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My 2011 project will be a huge Empire Army based on the free city of Marienburg. I need all the fluff you can muster to read through so I can tailor the army appropriately.

So far I can gather that:
The Patron God of Marienburg is Manan, god of the sea.
There is a sizable population of Sea Elves in the city.
There is no 'ruler' of the city, it is governed by a council of 'Directors', made from the most powerful merchants.

Anything else you can help me with, that can help shape the army, would be appreciated.

IIRC there is a reasonable amount of background stuff in the WHF Roleplay rule book so I'll see what I can dig up.

There was a Marienburg sourcebook "Sold Down the River", but it may no longer be in print.

They were also one of the available warbands in Mordhiem so there will be some stuff in that rule book - again I'll see what I can find.

If your locations Bristol, England I can always lend you anything I come across as I work in the city centre

dunno if it will help but the empire and the dwarfs are close.

Sceleris wrote:IIRC there is a reasonable amount of background stuff in the WHF Roleplay rule book so I'll see what I can dig up.

There was a Marienburg sourcebook "Sold Down the River", but it may no longer be in print.

They were also one of the available warbands in Mordhiem so there will be some stuff in that rule book - again I'll see what I can find.

If your locations Bristol, England I can always lend you anything I come across as I work in the city centre

Sweet!

I'm often found at Cut and Thrust on Thursday nights for a game of 40k.

Also Heacy Hitter, been considering a couple of dwarves in the army as well, perhaps those old slayer pirates...

Well, this is all basic stuff but:

Marienburg is a "free" city due to conspiring with Emperor Dieter IV to secure their independence in return for a massive donation of gold to the Imperial coffers. Since then, numerous attempts have been made to bring it back into the Empire--and all have failed. The city really really values its independence, to the point that the Count of Nordland(where Marienburg is situated) is forbidden to enter the city under the pain of an excruciatingly hideous death.

Conclusions we can draw from that:
The city likely has its own heraldry and a pretty nasty defense force.
It's technically not part of the Empire proper, so it may not have as much in the way of gunpowder. Archers and crossbowmen abound.

Just off the top of my head using the blurb in the Empire army book.

There is a Warhammer Fantasy RPG 2nd edition sourcebook of the Empire, Sigmar's Heirs ( http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sigmars-Heirs-Guide-Empire-Depth/dp/1844162656/ref=sr_1_32?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280160183&sr=8-32 ) with a lot of background material. The Heraldry book has uniforms and banners of all regions ( http://www.amazon.co.uk/Uniforms-Heraldry-Empire-Warhammer-Workshop/dp/B003WC0T6S/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280160183&sr=8-26 ). The novel Elven Slayer has a short part in that town. Marienburg is basically the Netherlands of the Empire. Watch out for all other BL Empire novels, some may play there, too.

MeanGreenStompa wrote:My 2011 project will be a huge Empire Army based on the free city of Marienburg. I need all the fluff you can muster to read through so I can tailor the army appropriately.

So far I can gather that:
The Patron God of Marienburg is Manan, god of the sea.
There is a sizable population of Sea Elves in the city.
There is no 'ruler' of the city, it is governed by a council of 'Directors', made from the most powerful merchants.

Anything else you can help me with, that can help shape the army, would be appreciated.

Excellent! I've recently done the same, starting a Marienburg force along with two co-workers (Dark Elves, Orcs) of mine to play a sort of escalation league during lunches and stuff (we're all school-teachers in our late-twenties, reliving boyhood memories!)

I bought the Battalion box and will be assembling / painting units as we progress, likely on a bi-weekly basis. Red, blue, and yellow will be the main color scheme, relying on the Mordheim range gallery to really capture that style. I may include pictures later if I remember, and if they're wanted. New to the site, stumbled on here browsing Marienburg fluff myself!

In terms of theme, I'm gonna shave off all the twin-tailed comets and imperial iconography, as Marienburg is clearly unaffiliated with these devices, from all the plastics. I'm not going to use any War Priests, as it seems a bit off-theme. I've toyed with the idea of making War-Priests devoted to Manan, but this seems finicky. Gunpowder might not play a large role, as someone above mentioned, but with their being the "City of Gold" and a large trading port, I imagine they'd be well equipped. Lots of gold-plating on the armor and flashy colors (the Mordheim range gives a good impression of what the theme should look like, as I'm sure we all know!). On top of this, I'm going to use the Dogs of War units, specifically the Marksmen and Republican Guard units to portray crossbow and spear units. The vaguely Italian imagery and often unseen models will provide a nice visual of an army that has a strong mercenary concept. I considered using high elves as my wizards, to really seal the deal, but again, this is up in the air. I myself am torn, and will be following this thread if any new ideas come up!

The fact that my opponent is playing Dark Elves makes it more fun, as Marienburg was built on the ruins of an elven fortress lorded over by Malekith himself!

I have also jumped back in to WFB and am starting an empire army. I am doing a Nordland themed army, so I purchased the "Heraldry of the empire" book. There is a little bit of info on Marienburg in that book. I do recomend getting it, for getting ideas of how you are going to paint your army. Evrything I have read about Marienburg is that they are rich and rely on mercenaries to fill their armies. So you could make a few regiments with marienburg paint schemes(Blue,Yellow,red) then paint up some other detachments or regiments with other paint schemes to show that Marienburg uses "hirelings".

GG

I intend gunpowder to play a fairly important role. Marienburg is a sea power and that means frigates and other warships, ladened with the finest cannons Nuln can manufacture, paid for in gold.

Also hand gunners etc.

I think Provinces like Stirland should be light on black powder weapons but I suspect Marienburg would be fairly heavily equipped in that regard.

I guess it would depend on the kind of coastline it's situated on. The weather would play a pretty big role in that regard, as if it's too humid/damp...well, you're outta luck because the powder wouldn't ignite.

But I don't think there's a "Weather of the Old World" book out there.

I'd assume they have their own version of the "Greatswords", in terms of a bodyguard for the leaders of the city-state.

Yep, I'm fairly certain weather, damp or otherwise, wouldn't really matter, it's the naval nature of Marienburg that will sway choices. It's also not so very far from Nuln and whilst independant, Marienburg isn't under any kind of embargo from the Empire, so it's vast coffers can take paying over the odds for the best guns and cannon.

For example, I see Marienburg forces as being extremely cav lite, due to the city being surrounded by a vast wetlands/swamp and again, horses occupying large amounts of space and resources on the Ships.

I'll also be working out units to use mercs for as well and have a real difference between the smart City Army, the dreg/sea dog types and the flamboyant and odd Merc units serving in the force.

I think this is going to give me a great opportunity to use old Dogs of War units and other weird and wonderful things.

In older (read ancient) WDs there were loads of WFRP articles about Marienburg - details of places to include in your adventures etc - may have been excerpts from the book mentioned above.

MeanGreenStompa wrote:Yep, I'm fairly certain weather, damp or otherwise, wouldn't really matter, it's the naval nature of Marienburg that will sway choices. It's also not so very far from Nuln and whilst independant, Marienburg isn't under any kind of embargo from the Empire, so it's vast coffers can take paying over the odds for the best guns and cannon.

For example, I see Marienburg forces as being extremely cav lite, due to the city being surrounded by a vast wetlands/swamp and again, horses occupying large amounts of space and resources on the Ships.

I'll also be working out units to use mercs for as well and have a real difference between the smart City Army, the dreg/sea dog types and the flamboyant and odd Merc units serving in the force.

I think this is going to give me a great opportunity to use old Dogs of War units and other weird and wonderful things.

For sure. I vote Ricco's Republican Guard as your Halberdiers.

As an aside, I found this today while I was trying to locate the Mordheim model of "Aenur, the Sword of Twilight".

Allow me to present: Marienburg Captain on Foot+Mounted

http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?catId=cat490054a&prodId=prod1120031



They still sell 'em!

Few bits and pieces dug up from WFRP and Mordheim books:

Marienburg is the largest port in the Old World and the only notable settlement in an area called the Wastelands, situation between Bretonnia and the Empire. The Wasteland used to be part of the Empire but the Burgomeisters used the fact that they controlled much of the Empire’s overseas trade to force successive Emperors to allow them greater autonomy, privileges and concessions. They are generally supported in their independence by Bretonnia.

As a major port Marienburg has access to both the goods travelling from the north in addition to those of the New World, the South Lands, Lustria and Cathay.

The city itself comprises many fine houses, many of which are effectively fortresses belong to mercantile aristocrats and merchant adventures that rule the city. It hosts the largest Sea Elven trading community (approx 500) which is pretty much autonomous, with its own laws and militia.

Described as a “wealthy, cosmopolitan city where there is everywhere a sense of affluence and wellbeing”. However “in such an open city it is all too easy for the minions of chaos to hide, to perpetrate their evil affairs and to spread their sickening creed”

Called the City of Gold it’s the home to made headquarters of various mercantile guilds, most notable the High Order of Honourable Freetraders – ambitious, rich and eager to seize power for themselves.

At the time the events in Mordheim were set Lady Margritta was their champion for the Emperor’s throne, who had acquired (bought/bribed?) the backing of all the minor Electors and only the intervention of the Grand Theologian, who refused to Crown her, prevented this. This drove a wedge between the City and the Temple of Sigma.

When talking about the warbands that came out of Marienburg they were described as “sumptuously dressed and armed” and while “often ridiculed as foppish and effete their skill at arms and complete ruthlessness earned them grudging respect”. Individually skilled in duelling and the use of clandestine fighting methods and poisons. Bulk of warbands were often dockland thugs and ships crews.

As any “Marienburg army” would really be a combination of the assembled forces of a variety of merchant lords it gives you quite a lot of scope for differing paint schemes, unit variety etc.

Army/unit ideas could include well armed, well equipped unit (halberdiers, greatswords, footknights) backed up by detachments of poorer looking troops (free company, archers etc). Mercs and hirelings could easily play a part. As there is wealth you wouldn’t have to skimp on guns and equiptment.

I don’t know if the Dogs of War rules still stand in the latest edition but certainly you could get use out of the models – the dwarf pirates and some of the human troops could look good. As there is some support from Bretonnia towards Marienburg you could use some of their knight models as your cavalry, since a seaport/trading nation might not have its own

Hope that may be of help

That's extremely useful, thanks!

Just had a brilliant idea! Warrior Priests and Flagellants, right? Wouldn't really fit into a Marienburg army, being that they're a bit removed from the religious zealotry and such in the 'regular' Empire. I had the notion of having raving bands of "flagellants" being mobs of poorer citizens who are somehow indebted to a mighty lord, and forced to 'pay off' their horrendous debts in this manner. The modeling possibilities are endless! Shackled and chained, or simply poorly armed citizenry in a massive mob led by an ultra-rich (also fat!) paymaster! Perfect stand-ins for Flagellants!

I don't know how you can use this but Marienburg was occupied by Bretonnian forces from L'Anguille and still has a fierce rivalry with that Dukedom.

Perhaps some of your knights could be Bret knights who stayed behind as mercenaries

EmilCrane wrote:I don't know how you can use this but Marienburg was occupied by Bretonnian forces from L'Anguille and still has a fierce rivalry with that Dukedom.

Perhaps some of your knights could be Bret knights who stayed behind as mercenaries

Or be shamed knights/lords that for whatever reason cant return to Brettonia. Making lives as mercenaries in exile. Trying to regain lands and title once they gain enough power.

Lexx wrote:

Or be shamed knights/lords that for whatever reason cant return to Brettonia. Making lives as mercenaries in exile. Trying to regain lands and title once they gain enough power.

Yes, that too. You can create a very elaborate back story for them.

Here's a bit more information on Marienburg.

As mentioned, Marienburg is independent of the Empire, and as such, they do not have College Wizards there (officially, at least--nothing's stopping one from coming by). If I remember correctly, the most common wizardry practiced amongst the free mages of Marienburg is similar to Celestial magic.

The nobles and merchants are overly fond of excessively foppish clothing and hats worn at daringly rakish angles. They tended more towards black powder weapons (well, back in the Mordheim days, anyways) as symbols of wealth.

Manaan is the "patron diety" of Marienburg, as it is the Empire's main point. It is a rather cosmopolitan place, where you might find all sorts of different races doing legal business. In the seedy underbelly of the city, you're bound to find a few more.

generalgrog wrote:I am doing a Nordland themed army,

Nordland brother! Together we will cast the Norscan raiders from our blessed shores!

Ahem, back on topic. Marienburg is the richest city in the Old world, so Gunowder weapons shouldn't be an issue. They are known for feilding large, flashy armies, and DO have units of Greatswords.

Check out the the named vampires in the VC book fluff. There is reference to the Shadow Lord, an all seeing, all controlling Moriarty type figure who resides in Marienburg controlling all the criminal elements and infiltrating the city's nobility and merchant guilds. He is of course a Vampire. Can't really include him in the army as such, but perhaps some of his lackeys?

Wow, some great feedback here.

Flagellants aren't in my current thoughts, they are too much of the Cult of Sigmar and the grimdarker side of the Empire's religious side. If I take warrior priest, they will be priests of Manaan, so big beards and tridents and nets instead of warhammers.

I'm also not sure about heavy cav, but should I do it, my intention was to build units of merc cav, mixing several human (and perhaps an elf or two) into the units. A couple of fallen brets might well feature, if I do try them.

As to wizards, wizards go where they want and when they want. Mercenary wizards seem entirely appropriate as do celestials serving aboard ships... however my first mage will be a Sea Elf from the Enclave, serving in the army as part of the deal.

Gunpowder, especially cannon and handgunners, will feature heavily.

Dunno how I would include vampiric lackeys in the army, but some sinister looking gents lurking in the army seems likely.

Voland's Venators. Voland's Venators for heavy cavalry ideas!

I have Sold Down the River, so I will take a glance at it and update this thread with anymore useful, but here's some stuff I strictly recall.

The city is situated at the southern most part of a large ocean bay into which the River Reik empties into. Ringing this massive bay are numerous defensive structures to protect the city.

The City is actually built on numerous large islands with bridges spanning between them. This leads to many of the islands having differently cultures including Sea Elf districts, poor districts and richer areas. This easily can allow for different looking units if you'd like, not sticking with just one army color, each unit could be different.

There is also a famous tower jail inside the city, perhaps a reason for flagellants, inmates instead of zealous crazies.

The city watch are the black caps, noted for their black caps (surprise!) and pole axes which are used to light the lamps at night.

Outside the city is surrounded by the wastelands, mostly swamplands with few passable roads. Most traffic arrives to Marienburg via the River Reik or by Sea. In the adventure Dying of the Light, which takes place outside of Marienburg, the PCs come up against a massive encampment of mutants living in these lands. You also face off against Fimir.... sold old school Warhammer stuff.

Their are a large population of Sea Elves and its the only port that sees traffic from Ulthlan (or however you spell the HE's island)

more to follow....

God so much nostalga. I loved all the old school stuff.

Fimir... how things have changed.

There was so much little details and fluff in the older rules compaired today. When army books and codexes were grimoires of fluff with only a small portion left over to rules.

Those were the days *swirly special effect ends flashback*

The Warhammer half of http://www.lexicanum.com is good for this sort of thing; though I'm not sure how much has been covered here already...

http://whfb.lexicanum.com/wiki/Marienburg
http://whfb.lexicanum.com/wiki/Count_of_Marienburg

Theres more to see in this Wikipedia article. Including Notable Citizens and Institutions.

Hope this helps