooms, making a spectacular palace once one is within but presenting a more humble facade. The main entrance is a simple spiral staircase, just large enough for two people to climb abreast, which gives out into a huge reception hall that takes up most of a range. The entrance may not look spectacular, but it is always guarded by six Sigmarite Templars.

17. #17Sun Chapel

    Keys: Sun Chapel

    The Sun Chapel is the private chapel of the Grand Theogonist, and being allowed inside is a great privilege, as it is considered one of the holiest places in the Empire. The exterior of the dome is plated in gold, making it shine like the sun. The interior has an altar dedicated to Sigmar at the centre, while the walls and underside of the dome are decorated with the most superb mosaics to be found in the Empire. These mosaics depict the whole of Sigmar's life story, the first Battle of Black Fire Pass raging around the bottom of the dome as the Twin Tailed Comet flares across its sky. The figure of Sigmar is in the east of the dome on the same side as the door.

18. #18Librarium Secularum

    Keys: Librarium Secularum

    The Librarium Secularum is not a single building, but rather many rooms in several buildings, one of which is the Western Annex, connected by hallways. Its rooms vary in size, but all are stuffed with books. One room on the ground floor is the Catalogue Room. The catalog consists of 26 huge volumes on lecterns. Each volume is filled with the names of books in the library and a code denoting the book's location. Each shelf and door has a number plaque on it to aid in locating books. The library also houses a Map Room, which contains maps, globes, and atlases; and a Rare Books Room, which contains glass cabinets and chests full of rare or ancient books. The library is locked at night, and the Rare Book Room has a particularly tricky lock.

19. #19Grand Theogonist

    Keys: High Priest of Altdorf, Grand Theogonist, Theogonist of the Empire, Arch Lector of the West, Leader of the Cult of Sigmar

    The Grand Theogonist is the spiritual and ecclesiastical leader of the Cult of Sigmar and the most important religious official in the Empire. It is often a great Warrior Priest and usually one of the Emperor's staunchest allies and most trusted advisers. Many of their duties are across the multitude of important high priests in Altdorf. They is also one of the Electors, meaning they are able to vote for the next emperor. When a Grand Theogonist dies, the Lectors convene beneath the Cathedral of Sigmar to appoint the successor. By tradition, a Grand Theogonist adopts a Dwarfish name or epithet when they assumes office. The ceremonial colours of the Grand Theogonist are green and yellow.

20. #20Colleges of Magic

    Keys: Orders of Magic, Imperial Colleges of Magic, Order of Magic, Colleges of Magic

    The Colleges of Magic are important and powerful Imperial institutions of magical learning and practice that are located in the city of Altdorf. They have possessed the sole legal responsibility to train and police all individuals who are capable of channelling the Winds of Magic so that they best serve the interests of the Empire of Man. They each possess physical buildings and are inhabited by a collection of non-magic-using servants, apprentices and Magisters. The Colleges of Magic have centralised buildings in Altdorf that allow the Empress to contact each college's governing Magister or "patriarch," or at least the senior members of each of the Orders of Magic. The Orders of Magic include the magical lores, personalities, philosophies, ideals, rituals, traditions, and goals that each of the colleges impart to their apprentices. The Orders of Magic are far-reaching, highly secretive societies with distinct identities and agendas.

21. #21University of Altdorf

    Keys: University of Altdorf

    The University of Altdorf is one of the most important sites for mundane knowledge and education. Its sprawling campus dominates a whole district of Altdorf, crammed with students and masters. The university is attended by all types, idle nobles, diligent middle class youths, and even some lucky and inspired folk from poorer backgrounds. It also accommodates many interested magic apprentices who attend for a more rounded and mundane education. Despite the efforts of administration, the University is a hotbed of sedition and revolutionary talk, on the part of both students and professors. Many rash students partake in duels. They favor the pistol for such events.

22. #22Imperial Navy

    Keys: Imperial Navy, Empire Fleet, Empire's Fleets, Imperial fleets, Empire's Fleet, Imperial fleet

    The Imperial Navy, also known as the Empire Fleet, is one of the most important military assets of the Empire. The Empire is not a great maritime power but is powerful and many counts and barons want to use it to extend their influence around the globe. Characterised by its fast-moving wolfships and its mighty and heavily-armed greatships, the Imperial Navy is one of the most powerful fleets patrolling the waters of the World. They combine the wild and savage spirit of the warriors of the Northmen with the civilised tactics and black-powder weaponry of the southern realms, creating one of the fastest and most hard-hitting fighting forces within the world sea.

23. #23Imperial Engineers School

    Keys: Imperial Engineers School, Imperial College of Engineers and Stephan Franz School of Mechanical Expertises, Imperial Engineers School of Altdorf, College of Engineers, Imperial Engineer School

    The Imperial Engineers School of Altdorf is the most prestigious organisation of engineers and master engineers in the Empire. Founded by the Tilean genius Leonardo da Miragliano, it is responsible for many of the Empire's technological innovations over the past few centuries. Over its long history, the school has been rebuilt on no less than a dozen separate occasions, following misguided experiments and catastrophic malfunctions. The Imperial Engineers School is careful to position itself as a secular institution, with a moderate Sigmarite bias. But as a divinity with a particular association with the science of war, Myrmidia, the goddess of war and strategy, has many admirers within the school. The Imperial Engineers Guild is among the wealthiest institutions in the Empire, providing blackpowder and firearms to every province in the land, as well as exporting cannons and handguns to places as far removed as Praag in Kislev and Remas in Tilea.

24. #24Empire Battle Wizards

    Keys: Imperial Wizard, Empire Battle Wizard, Imperial Wizards, Battle Wizards, Empire Battle Wizards, Battle Wizard

    Battle Wizards are strange figures who wield awesome magical powers and are privy to secrets beyond the ken of normal folk. Battle Wizards learn to harness one of the Winds of Magic to their will. They dedicate many long years, sometimes decades, to studying arcane tomes and mystical scrolls, but only a fool would mistake their frail, scholarly appearance for weakness. Battle Wizards can hurl bolts of fire and lightning at their foes, confound them with terrifying illusions or snuff out their life-force like a man blowing out a candle. It is a rare army indeed that marches to war without at least one Battle Wizard at its disposal.

25. #25Witch Hunter

    Keys: Witch Hunter, Witch Hunters

    Witch hunters are grim, cold individuals who have dedicated their life to the eradication of corruption wherever it may be. Most witch hunters are the Imperial state-sanctioned Templars of the Cult of Sigmar. However, there are a wide variety of others, from the Colleges' Masters Vigilant to local mercenaries hired out to a nobleman's service. What they all have in common however is their dedication and zeal against all things tainted and unpure. All ordinary citizens agree witch hunters are necessary and the work they do is crucial to the safety of the Old World, but there are very few who do not feel a flush of fear when they see a figure wearing the familiar wide-brimmed hat, buckled tunic, and long black cloak. Among the mortal races other than Men, the role of witch hunter does not hold much prominence, yet similar institutions have risen among those peoples to combat various forms of corruption.

26. #26Reiksmarshal

    Keys: Reiksmarshal, Reiksmarshal of the Empire

    Reiksmarshal is the highest rank achievable within the military forces of the Empire of Man, a title that denotes the veteran warrior who serves as the overall supreme commander of the Empire's armed forces, second only in authority to the Empress herself.

27. #27House Holswig-Schliestein

    Keys: Imperial Royal House, Imperial Royal Family, House Holswig-Schliestein, House of the Third Wilhelm, Holswig-Schliestein, Holswig

    House Holswig-Schliestein is the current ruling imperial house of the Empire of Man, and the immediate family of the current Emperor. The coat of arms adopted by Emperor Wilhelm III is such a common sight throughout the Imperial capital of Altdorf that many visitors confuse it with the city's own device. The knightly helm and crown has been associated with emperors since the days of Siegfried I, a particularly bellicose ruler who fought to the last at the Battle of Fates in 732 IC, but the addition of a rampant Griffon atop the crown was instituted by Magnus the Pious upon his victorious return from Kislev and election as emperor after the Great War Against Chaos.

28. #28Knightly Orders of the Empire

    Keys: Knightly Orders, Knightly Order of the Empire, Knightly Orders of the Empire, Knightly Order

    The Knightly Orders of the Empire are noble heroic brotherhoods of armoured warriors who ride into battle atop mighty barded warhorses and sometimes other, more exotic creatures such as the Demigryphs. Major Knightly Orders include, Grand Order of the Reiksguard, Knights of the White Wolf, Knights Panther and Order of the Blazing Sun.

29. #29Knights of the White Wolf

    Keys: Knight of Ulric, Knights of the White Wolf, Knights of Ulric, Knight of the White Wolf, the White Wolves

    The Knights of the White Wolf are the most infamous of all the Knightly Orders of the Empire who serve the Ar-Ulric, high priest of the Cult of Ulric, and their deity, Ulric. Readily identified by their distinctive wolf pelts and their savage fighting-style the Knights of the White Wolf are the most ancient and largest of the Templar Orders. The Knights' wolf-skin cloaks, coupled with their long, often wild hair and beards, gives them a barbaric appearance, but they are a highly disciplined and martial Order. The Knights of the White Wolf are based in the city of Middenheim. Many units, such as the Brotherhood of the Axe, the Teutogen Guard and the berserk Fellwolf Brotherhood comprise the elite core of this savage order.

30. #30Knights Panther

    Keys: Knight Panther, Order of the Knights Panther, Knights Panther

    The Knights Panther are a secular Knightly Order of the Empire dedicated to the eradication of mutants and Chaos worshippers alike, preserving the racial purity of the Empire. Being amongst the most powerful of the knightly orders within the Empire, this band of knights is well-known and is considered to be the most famous and celebrated order within the Empire. Knights Panther are distinguished from other knights by their tall helmet crests topped by the image of a Beastman head. These knights would often wear armour of dark blue and silver, the traditional standard colour scheme of their order. The Knights Panther carry lances. The Knights Panther are headquartered in a stout fortress built in the modern style, just a few miles from the city of Carroburg. From here, Grand Master Baron Heinrich von Torlichhelm oversees a dozen or more chapter houses scattered mainly across Reikland and Middenland. Its knights report to Carroburg as a formality, but they serve under the employ of Countess Elise Krieglitz-Untern.

31. #31Order of the Blazing Sun

    Keys: Knight of the Blazing Sun, Knights of the Blazing Sun, Order of the Blazing Sun

    The Order of the Blazing Sun is a knightly order of the Empire and an order of Templars dedicated to the worship and martial practices of Myrmidia, the goddess of honourable warfare and strategy. This particular knightly order is among the mightiest and most well-known within the Empire of Man, boasting a distinguished history dating back to the Great Crusades. Their order has spread from Tilea and Estalia in recent centuries, championing the Cult of Myrmidia's values of honourable warfare in battles. The Blazing Sun command structure consists of a Grandmaster in the Empire who oversees outfits known as komturies throughout the land. The Knights of the Blazing Sun, unlike the other knightly orders that made the Empire their home, welcome members from foreign lands. They are an inclusive brotherhood. Within their komturie there are members from Bretonnia, Tilea and Estalia as well as from Kislev and Middenheim.

32. #32Myrmidia

    Keys: Patroness of Battle, Mother of Invention, Queen of Muses, Myrmidia

    Myrmidia is the Human goddess of honourable war, civilisation, strategy, soldiers and officers. Her worship has spread into the Empire from the southern lands of Tilea, where she is known as the goddess of vengeance, beauty, art and honour. Myrmidia acts as the patron deity of the Estalian kingdoms and the Tilean city-states, fanatically worshipped in both of those realms. The Cult of Myrmidia is the largest in the World. Myrmidia's domain is of tactics, formation and strategy, the order within the chaos that is the battlefield. Not favouring brute force or mindless bloodshed. Myrmidia is also the patron of the cunning ruse and well-timed ambush, but she is not a cruel goddess. The defeated enemy must be granted clemency and captured towns and cities must be spared of sacking. Myrmidia in reality is an Elf of the Elven Pantheon. Myrmidia's true appearance is a beautiful elven woman with long and flowing brown hair, standing tall, well-proportioned, clad in the traditional panoply of Classical Remas, a plumed helm and muscled cuirass of bronze. She uses a golden spear and bears a golden shield emblazoned with an eagle.

33. #33Orks

    Keys: Goblin, Orcs, Greenskins, Black Orc, Goblins, Black Orcs, Orc

    Greenskins is a common collective description for the forces of the Orcs and Goblins and other biologically related races. The broadest division is between the Orcs, who are strong, brutish, and savage warriors, and the Goblins, who are smaller and weaker, but cunning and full of guile. These two related races are divided into countless barbaric tribes who fight each other nearly all the time. They only stop fighting each other to fight another foe instead, like the kingdoms of men or the realms of Dwarfs. On these rare occasions they often vanquish and destroy whole armies, plunder and burn villages, ravage the countryside, and sack, raze, or conquer large cities and fortresses. They are found predominantly in the forests and mountains of the World, as well in the jungles to the south and stretched across the steppes to the East, but their kin can be found all over the world. All greenskins have a waxy, tough skin which over time becomes tougher and gnarled whilst their blood varies in colour from black to red.

34. #34Black Orc

    Keys: Black Orc, Black Orcs

    Black Orcs are the biggest and strongest of all Orcs, and get their name from their dour, grim demeanour as much as from the colour of their skin, which is extremely dark green or black. They are bigger and stronger than normal Orcs and pride themselves on being the best fighters of all. They are more disciplined than other Orcs and have better equipment. Many of their fearsome weapons are captured in battle, and carried as a mark of their self-evident superiority, while others are paid in tribute by subjugated tribes. Black Orcs are the greatest among a race already bred for battle; injuries are ignored and enemies crushed beneath a walking mass of green muscle and heavy armor. The greatest of Black Orcs are Grimgor Ironhide and his mighty Immortulz. Black Orcs regard other Orcs and Goblins with contempt, especially Goblins. In battle, Black Orcs keep a constant eye out for bickering in the ranks. Should that fail, Black Orcs are perfectly willing to wade in and smash some heads together.

35. #35Iron Orc

    Keys: Iron Orcs, Iron Orc

    Iron Orcs are a variety of Greenskin found in the mountains of the Bretonnian province of Carcassone. They reinforce the ranks of ordinary Orc hordes and surpass even the famed Black Orcs in strength. However, the veracity of these claims is dubious, with many suggesting that they may merely serve as a narrative to support Carcassonnian demands for reduced taxes. Iron Orcs resemble Black Orcs clad in plate armor but lacking helmets. Exhibiting superior speed, strength, armor, and savagery than Black Orcs, but much less intelligent. The suits of armor Iron Orcs are named for are comparable to full plate armor. Upon closer inspection it becomes apparent that the armor is seamlessly integrated into their skin. Their favored weapons, Big Choppas, are so large and unwieldy that only Iron Orcs have been seen using them.

36. #36Night Goblin

    Keys: Night Goblins, Night Goblin

    Night Goblins are a Goblin sub-breed who live inside the mountains of the World. They spend the majority of their time fighting each other, Dwarfs, and/or Skaven, as all three species compete for the same territories. The Night Goblins have had considerable success in their battles with the Dwarfs, having even conquered a portion of Karak Eight Peaks, the most ancient and awe-inspiring Dwarf hold. Night Goblins dress predominately in black, and will only come out into the sunlight when they are suitably reinforced by considerable amounts of fungus beer. They fear Elves that they do not outnumber at least two to one and hate Dwarfs. They raise fungi deep beneath the mountains and are always seeking new strains to experiment with, some are used for food but many are grown for their intoxicating or hallucinogenic properties. They are also traded with other greenskins for weapons or other items. Night Goblin Shamans are especially skilled in growing and using fungi. The Night Goblins make extensive use of Squigs in battle.

37. #37Squig

    Keys: Squig, Squigs

    Squigs are amongst the most deadly creatures to be found in deep caverns. They are a hybrid of fungus and flesh, with round bodies and enormous mouths. Cave Squigs have tough, ball shaped bodies with two taloned feet and a huge gaping mouth filled with slashing teeth.

38. #38Skaven

    Keys: Skavens, Ratmen, Skavendom, rat-men, Under-empire, Skaven

    The Skaven are a race of humanoid rat-men, who inhabit the caves, tunnels, mines, and sewers of the world. They control a vast Under-Empire which reaches from the Southlands to Kislev and from Estalia to the Far East. The god of the Skaven is the Horned Rat, whose high priests form the Council of Thirteen. The direct agents of the Council are an order called the Grey Seers. Skaven society is organised into innumerable clans, all ruled by the Council. The four Great clans mercilessly dominate the weaker clans. The Skaven are so numerous that if they worked together they would be able to destroy the world, however they very cowardly. The study of magic is restricted only to Grey Seers and Warlock Engineers. Magic not tied to the Horned Rat is thought by most to be heretical. Out of all the armies within the world, no army could match the numbers of the Skaven. An individual Skaven warrior is of little match against any of the other races. Without allies to aid him, a Skaven's cowardice would naturally make him flee from direct combat. Skaven are usually around four to five feet tall when they stand up straight. Fur covers their bodies except for their ears, muzzles, hands and fleshy rat tails. Fur colour indicates a Skaven's role in society. Most Skaven are brown or piebald. White or grey is rare and indicates leadership, intelligence and sorcerous ability. Black or dark brown fur tend to be the largest, and most dark furred Skaven become elite warriors or assassins. Skaven are twitchy, agitated creatures. Their metabolism allows them to burn energy at an incredible rate, boosting their agility and speed to unnatural levels. This gives them an enormous hunger. The Skaven will feast on the dead of either side after a battle. Female Skaven are rare and, at most, semi-intelligent but are capable of giving birth to huge litters very frequently.

39. #39Undead

    Keys: Undead

    Undead is a collective name for a number of creatures that are physically dead and yet behave as if alive. Some forms of undead lack any physical forms and exist only ethereally, such as Wraiths; others are corporeal, such as Vampires and Zombies. The masses of the undead such as Skeletons and Zombies almost completely lack a will of their own and are dependent on powerful sorcerers for direction. Necromancers, vampires and other sorcerous creatures make use of large numbers of undead as their exclusive servants.

40. #40Lich

    Keys: Liche, Liches, Lich

    A Lich (alternatively, Liche) is an Undead Necromancer. They have become foul, twisted, and tormented by years of evil toil. A Liches' mental and bodily functions are preserved by powerful magic, but their bodies continue to decompose as if they were truly dead. A Liche's body resembles that of a Zombie or Skeleton, an animated corpse in the process of decomposition. The Nehekharan Liche Priests of the Mortuary Cult are Liches, their fifth generation discovering the ways to avoid death indefinently by binding their souls into their bodies which did still wither and age. Instead of eternal life, they cursed themselves into eternal undeath.

41. #41Vampire

    Keys: Vampire, Vampires

    Vampires are one of the most powerful types of Undead existing in the World. The origins of the vampires traced all the way back to Neferata, the first vampire. Vampires have no set appearance but share common characteristics. Vampires are invariably tall and pale skinned, they are many times stronger than a mortal man and can move faster than the mortal eye can see. Some of them can pass for human in low light, and many live among the the aristocracy of Bretonnia and the Empire. Vampires are all extremely charismatic individuals. All vampires are Undead and are essentially living corpses with no pulse or breath. Vampires need to regularly feed off human blood to stay strong and keep looking alive. If they cannot gain a regular supply of fresh blood they will degrade into little more than walking corpses. All Vampires are magical creatures, able to use dark magic like necromancy. Vampires can create other vampires through a process known as the "Blood Kiss". Vampires do not give another the Blood Kiss lightly as with each generation of vampires become weaker. Vampires maintain full consciousness after being given the Blood Kiss. Keeping all of their human ambition and desires. The new Vampire will be a thrall to the old. Vampires are nigh on impossible to kill. If they are killed they, can burst into flames, crumble into dust, or leave a human corpse.

42. #42Horned Rat

    Keys: Horned Rat

    The Horned Rat is the only god worshipped by the Skaven, his symbol is the rough equilateral triangle and his sacred number is 13. He is usually depicted as a great rat with curved horns. He is a deity of Chaos and longs for the destruction of civilization. The Pillar of Commandments is held his most sacred gift to his children, the Skaven. Every candidate for the Council of Thirteen has to touch it, effectively surrendering his fate into the paws of the Horned Rat. His prophets, the 169 Grey Seers, are extremely influential throughout all Skavendom. They preach of the Great Ascendancy, a time in which the Skaven will rise to the surface and conquer and enslave all surface nations. The centre of his cult is located in Skavenblight, the capital of the Skaven. His arch-enemies are Sigmar and Sotek. All Skaven revere the Horned Rat. None question his existence. Each prayer being a verbal slice of hate, envy, or malice. Blood sacrifice is common in the day to day worship. The number of sacrifices made to the Horned Rat varies depending upon their need. In times of war, the number of daily blood sacrifices are in the thousands. All Skaven are expected to be present at a mass at least once a day, even though no formal records of attendance are kept. Those who do not attend services open themselves up to accusations of heresy, treason, and atheism.

43. #43Sotek

    Keys: Sotek

    Sotek is the Lizardmen God of the Skinks. Sotek is a vast serpent which devours rats, even able to swallow the Horned Rat himself and digest him for a thousand years. Sotek is a minor god of the Skinks, and considered an upstart, new deity.

44. #44High Elves

    Keys: Asur, High Elves, High Elf, High Elven

    High Elves, or the Asur, are one of the most ancient and powerful mortal civilisations. Hailing from Ulthuan. Asur are a proud and mighty nation of masterful warriors, peerless mages and lords of the sky and sea. They are an ancient race with powerful armies and even grander magic. Asur have noble and compassionate nature, but also have immense pride and consider themselves the true and rightful protectors of the world, and they believe that so long as their civilisation persist throughout the ages, this dying world will never fall into chaos. Asur are long-lived, essentially immortal barring accidental injury or death in war. Asur are tall and slender, with a dexterous grace and otherworldly beauty that no other race can match. Such traits are shared by all three races, although the Asur believe that only on Ulthuan Elf can true Elven beauty and warrior grace be found. Yenlui is the High Elf philosophy of spiritual balance.

45. #45Dark Elves

    Keys: Naggarothi, Dark Elven, Dark Elves, Druchii, Dark Elf

    The Dark Elves, or the Druchii, are one of the most ancient, powerful, and most sadistic of the three major Elven civilisations. They live in the bleak, chilly lands of the continent of Naggaroth, ruled by the Witch King Malekith. The Druchii are raiders, slavers and heartless reavers of the highest degree. Their every whim being nothing more than to sow misery and pain to all that oppose them. Using their Black Arks and Corsair Fleets sail the world to raid and enslave. Druchii possess a cold and glamorous beauty. All Elves are beautiful to the eyes of Men. All Elves are long-lived to the point of immortality. They are swift of both body and reflex, capable of an effortless grace. Druchii are cunning of mind and clever beyond mortals. Druchii are adept at twisting speech and gleefully manipulate the emotions of another. Druchii society is opportunistic and impetuous.

46. #46Elector Count

    Keys: Elector Count, Elector, Electors, Elector Counts

    An Elector Count is the highest rank held by the nobility in the Empire of Man, second only to the emperor. The Elector Count, who may be male or female, are the most influential, powerful, and important individuals of the whole Empire, and a feudal ruler of one of the Empire's constituent Electoral Provinces. The Electors can also de facto depose a weak emperor. Initially there were twelve Elector Counts, the hereditary rulers of their provinces. Two provinces have been lost (Drakwald and Solland), together with their respective ruling families. Each Elector Count possesses one vote to elect a candidate for the Imperial throne. The succession of an Elector Count is commonly hereditary, passing from parent to child, but the Elector Count can name a successor. All of the Elector Counts also serve as Empire Generals as a result of their rank, though they always possess the ability to delegate this authority to selected retainers if they are not themselves martially-inclined.

47. #47State Troops

    Keys: State Troops, State Regiments, State Army, State Troop, State Regiment, State Armies

    State Troops also known as State Regiments are the standing armies (State Armies) of the provinces of The Empire. Their courage and discipline is renowned through the Old World. The provincial State Troop armies are raised and commanded by the Elector Counts, while in the case of city-states the responsibility goes to the Burgomeisters. Yet often command is delegated to a trusted General. State troops are professional full-time soldiers equipped at the expense of the province or city-state to which they answer. State troops are divided by the weaponry they carry, of which there are five common varieties: Halberdiers, Swordsmen, Spearmen, Handgunners and Crossbowmen. By Imperial law, each Elector Count is required to keep a standing force of Halberdiers. The other groupings vary from state to state according to the tactics employed and the financial possibilities. State troops form the mainstay of the Armies of the Empire, but they are often reinforced with militia regiments made out of mercenaries and peasant levies. Most bravest and distinguished soldiers of the state regiments can be promoted to Greatsword regiments. It is the dream of almost every soldier to serve in the Greatswords, but only few men have the courage and skill for such promotion. Most of the time these soldiers spend their days drilling and training. Additionally they serve as the fire watch, police force and guards. The soldiers are equipped by each province or city from its own armouries and therefore the quality and condition of the weapons and equipment can vary greatly.

48. #48Burgher

    Keys: Burgher, Burgomeisters, Burghers, Burgomeister

    A relatively new social class, Burghers are generally townfolk who live and work in the many towns and cities. Found amongst their ranks are merchants, traders, artisans, labourers, Rat Catchers, watchmen and minor and middle government officials. Many are middle class and lead relatively humble but still respectable lives. Burgers a growing class of citizens with both time and money at their disposal.

49. #49Averland

    Keys: Averland, Grand Count of Averland

    The Grand Count of Averland is a southern province of The Empire, being the homeland of the ancients Brigundians, its capital is Averheim. Named after the river Aver, the province is located between Wissenland, Stirland, The Moot and the Black Mountains. The colors of Averland are yellow and black. Its state banner is a sun, and has since the downfall of Solland, when many of its nobles fled to Averland. A previous banner used by Averland was a hammer in front of a black imperial cross. Averlanders are known for their ornate and ostentatious uniforms. Averland has been attacked by huge numbers of Orc and Goblin forces since the time of Sigmar. The von Kragsburg family of Averheim recruits, trains and equips the Von Kragsburg Guard who travel throughout the Old World seeking riches for their masters, often led by members of the family includign the Duke. Many Halflings have settled in Averland and have taught the human populace the skills of hunting and cooking. Consequently Bergjaegers are expert human hunters who have developed a proficiency in trapping. Averlanders tend not to distinguish or care what their State Troops are armed with, and all are simply called Mountainguard and are treated with equal respect. Averland is blessed with wide and fertile plains. The local horses are considered the finest of The Empire and in high demand by the Knightly Orders. The secular Knightly Order that makes its home in Averland is the Knights of the Black Bear. Averheim exports cattle, fashionable clothing, fine porcelain, horses, leather goods and wine. Notable Locations include: Averheim (Averland's capital), Town of Hochsleben, Site of Heideck, Fortress town of Grenzstadt, University town of Streissen, Small town of Middlesdorf, Burned Town remains of Loughsville (Its people were corrupted by Nurgle and was burned by Magnus Gault), Burned Town remains of Totenburg (corrupted by Nurgle, burned by Vogel and Magnus Gault), Town of Agbeiten (most of its population are devout followers of Taal)

50. #50Averheim

    Keys: Averheim, Averburg

    Averheim is the capital of Averland, a province of the Empire. The city is located on a steep hill south of the River Aver. The Old Dwarf Road passes through it. Averheim is an important trading centre, famous for its stockyards, where great cattle drives end in the heat and stink of an Averlander summer. The stockyards are near the docks, where the slaughterhouses are located, so the cut meat can be prepared and loaded onto barges for easy transportation along the Aver. Averheim is ruled from the Fortress citadel of Averburg. Plenzerplatz is a square that lies before the Averburg, a arched causeway leading to the citadel. A great pillar of skulls was created here to commemorate the invasion by Gorbad. Steilstrasse is the main street between the north gate and the Plenzerplatz.

Showing 50 of 199

2 files

• .jsonjson_lorebookoriginal

  325.3 KBfirst seen Oct 22, 20262d52a2611953e69d

  Download
• .jsonjson_lorebookrebuilt

  325.3 KBfirst seen Oct 22, 2026547bc7be87c4ab73

  Download