The Empire tech tree (Total War: Warhammer III)

The Empire tech tree, available to all The Empire factions, consists of technologies that unlock new advantages throughout the game. Research takes place constantly, but the rate at which discoveries occur can be increased by using heroes to spy or building additional research buildings at your settlements.

Technologies

Tech	Prerequisite	Cost	Effects	Description
Infantry
State Troop Standards			Recruit rank: +2 for Infantry units Leadership: +5 for Infantry units Speed: +5% for Infantry units	As regiments gain renown, their standards become talismans that are just as important as their sword-arms.
State-Issued Infantry Armour	State Troop Standards		Armour: +15 for Infantry units Missile resistance: 10% for Infantry units	State Troops are often issued with armour plate to ensure unit cohesion and a reasonable level of protection.
State-Issued Weapons	State Troop Standards		Melee attack: +4 for Melee Infantry units Melee defence: +4 for Melee Infantry units	Although the cost falls to each individual soldiier, it is expected that all will use standardised equipment.
Improved Heavy Weapons	State-Issued Weapons State-Issued Infantry Armour		Weapon strength: +10% for Melee Infantry units Charge bonus: +8 for Melee Infantry units Attribute: Expert Charge Defence for Halberdier units	Refined ore techniques create stronger steel, making for more durable blades and heavier weapon-heads.
Missiles
Mass-Produced Small Ammunition			Ammunition: +10% for Missile units Recruitment cost: -15% for Missile units	Industrialised production of ammunition for handguns has allowed the Empire to hoard large supplies.
Mounted Weaponry	Mass-Produced Small Ammunition		Speed: +10% of Missile Cavalry Missile strength: +10% for Pistoliers and Outriders units	Fixing arms atop mounts and rides does away with the need to dismount and set up prior to firing, in turn reducing vulnerability and increasing efficiency.
Trained Marksmen	Mass-Produced Small Ammunition		Missile resistance: 5% for Missile Infantry units Missile strength: +10% for Missile Infantry units	Gunnery units, archers and crossbowmen are well trained in their crafts, learning not only to hit their marks, but how to avoid becoming targets themselves.
Rifled Barrels	Mounted Weaponry Trained Marksmen		Range: +10% for Missile units Reload time reduction: +10% for Missile units	The discovery of barrel-rifling led to increases in speed and accuracy. Both Dwarfs and men claim credit for this invention.
Cavalry
Improved Cavalry Armour			Missile resistance: 10% for Cavalry units Armour: +15 for Cavalry units	Thicker plates for riders and scaled barding for their mounts, meaning a greater percantage survive to charge again.
Endurance Training	Improved Cavalry Armour		Vigour loss reduction: -15% for Cavalry units Speed: +10% for Cavalry units	Riding for days whilst bearing full kit increases one's stamina for the real thing.
Blinkers	Improved Cavalry Armour		Leadership: +8 for Cavalry units Charge bonus: +10 for Cavalry units	What a mount cannot see will not spook them, ensuring every charge hits the target squarely.
The Inner Circle	Blinkers Endurance Training		Melee attack: +5 for Cavalry units Attribute: Immune to Psychology for Cavalry units Melee defence: +5 for Cavalry units	The Knights of the Inner Circle are the elite of the elite, amongst the best fighting men of the Empire.
Artillery
Ordnance Canisters			Recruitment cost: -5% for Artillery units Ammunition: +20% for Artillery units	When the enemy might be an enormous monster taller than the highest spire, it's a good idea not to run out of ammo!
Refined Schematics	Ordnance Canisters		Upkeep: -5% for Artillery units Missile strength: +10% for Artillery units	By fundamentally redesigning how field guns are constructed, we can maximise the firepower of each machine while saving resources in less important areas.
Firing Drills	Ordnance Canisters		Recruit rank: +2 for Artillery units Reload time reduction: +10% for Artillery units	Packing a wallop when they strike, artillery crews are also measured on their firing rates; the faster the better.
Combustion Agent	Refined Schematics Firing Drills		Range: +10% for Artillery units Missile Explosion Radius: +15% for Artillery units	"An eighth of an ounce of this, a pinch of that, and half a pound of the other and... Boom! We have ignition!"
War Machines
Improved Piston Technology			Speed: +15% for Steam Tank, Luminark and Land Ship units Unit mass: +20% for Steam Tank, Luminark and Land Ship units Charge bonus: +20 for Steam Tank, Luminark and Land Ship units	A more efficient way of transferring force from gas under pressure speeds up the production process, meaning more steam-powered weapons ready for the fight.
Greater Channelling	Improved Piston Technology		Passive ability: "Aura of Protection Upgraded" for Luminark units Missile strength: +5% for Luminark units	The Priests atop the Luminark hone their chants and prayers, offering greater protection to those around them.
Reinforced Armour Plating	Improved Piston Technology		Attribute: Ballistic Plating for Steam Tank units Armour: +15 for Steam Tank and Land Ship units Missile resistance: 10% for Steam Tank and Land Ship units	Even the largest hulking war machine can be made more resilient to attack.
Pinnacle of the Empire	Greater Channelling Reinforced Armour Plating		Local Recruitment duration: -2 turns for Steam Tank, Luminark, and Land Ship units (minimum 1) Attribute: Encourage for Steam Tank, Luminark and Land Ship units	The height of Imperial Engineering: just having these machines on the battlefield rallies nearby troops to sweeping pride!
Trade & Industry
Supply Wagons			Campaign movement range: +5% Tradable resources produced: +10%	An army can only march as far as its supplies will last. Wagons loaded with goods allow for larger forces.
Colonial Factors	Supply Wagons		Income from trade tariffs: +20% Income from Iron, Gem and Gold Mines: +15%	This joint-stock enterprise, if the trade winds prevail, is bound to make both factors and shareholders filthy, stinking rich. Amen.
Guildmaster Professors	Colonial Factors		Construction cost: -25% for resource-producing buildings Construction time: -1 for resource-producing buildings	The greatest minds of the Old World are gathered by the Empire's various institutions to impart their knowledge and methods of efficiency.
Commodity Trading	Guildmaster Professors		Income from Ports: +10% Immune to High Seas attrition (all armies) Sea Lanes journey duration: -1 turns	There's always a new market to be tapped, or a fresh approach to existing ones.
Grain Silos			Casualty replenishment rate: +5% Growth: +10	It's comforting for people to know where their next meal will come from when winter's chill descends.
Continuous Production	Grain Silos		Construction cost: -10% for all buildings	Interchangeable parts and constant work shifts ensure production targets are met or even exceeded.
Assembly Line	Continuous Production		Income from Industry: +15%	This progressive assembly enables swifter production of all manner of industrial goods.
Imperial Architects	Assembly Line		Construction time: -25% for all buildings Income from Province Capital/Settlement buildings: +10%	The Imperial Architects are an eccentric bunch who have always had, well, let's say 'fanciful' ideas about how a building should look...
Imperial Colleges
Imperial University			Control: +2 Hero capacity: +1 for Empire Captains Hero recruit rank: +3 for Empire Captains	This colonial campus maintains the high standards taught within the Imperial Colleges of Magic black home.
Clergy of Sigmar			Corruption: -2 (all provinces) Hero capacity: +1 for Warrior Priests Hero recruit rank: +3 for Warrior Priests	One god, one way, many agents to guarantee compliance in defence of the faith.
Intelligence Sharing			Hero action cost: -15% Hero action success chance: +5% Hero capacity: +1 for Witch Hunters Hero recruit rank: +3 for Witch Hunters	Intelligence shared is intelligence doubled.
Engineers' Guild			Research rate: +10 Hero capacity: +1 for Engineers Hero recruit rank: +3 for Engineers	Being able to share acquired knowledge among your peers can only lead to better results all round.
Manorialism	Intelligence Sharing Imperial University Engineers' Guild Clergy of Sigmar		Diplomatic relations: +20 with Empire Lord recruit rank: +3 Global recruitment capacity: +1 Local recruitment capacity: +1 (all provinces)	Lords rule and live well, peasants work themselves to death and must pay for the privilege - it's the perfect model for any truly forward-looking society.
Colleges of Magic
Teachings of Teclis			Experience gain: +25% for all spellcasters Construction time: -50% for Battle Wizard recruitment buildings (factionwide)	The Warden of the White Tower is known to many as the most powerful Wizard the mortal world has ever seen; fortunately; he imparts his wisdom gladly.
Protection of the Patriarch	Teachings of Teclis		Spell resistance: 10% (all armies) Ward save: 5% for Battle Wizards (all armies)	The Supreme Patriarch protects and guides the Colleges, ensuring dangerous magics are kept tightly under control.
The Eight Orders	Teachings of Teclis		Winds of Magic power reserve: +3 per turn (all armies) Hero capacity: +1 for Battle Wizards Hero recruit rank: +3 for Battle Wizards	Long ago, Teclis founded the eight Colleges of Magic; ever since, human Wizards have gathered to learn and practise their craft.
Hall Of Duels	Protection of the Patriarch The Eight Orders		Cooldown: -10% to all spells (all armies) Winds of Magic power reserve capacity: +10 (all armies)	It is in the Hall of Duels that a new Patriarch is decided and each Wizard must prove their worth.
Diplomatic Corps
Ambassador to the Tzarina		7000	Diplomatic relations: +50 with Kislev Immune to Snow attrition (all armies)	A minor member of the Imperial aristocracy he may be, but the Emperor's ambassador knows exactly what to say, and how to say it, to guarantee a favourable outcome to proceedings.
Ambassador to the Phoenix King		7000	Diplomatic relations: +50 with High Elves Allegiance points gained: +20%	Successful dealings with the lofty, aloof Asur takes a certain type of individual if awkward diplomatic misunderstandings are to be avoided.
Ambassador to the Karaz Ankor		7000	Diplomatic relations: +50 with Dwarfs Tradeable resources produced: +10%	Diplomatic and discreet, this one knows exactly how to deal with fiery Dwarfen temperaments, so is well placed to fun the Imperial embassy to the Everlasting Realm.
Ambassador to the Royarch of Bretonnia		7000	Diplomatic relations: +50 with Bretonnia Recruit rank: +1 for Cavalry units Recruitment cost: -5% for Cavalry units	Deferent and respectful, the embassy to Bretonnia understands perfectly the customs and traditions of this ancient feudal society.
Ambassador to the Dragon Emperor		7000	Diplomatic relations: +50 with Grand Cathay Income from trade tariffs: +20%	Grand Cathay is home to many wonders, many of which could be put to good use by the Empire.
Ambassador to the Overtyrant		7000	Diplomatic relations: +50 with Ogre Kingdoms Allied recruitment cost: -10%	Unintelligent though they are, one cannot deny the usefulness and power of having a mighty Ogre Tyrant on side.
Enemies of State
Purge of the Foul		7000	Leadership: +5 when fighting against Greenskins, Skaven, Ogres and Lizardmen Melee defence: +5 when fighting against Greenskins, Skaven, Ogres and Lizardmen	Foul Greenskins, flea-infested Skaven, gluttonous Ogres and slimy Lizardmen are abroad in sufficient numbers that an organised cull is now necessary.
Purge of the Fell		7000	Leadership: +5 when fighting against Vampire Counts, Vampire Coast and Tomb Kings Melee attack: +5 when fighting against Vampire Counts, Vampire Coast and Tomb Kings	There may be fell Necromancy afoot, for the Undead and Unliving infest Imperial territory in too greater numbers, hastening the need for an immediate purge.
Purge of the Knife-Ears		7000	Leadership: +5 when fighting against Elves Missile resistance: 5% when fighting against Elves	These lands belong to the Empire - those arrogant, knife-eared Elves must be driven back to their own dominion, and with haste!
Purge of the Ruinous Breeds		7000	Leadership: +5 when fighting against Norsca, Warriors of Chaos, Chaos Dwarfs, Daemons of Chaos and Beastmen Weapon strength: +5% for all units when fighting against Norsca, Warriors of Chaos, Chaos Dwarfs, Daemons of Chaos and Beastmen	The taint of Chaos has been observed here; such things must not be allowed to gain a foothold and be removed without delay!
State Troops ( The Golden Order and Wissenland & Nuln only)
Swords of the Empire		7500	Unlocks recruitment of the following Elector Count State Troops: Swords of Ulric (Swordsmen), Carroburg Greatswords (Greatswords)	Always the first into battle on the charge, these elite troops aim for the very heart of the foe.
Spears of the Empire		7500	Unlocks recruitment of the following Elector Count State Troops: Eldred's Guard (Spearmen - Shields), Nordland Mariners (Halberdiers)	Braced for the onslaught, these extensively-drilled spearmen hold fast in the face of the enemy.
Marksman of the Empire		7500	Unlocks recruitment of the following Elector Count State Troops: Stir River Patrol (Crossbowmen), Gunderman's Surefires (Handgunners)	Those who dare approach Imperial battle lines must face multiple hails of arrows before the first blow is even struck.
Machines of the Empire		7500	Unlocks recruitment of the following Elector Count State Troops: Sootson's Guns (Mortars), The Emperor's Wrath (Steam Tank)	These men's superior engineering skills are matched only by their martial prowess, as evidenced by the explosions that ring around the battlefield during the combat.
Riders of the Empire		7500	Unlocks recruitment of the following Elector Count State Troops: The Noble Sons Abroad (Pistoliers), The Bordermen (Outriders – Grenade Launchers)	These advanced horsemen ensure that the enemy's numbers are fewer than intended when battle is finally joined.
Knights of the Empire		7500	Unlocks recruitment of the following Elector Count State Troops: Knights of Morr (Empire Knights). Knights of the Everlasting Light (Empire Knights), The Stubborn Bulls (Empire Knights - Greatswords)	These advanced horsemen ensure that the enemy's numbers are fewer than intended when battle is finally joined.
Elector Counts ( Reikland only)
The Conclave of Light			Diplomatic Talks can now be held between all Empire, High Elves, Kislev, Bretonnia, Dwarf and Cathay factions	When dark times arrive, Karl Franz assembles prominent leaders and statesmen from across the Old World and beyond to vanquish whichever evil now stirs to threaten the natural order.
Emperor of the Empire	The Conclave of Light		All Emperor's Decrees Actions Upgraded	Emperor Karl Franz is widely regarded as the greatest statesman the Empire has ever known, if not the entire Old World.
Supreme Patriarch ( The Golden Order only)
College Archives			Arcane Essays gained post-batle: +10% (all armies)	When not training in his magic or practising his Alchemy, Gelt can often be found in the College Archives studying his crafts.
Cataclysmic Power	The Conclave of Light		Ability number of uses: +1 for Cataclysm Spells	Under the protection of and guidance of the Colleges of Magic, Wizards can hone their craft to the highest level.
Hunting Advances ( The Huntsmarshal's Expedition only)
Hunters' Guild			Recruit rank: +2 for all Imperial Supplies units	Such groups are formed so that knowledge and experience can be shared for the betterment of all their members.
Colonial Fort	Hunters' Guild		Casualty replenishment rate: +10% Control: +1	A vital foothold in new territory and a home-from-home for Imperial subjects abroad on colonial business.
Seaborne Logistics			Construction cost: +10% for Ports Construction time: -1 for Ports	Fledgling colonists must be supplied from back home in the Old World until the Empire's mark is firmly made upon its new lands.
Imperial Reinforcements	Seaborne Logistics		Receive an additional detachment of reinforcements with every Imperial Supplies delivery	If you've got a problem and no one else can help--- call the Empire's best to settle the issue once and for all!
Sigmar's Will ( Cult of Sigmar only)
Fanatic's Decree			Upkeep: -50% for Flagellant units Speed: +10% for Flagellants units Missile resistance: 15% for Flagellants units	"The damned will fear us as we push fowards with unbridled wrath - AND THEY WILL BE DESTROYED!"
Divine Mandate	Fanatic's Decree		Effect range: +25% for "Grand Hammer of Sigmar" Effect range: +25% for "Grand Shield of Faith"	As more and more accursed books are sealed, bigger and bigger temples are built, and Sigmar's blessings smile upon us.
Dark Lady of Nuln ( Wissenland & Nuln only)
Advisor to Nuln			Schematics gained post-battle: +15% (all armies)	Any who hold the ear of Countess Emmanuelle von Liebwitz enjoy boundless influence across all of Nuln.
The Amethyst Armourer	Advisor to Nuln		Purchase cost: +25% for Amethyst Artillery charges +3 Amethyst Unit capacity per army (faction leader's army)	By infusing Death Magic into the powerful arms of Nuln, new, ever-more deadly weapons are conceived.
Seeker of Knowledge			Gardens of Morr fast travel cost: -30%	Elspeth often spends time travelling between her Towers, in search of lost lore and artefacts of untold power.
Scion of the Empire	Seeker of Knowledge		Gain vision of all non-hostile Empire faction's capitals	Despite her reclusive nature, Elspeth is and forever will be a true child and defender of the Empire.