The Empire is the largest and most powerful of all the realms of the Old World. It lies between the Worlds Edge Mountains and the sea, and encompasses all the lands north of the Grey Mountains and south of the nation of Kislev in the icy north. It is a land dominated by deep, dark forests and huge rivers. Its forests are infested with all kinds of monsters, from the savage Chaos Beastmen to marauding Forest Goblins. These forests also hide the ruins of Elf cities destroyed in their wars against the Dwarfs, many containing as-yet undiscovered treasures, but most have become the lairs of beasts or used as hideouts by bandits, Chaos warbands, and evil creatures.

These wild and rough places breed tough Men, and it's hardly surprising that the armies of the Empire are so successful. The backbone of the army is its well-disciplined infantry, ably supported by effective cannons and the small-but-potent bodies of fully-armoured knights.