Characters & locations of the Bjorling coast

 

Viborg: A trading town some distance east of Skjold. The site of a fierce naval battle.

Skjold: The great city of the Bjorling kings. Situated atop a cliff overlooking a deep, sheltered fjord.

Ulfric Grondel: The late king of the Bjorlings.

Ygrid: A woman of Skjold, taken as a "ship wife" (thrall) by Ulfberth. Slavery is forbidden in the Empire, but surely a Norscan in Norsca must abide by Norscan traditions and laws???

Ynfrit: A fair maiden (only one part of that is true) of Skjold. Taken in by Wigmar.

Characters: Ynfrit, Bloody Flower of the Skraelings

 

Ynfrit of the Skraelings, captured (or freed, whichever way you want to look at it) during the sack of Skjold, the "great city" of the Bjorling kings. 

The omens were favorable, and she did not have to take the plunge (which in Skjold is better than in Kemperbad, perhaps even better than in Middenheim). She did, however, have to fly down to the ship, carried by Wigmar's magic... quite an experience for a girl not used to magic.

Characters: Al-Adiz residents

 

CHARACTERS

Mulek ibn-Aharat al-Aswara, Emir of Al-Adiz: Ruler of the city and the surrounding lands. Vassal to the Sultan of All Araby. Seems concerned about his city, its security, and its prosperity. Has the looks of a warrior but is getting long in the tooth. Courteous and generous. Four wives.

Akul the Bull, Harbor Master of the Third Port of Al-Adiz: This obese man oversees the third harbor reserved for foreign traders (the first port is military, the second for true believers). He's as corrupt as he is fat but too clever to take bribes directly. Indeed, he gives a token gift to all visitors while his henchmen collect hard gold from whoever comes to port. 

Wigmar has not had direct contact but has received an ornate water pipe as a welcoming gift. It's unlikely that common visitors get this treatment. Then again, by looking at the Spirit, you can tell its owner is someone special.

Muthmet the Black, Captain of the Guard: A towering figure, his dark skin betrays his Southern origins. He holds the power of life and death over foreigners in the city, a stark reminder of the strict laws that govern Al-Adiz. His presence alone is a testament to the city's commitment to order and security. 

Again, not a man Wigmar has been in direct contact with.

Hakim ibn-Alim al-Hakk, Master of the Emporium of Heavenly Delights: This darkly handsome man in his late 40s or early 50s is the primary owner and chief operator of one of the dozen or so major merchant companies in Al-Adiz. Wigmar chose to call upon Hakim specifically because "the omens were favorable."

Sekhmet: The illegitimate daughter of Hakim, she was once the least of his servants. Now, she serves Wigmar, her new master. A budding artist, her journey from the shadows to the forefront of the story is just beginning. 

Nafira: Curvaceous slave girl. Tribal origins. Unknown how she came to be a slave. The only person to mention Akh. Formerly owned by Emir Mulek.

Bastheth: Local minor "goddess" that dwells in a magic cave near Al-Adiz. Bastheth is both a woman and a leopard - and sometimes both at the same time.

Nadia: Voice of Bastheth. Recently promoted. Helped oversee the rite of marriage. Kislevite roots.

Fidez: An elderly gentleman and scholar of Al-Adiz. Also, a fakir (sorcerer). His faith is on the pragmatic side of the scale.

Fatimeh: Daughter of the Emir. Rather adventurous. Will come north.

Hemeth: Daughter of the Emir. Rather timid. Will stay in Al-Adiz.

Hashan: Desert dweller, tribal leader, accompanied Thesalva to the Dead Lands.

Characters: Wigmar's household

 

Karl-Franz (KF): Wigmar's stay-at-home sommellier. Trained by Thesalva in the art of killing by blade and poison. Something of a Shadowmancer.

Jakop Grind: Wigmar's travelling sommelier.

Esme: Wigmar's personal Strigany maid

Rene: Wigmar's personal Strigany maid

Sabine: Wigmar's personal Strigany maid

Anton Schürmann: Headmaster of the orphan school

Ulli Jenk: Engineer, chief of canal design and building. Young but driven. Balding before his years. Hollow-cheeked.

Characters: Elena Valeria Ferraz y Villar de Barboza

  

Elena Valeria Ferraz y Villar de Barboza is the daughter of the late pirate captain Alvaro Ferraz and the late Maria Villar of Bilbali. The former hailed from what passes for a noble bloodline in Barboza, and the latter was a woman from a good Bilbali family who was offered to Alvaro in marriage, most likely to stop him from attacking their ships and holdings.

Wigmar married the girl during his stay in Barboza to further cement his hold on the pirate city. Though she seems pleasant enough, he's only spent a short amount of time with Elena, so it's hard to say much about her. Hopefully, Wigmar will have time to stop by from time to time to ensure the start of a new and long-lasting dynasty.

Characters: Flowers of the desert

 

Even in the desert, it sometimes rains... and then you get flowers such as these.

Nadia (left): High Priestess (newly appointed, formerly the lowest of the low) of Bastheth.

Nafira (center): Former slave girl. Tribal origins. A follower of Akh.

Sekhmet (right): The illegitimate daughter of Hakim. Something of an artist herself.

Also featured here: https://warhammerstormofshadows.blogspot.com/2024/05/al-adiz-characters.html

Characters: Bastheth the Leopard Goddess

 

Bastheth is an ancient magical being dwelling in an equally magical cave (somewhat similar to other magic caves Wigmar has visited, but also unique) outside Al-Adiz. Some would call her a goddess, others name her daemon. The locals call her djinn and consider her benevolent but dangerous (and since none may enter her cave, even if they have the courage, contact is limited). The shairs - the holy men/close students of the law - consider her a part of the natural world order that El has ordained. There is also another similar group of beings, the efreet, who are the enemies of the djinn and God. It's hard to quantify, but it sounds like they may be leaning more heavily into the Realm of Chaos, so they're kind of corrupted djinn.

In the Old Times, before the rise of the Tomb Kings and the Great Betrayal, before the rise of Ankh even, many such beings dwelled in the southern lands. Most were slain by none other than Ankh, according to Bastheth that is (but Wigmar considers it likely to be true), and the source of their power seized by the sun god's priest-kings. Only a few remain, typically those found far from Nehekharan lands, such as this one outside Al-Adiz. Others can be found in the deep desert, the Southlands, or the western mountains.

Bastheth is now joined in marriage to Wigmar and has sworn to serve the Sun. It remains to be seen how pleased Ankh will be with this arrangement. Bastheth has the energy and stamina to keep up with Wigmar. And she's been alone in her cave for quite a while. Unfortunately, she can't really leave. She could go into the desert or visit Al-Adiz, but that's about the limit for her, or she will become greatly weakened. Bastheth can take the form of a leopard, a human, or a combination of the two. She has power over leopards. 

Her Voice into the World is Nadia, a former slave girl turned princess. Her roots are in Kislev, hence her name.

Characters: Prince Eltharion of Yvresse & Uthlass "Eonir" the Envoy

 

ELTHARION

Eltharion, also called Eltharion the Grim, is the Prince of Yvresse and the Warden of Tor Yvresse. He is one of the greatest of all High Elven lords. Many times, he has achieved what would have been thought impossible. It was Eltharion who was the first of Ulthuan's generals to dare an assault on Naggarond itself and live to speak of it, and he who finally brought about the defeat of Waaagh! Grom. For his valor in that battle, Eltharion was elected Warden of Tor Yvresse, and though he is a dour ruler, the people of that fair city love him dearly.

Eltharion and his griffon steed (yes, they are real, just like dragons) intercepted Wigmar and the Geist von Manann off the west coast of Ulthuan. The prince was clearly moved (or as much as grim high elves betray any emotions at all) impressed with Wigmar's acumen, bearing, and hospitality (or as much as humans can impress elves). It probably also helped somewhat that he and Wigmar are of about equal social standing (in so far as elves acknowledge human nobility). But more importantly, he seemed to think Wigmar was touched by the flame of Asuryan (the head/sun god of the elves - oc known to Wigmar since he has lore). Does this have anything to do with the Flame of Ulric? Or is it unrelated?

At any rate, the prince felt he could trust a human enough to tell of the kidnapping of Aliathra, the Everchild, the daughter of the Everqueen. Which curiously coincided with the attack on Ulthuan by multiple Bretonnian plague ships.

UTHLASS the EONIR

He invited Wigmar to come visit his capital, but when Wigmar had other plans, he sent his envoy Uthlass (whom the prince referred to as 'the Eonir') to accompany Wigmar on his adventures. The reason for this strange nickname was revealed during the trip to Al-Adiz: Uthlass is literally one of the Eonir, a wood elf of the Laurelon - practically a neighbor to Wigmar!

Anyway, Eonir left his home long ago and traveled the world, eventually ending up in Ulthuan and in the Prince's service. Eltharion might think that having been born and living in the Old World makes him an expert on all things human. Or something.

He's also an expert on Ulthuan and something of a gossip (and quite fond of good drink and food). He's confided in Wigmar that the Everchild is a figure of some controversy at court or perhaps only the target of vile slander. That she is not, in fact, the daughter of the Phoenix King but of Tyrion, one of the King's most trusted advisers (and brother to the somewhat famous Teclis).

Imperial Family

 

Lutipold von Holswig-Schliestein: Current Emperor. Long may he reign. The 4th of his house to rule in succession. Something of a playa in his ill-tempered youth.

Maria-Luise von Walfen: Empress. Sister to Grossherzog Viktor von Walfen (Walfen is a town not terribly far from Übersreik).

Karl-Franz von Holswig-Schliestein: Imperial Crown Prince.

Isabella "Bella" von Holswig-Schliestein: A seer - and possibly a sorcerer. Resides in the Great Hospice (on account of seeing and hearing things). Disfigured since childhood.

Immanuel-Ferrand von Holswig-Schliestein: Lutipold's younger brother. Spymaster.

Kurt: Probably not his given name. Hideously mutated creature found beneath Blood Keep. Transferred to Castle Wittgenstein, where he remains under Reiksguard's guard. Suspected as being one of the Emperor's bastards.

Wigmar: Could be one of the Emperor's bastards. Not as mutated as Kurt.

Cult of Sigmar - Some important characters

 

Back in the day...

Grand Theogonist Yorri XV: Recently deceased. Possessed by a daemon of the Changer (never explicitly stated, but kind of obvious). Fond of cats. No known vices (very disturbing). May have been involved in the Emperor's poisoning and the plot to draw K-F out of Altdorf.

It's unclear how the possession could escape notice, but then again, such things are tough to detect, especially if the daemon does not directly puppeteer the human shell.

Arch Lector (of the East) Aglim 'Osthammer' (literally: the hammer of the East): Recently deceased. Killed by a falling statue of Sigmar in the grand cathedral in Altdorf. Usually found in Ostland. 

Arch Lector (of the West) Rupert von Lintheim: Mentioned only. Headquartered in Nuln, but present in Altdorf ATM. Close ties to the Knights Griffin, but he's not a templar by training.

Capitular-Captain Johann Esmer: Capitular of Wolfenburg. He was formerly of the Knights of the Fiery Heat (he retains his rank oc but is now a priest, not a templar).

Luthor Huss: Warrior-priest of Sigmar. When he's not battling 'the enemies of Man and Sigmar,' he can be found rooting out corruption within the Temple of Sigmar. Without sanction, but typically with the backing of the locals. Like a reverse witch-hunter. He's been arrested and tried on occasion but is not without allies - and is also more than capable of invoking the ancient rites of personal combat. 

Capitular Volkmar von Hindenstern: Capitular of Carroburg. Has been known to use his position (and considerable worldly connections) to get Huss out of trouble.

High Capitular Herhardt Schult: High Capitular (basically an archbishop) of Altdorf and de-facto leader of the Silver Hammers. He had the privilege of marrying Wigmar and Katerina T.

Characters of Nordland and Middenland

 

MIDDENHEIM/MIDDENLAND

Boris X Todbringer: Elector-Count. Lord of Middenheim and Middenland. De-facto ruler of Nordland. In his 50s (same generation as the Emperor and von Liebwitz). Married twice, plenty of mistresses and dalliances. Could very well have more children than those known.

(Maria von Richthoven): Boris' first wife. Died in childbirth with Stefan.

(Annike-Elise Nikse): Boris' second wife. Died young in 2498. No children. Niece of Baron Werner Nikse of Nordland. Claimed to be a Slaaneshi cultist (no proof, but she may have been associated with von Wittgenstein, which would warrant some questioning if she was alive). 

Stefan Todbringer (b. 2470): Boris' oldest son and heir. Around 30 y/o at present. Sickly and sometimes simple-minded, but has improved somewhat under Doctor Luigi Pavarotti's care.

Katarina Todbringer (b. 2479): Boris' second (recognized) child. Born out of wedlock to an unnamed lady at court but raised as Boris' own from an early age. Often called the Princess of Middenheim. Engaged to Wigmar. Future Princess of Nordland. 

Baron Heinrich "Todbringer" (b. 2470): Widely assumed to be Boris' illegitimate son. Why else would he be given the title of Baron? He has no right to the family name, however, as he is not formally recognized. A fine warrior with experience fighting greenskins in the Middle Mountains, Skaven, and now also Chaos. He may (or may not) be the oldest child of Boris, born out of wedlock right before Stefan, depending on what sources you believe.

Uther: Venerable Knight of the White Wolf. Accompanies Wigmar to Nordland.

Baron Emil Kärzburdgers Responsible for maintaining and manning the Brass Keep wall and the picket. Considerable gunpowder production (sells to both Middenland and Hochland). Very impressive - and very red - beard.

Emilline Kärzburdger: Baron Emil's twn sister. Quite attractive - if you like gingers.

NORDLAND

NOBLES

Baron Werner von Nikse: Cheerful and sociable man in his 40s. Uncle of Annike-Elise Nikse. Married for the 5th(?) time to a very young lady. The last in a long line of "Princes" from House Nikse to rule Nordland in the name of the Todbringers. Rather gracefully stepped down from his position to become Wigmar's Chancellor.

Dowager Baroness Ingrid Gausser (the elder): The matriarch of the Gausser family. Quite elderly but energetic. One of the few who can credibly trace her lineage back to the Jutones tribe (almost all nobles claim descent from the old tribes, but few have proof as good as this). Despite this, the Gaussers have been a marginalized House during the 2209-2500 Nikse era. Ingrid and her late husband (and later her son) have done much to reverse the Gausser fortunes, to the point where they are quite wealthy and well-connected both inside and outside of Nordland.

Baron Theoderic Gausser: The current Lord Gausser. Son of Ingrid. Spends much of his time outside Nordland.

Ostwind Gausser: Theoderic's son and heir. Apparently, the man is a fine sea captain that was ventured the width and breadth of the world. As such, he's rarely at home.

Ingrid Gausser (the younger): Theoderic's daughter/Ostwind's sister. Lady in waiting for Katerina. One of the most attractive young noblewomen in the Empire.

Baron(ett) Goderic Tant "von Beeckerhoven": Self-proclaimed lord of Beeckerhoven. Tries to pass as a Reiklander, but is probably from the hill country of southern Averland or Stirland. Rode to war with Wigmar. Missing a few fingers after Brass Keep.

PRIESTS, WIZARDS & SUCH

Magister Sabine Flamius: Magister extraordinaire. Originally a gold wizard, this weird lady has an interest in heavenly phenomena, including the Chaos moon. The only wizard of note in Salzenmund.

Wolf Lord Erich Granholm: High Priest of Ulric.

Wave Lord Otto Sider: High Priest of Mannan. Currently on a journey to Norsca. Mentioned only.

Wave Rider Aelfric Kalt: Acting High Priest of Mannan.

Lector Germund Vorstell: High Priest of Sigmar. A Southerner that tries to apply Southern logic to Northern peoples. Sigmar's temple hasn't really grown much on his watch.

Agata von Durch: High Priestess of Shallya. 

POLITICAL & MILITARY

Burgomeister Maximilian "Max" von Kirscheschlage: Mayor of Salzenmund.

Herr Antal von Rammel: The Silversmiths' Guild representative to the City Council. Which probably makes him the most powerful person in Salzenmund. 

Captain Sigrid Neiding: Commander of the Salzenmund Greatswords and Protector of the Crimson Gate. Owner of an eye patch. Quite fierce. Not corrupt, just dedicated to her job of collecting coins.

Grandmaster Artur von Pretzer: Leader of the Knights of the North Star, the only local order of (secular) knights. Their primary sponsors include the Silversmith's Guild and House Gausser.

OTHERS

Piotr Wagner: A peddler of mixed ancestry. Now a trader and spy for Wigmar in Salzenmund.

Ulli Jenk: An engineer encountered in Südtor. Well schooled in Altdorf, but too young to be very experienced. Recruited into Wigmar's service. If he can build a stone arc bridge, maybe he can build the largest canal project in Empire history?

Sister Superior Frobel: Head of the Adler Academy of Fine Learning. Mentioned only.

Sister Tennetz: Senior teacher at the academy and "envoy" to the new Prince.

Chancellor Otto Krogh: Headmaster of the University. Mentioned only.

Professor Stefan Elledan: A teacher at the Salzenmund University and "envoy" to Wigmar.

Dag Olhauser: Upstanding Salzenmund trader (and perhaps sometimes smuggler) in his 50s. A staunch supporter of Ulric's temple.

Khulnan: Male wood elf. Leader of the band of "wild" elves that kidnapped Rallane. Currently accompanies Wigmar.

Uysha: Female wood elf. A devotee of Atharti, the dark elven goddess of lust and revelry (totally not Slaanesh). With Wigmar.

Who's who in Middenheim

 

Nastassia having a wee chat with a fellow

NOBILITY

GRAF Boris Todbringer [MENTIONED ONLY]: The renowned ruler of Middenland and Middenheim. From the same generation as Lutipold and von Liebwitz. A great warrior back in the day. Not so much now, apparently.

LATE WIFE Anika-Elise Nikse [MENTIONED ONLY]: Mother of the graf's 2 legitimate children. Died years ago - graf never remarried. A scion of the ruling house of Nordland.

HEIR Stefan Todbringer [MENTIONED ONLY]: The graf's sole son and heir. Said to be sickly. Many doctors have tried to cure him. His current PHYSICIAN is said to have (almost?) cured him.

"PRINCESS" Katarina Todbringer: The graf's young(ish) daughter. She's probably close to 20 now and quite attractive, so why isn't she married yet? Has a fairy-tale castle in the graf's park. Likes elves and music (probably dancing too).

BASTARD Baron Heinrich "Todbringer": The graf's unrecognized (but still ennobled) bastard son. The graf is said to have other illegitimate children as well. NASTASSIA claims she works for him.

COURT

CHANCELLOR Josef Sparsam: The Graf's prime minister. Elderly gentleman. Both too refined and a bit too frail to fit the image of an archetypical Middenlander.

CHAMBERLAIN (HAUSMEISTER) Hans Breugal: Head of the graf's household. Basically responsible for running the court.

CHAMPION Dieter Schmeidenhammer: Graf's champion. Undefeated for years. Big guy. Surprisingly social and friendly. Engaged to one of the LADIES AT COURT.

MINSTREL Rallane Lafarel: The court minstrel. An easy-going sort. Has been very helpful. Doesn't seem to care much about the "sea elves" - what matters is that they are elves.

MASTER OF THE HUNT Allavandrel Fanmaris [MENTIONED ONLY]: An elf.

PHYSICIAN Luigi Pavarotti [MENTIONED ONLY]: Stean Todbringer's personal physician. Judging by the name, he's probably a Tilean.

CHAPERONE Hildegarde Zimperich: Old hag. Follows the "Princess" at all times.

PARAMOUR Emmanuelle Schlagen [MENTIONED ONLY]: Very attractive. Tall, slender yet curvaceous, ash-blonde. In her late 20s. Officially a "lady at court" but in reality the Graf's mistress. Formerly the Ar-Ulric's mistress (according to SPYMASTER Nastassia).

LADIES AT COURT 

Kirsten Jung: Lady at court. Engaged with Dieter.

Petra Liebkosen [MENTIONED ONLY]: Lady at court.

Natasha Sinnlich [MENTIONED ONLY]: Lady at court.

HIGH PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS CHARACTERS

AR-ULRICH Jarrick Valgeir [MENTIONED ONLY]: High priest of Ulric. Supposedly had an affair with the PARAMOUR.

GRAND MASTER Emil Valgeir: Commands the Knights of the White Wolf

ETERNAL KNIGHT Siegfried Punkvoll [MENTIONED ONLY]: The honorary guardian of the Eternal Flame.

Isolde Begegnen: Shallya

WIZARDS

HIGH WIZARD Albrecht Helsher: Leader of the Grand Guild of Wizards. Just wants to be left alone with his magical work.

DEPUTY Janna Eberhauer: His second-in-command. A no-nonsense lady who looks down on non-mages.

MILITARY

WATCH COMMANDER Ulrich Schutzmann [MENTIONED ONLY]

GENERAL Johann Schwermutt [MENTIONED ONLY]

MARSHAL Maximillian von Genscher [MENTIONED ONLY]

LAW LORDS

Reiner Ehrlich [MENTIONED ONLY]: Supposedly (according to Nastassia) proposed both the Dwarf tax and the Scroll tax.

Joachim Hoflich [MENTIONED ONLY]: Another law lord.

Karl-Heinz Wasmeier [MENTIONED ONLY]: Another law lord.

KOMISSIONERS, GUILDMASTERS, ETC.

Middenheim is home to several influential Councils (Commissions) and powerful guilds (the Dwarven engineering guild, the merchant guild, and the wizard guild are the most prominent).

Gotthard von Wittgenstein/Gerd Walleinstein: Last scion of the Wittgenstein clan. Lives in Middenheim under the name Gerd Wallenstein, a mid-level (human) official of the Commission of Dwarf/Elf/Halfling affairs. Currently out of town. 

Anders Mann: Chairman of the City Commission on Commerce, Trade, and Taxation. Also the leader of the Merchants’ Guild.

OTHER CHARACTERS

FIXER Sascha Rothbert: Works for the Low King called "the Man" (Middenheim's underworld bosses). Has been extraordinarily helpful both with costumes and information.

SPYMASTER Nastassia: Knows a lot about the ruling class and what's going on. Provided info about the AR-ULRIC and the graf's PARAMOUR. Works for the Todbringers, but specifically for the BASTARD, Heinrich Todbringer.

NEW COMPANIONS

TROLL SLAYER Glugnur: Fellow pit fighter. Had come to die fighting minotaurs but now works for Wigmar.

CULTISTS ETC.

CAPTAIN Scharlach: Purple Hand. A "public" contact. Asking for the good captain in will draw the attention of the cult. Scharlack is in hiding but alive.

JEWELLER Joachim Bitterfeld: Purple Hand, Magister. Has a deaf-mute "wife" that helps him in the shop and at home.

Some new NPCs

 

You need to go to Naggaroth for this outfit...

New followers

Sir Léon Fuileré: Bretonnian knight from Quenelles. His master died at the hands of Zul, and he seeks atonement (losing your liege and yet surviving is the worst sin for a true knight) in Wigmar's service.

New girls

Laetitia of Parravon: Daughter of Antigone of Parrvon (who was sister to Duke Escarot and Damsel Francesca) and a handsome peasant. Not technically a bastard since her parents were wed by some backcountry priest, she's nevertheless the result of an unwanted liaison. Has magic potential.

Wilhelmina Drücker: The spoiled (in more ways than one) Daughter of Parravonian merchant Adolphus Drücker (whose family obviously has ties back to the old country). Accompanies Wigmar in the hopes of attracting a worthy Reikland suitor. Wigmar has sworn to protect her honor against everyone but himself.

Felicia of Myrmidia: Initiate of Myrmidia. Guarded the temple in Parravon during Zul's attack. Now an officer in Wigmar's employ. Better soldier than a lover, but if you like 'em fit, she's one for you.

Yasmina of Araby: The 17th (of 54) daughter of the Great Sultan of All Araby (he's got a LOT of children). Very attractive, very exotic, very much trained in the higher arts of keeping her man happy.

Naggaroth delegation

Wigmar doesn't know how many elves* there are. Fifty or more is the best bet. They arrived aboard a three-masted full rigger coming up the Reik. The vessel is moored next to the Emperor's (not a battle) barge. How they got past Marienburg (which has a large elven population and an embassy from Ulthuan) is anybody's guess. They are here to get back the traitor witch (Theslava) elf at all costs. And establish diplomatic relations between the Empire and Naggaroth.

* In this version of Warhammer, humans consider elves to be elves. They know next to nothing about intra-elven politics and conflicts. Even if they did, humans wouldn't care.

Gonthar, Prince of Naggaroth, Ambassador to Altdorf: His name means something like "he who sleeps/plays with apes." So the post of ambassador to the apes is probably not highly sought after. He seems nice enough but is probably a total bastard (like all elves). Getting Thesalva back is only part of his mission. The other half is establishing an embassy.

Nesheea, Sorceress of the Ebony Tower: Thesalva's daughter. Seems determined to drag her mother back to Naggaroth. Wigmar plans to turn her to his course. Cuz no one can resist the Wigmar.

Even though elves are ageless, she seems younger than her mother. Hard to tell exactly how old she is. Sixty maybe? Very young for an elf to be a full-fledged sorcerer. Looks a lot like Thes. Less lean muscle and horrendous scares and more curves and flawless skin.

Aneeshka, Witch Elf of the White Heart: One of several witch elves in the group. Assigned to protect Nesheea. Half crazed berserker, half murderous assassin. All in a very enchanting package. Unlike most (all?) elves Wigmar has met, Anee has blonde, almost white, hair and blue eyes. Maybe she's a mutant?

Other NPCs

Professor Quintus Fassbinder: Respected professor of both law and Reikland history at Altdorf university. Secretly specializes in such fun fields of research as mutants and cults. Connected to the temple of Verena and Frau Dunkelberg's little inquisition.

Rand von Grünburg: Son and heir of Graf Dolph von Grünburg (Grünburg is an important trading town on the Tefuel - the same river that flows through Übersreik). His father's proxy at the 2499 Reikland Diet. Knight Griffon (of the Altdorf chapter). The Grünburg clan has had connections to the Griffons since the order's inception.

Dong (Nacht): Emmanuele's bastard half-brother. He's half-Cathayan.

Eligible bachelorettes

Fidelia Leitdorf von Averland (mentioned only): Grand niece of the Elector-Count of Averland. She's a bit on the young side, but that'll sort itself out. They do, however, say she's a bit too skinny to be a good child-bearer, which could be a major issue for a future Emperor. 

Veranda von Bildhofen: Second daughter of the Duke of Carroburg. She's the right age, of a fine family (rich and powerful), and is said to be very pleasant to look at. They also say she's got quite the appetite for a woman her age. Whatever that means.

Places, Lords (and commoners) of Bretonnia, Land of Chivalry

Zul the Mighty: The name the orc horde uses for their leader. Zul isn't an ork name, but the moniker "the Mighty" is shouted in the guttural greenskin tongue.

Montfort des Grises

Literally: Montfort (of) the Grey (Mountains). Not to be confused with the great province and city of Montfort.

Giscard: Survivor of the ork assault. Plump boy of 10 or 12. Baker's son. Speaks rubbish and riddles sometimes. Wigmar has decided he's touched by the Sun (i.e. Ankh speaks through him).

Laetitia: Survivor of the ork assault. Very attractive girl of 17 (or maybe a little bit younger). Might be an actual virgin. Her mother's name was Antigone (presumed dead). Probably of noble birth and hidden away in this forest village.

Athel Loren (aka the Everwood)

The big ass forest south-west of the Grey Mountains that Reiklanders have only heard of in legends and myths.

Alvar Oakleaf: Elf scout leader.

Parravonian countryside

Sir Faulton: Grail knight fighting the ork incursion. Got two squires with him. It's the second genuine grail knight Wigmar has met, and he's starting to think they really are special in some way.

Barony of Villevue/Château Descartes

Long time (8 generations) home of the noble Descartes family.

Philippe no-longer-Descartes: Oldie but goodie. Divested of all claims to his inheritance. Filthy commoners.

Desmond Descartes: Philippe's half-brother and current lord of the Descartes.

Gisele: Commoner of uncommon beauty (strawberry blonde hair is rather rare this side of the mountains) "serving" Baron Descartes. She's now on Wigmar's staff.

Parravon

The capital of the province by the same name. About the size of Bögenhafen (10-12000 inhabitants, approximately twice that of Übersreik).

Duke Escarot II of Parravon: Lord of Parravon.

Marquis de Salle: The Duke's right-hand man. Probably a spy.

"Baron" le Trois: Heir (not really a baron) to the le Trois legacy. Serves on the Duke's staff. Probably a spy. Wants to touch Wigmar's pistol.

Master Fabien: Elderly gentleman. Palace staff. Likes to wear colorful gowns. Probably a spy.

Val Adrie: Elf (from Athel Loren) envoy/spy to Parravon. Is convinced Thesalva is a high elf spy.

Francesca: Laetitia's spinster aunt (sister of Antigone).  Lives at the Parravonian court. Knows something about magic. Maybe or maybe not a spy. Hard to tell.

Wigmar's relatives

 

Original parents

Eldwin Heck (d. 2480): Wigmar's (adoptive) father. Died of the plague.

Dagna Heck (d. 2480): Wigmar's (adoptive) mother. Killed herself by jumping into the river.

Siblings

Adler: Fate unknown.

Josef Quartjin: Took the name Quartjin after the boatman who adopted him. Told Wigmar they were all adopted.

Henrietta (d. 2480): Died of the plague.

Berit (d. 2480): Died of the plague.

Ernst (d. 2496): Convicted of rape and murder. Hanged in Dunkelberg.

Kurt Heck: Two years Wigmar's senior. A mercenary with the Dark Griffons.

Kleine Emil (d. 2480): Sickly child. Died of the plague.

Wigmar: PC.

Adoptive (second) family

Heller Heck: Uncle. Eldwin's brother. Adopted Wigmar and Kurt, the youngest living children. A mercenary sergeant with the Dark Griffons.

Maud Heck (d. 2497): Became sick in spring, died in summer.

Olina Drauer: Heller's daughter. Married to a watchman in Dunkelberg.

Wanda Metternick: Heller's daughter. Married to a freeholder outside Dunkelberg.

Breda Dreck: Heller's daughter. Married to a cavalryman.

Also see this post.

NPC companions

Companions are a special type of NPC that can be recruited into the party on a permanent (or at least long-term) basis. Other NPCs can join too of course but they aren't as important. Companions typically have special skills and underlying motivations that make them suitable for the life of an adventurer. Not all companions are created equal. Some have a larger part to play and even have fate/resolve to spend. Not as much as PCs but more than lesser NPCs 😅 

Companions do not track XP as PCs do. Instead, they start with whatever stats the GM deems them to have, and then develop at a slower pace than player characters do. Some of them have completed careers and are pretty advanced already. For example, Anna de Vedenza is a Physician (ex-Scholar), and Ulfberth is a Mercenary (ex-Berserker).

The best way to improve a companion is to interact with them. Learn their backgrounds, uncover their motivations, and help them accomplish tasks that matter to them. Each NPC has a little (or big) story arc that will unlock their potential. This interaction needs to take place over time when it's natural. It's not possible to just force some dialogue and be done with it.

Companions are generally inclined towards loyalty to the group but not all of them are equally loyal by nature. Treating companions well, giving them opportunities, and following their story arcs will generally improve their loyalty. Some companions like each other and will be more motivated by the presence of the other (A&A for example). The opposite is also true (Thesalva is not a great fan of Annika).

There are of course also XP rewards for PCs for following companion story arcs!

Die Wachten am Etzel

Die Wachten am Etzel (literally: those who guard/watch over Etzel) is the name of the armed force paid for by the Neue Etzel council. They wear the colors of the Duke of Etzel-Drakzsen but are recruited and paid by the town. It comprises less than twenty people. They are tasked with protecting Neue Etzel (in times of danger the town militia is called out and put at the Captain's disposal) and functioning as the city watch/toll collectors. In addition, there is a small group of riders whose job is to patrol the villages, homesteads, and roads, and to carry important messages. They aren't technically road wardens but perform similar duties.

Key characters:

• Captain Ulrich: An officer of the Rieksguard who for some reason left the service to settle in a small trading town. The name "Ulrich" is not a very popular boy's in the Reikland.
• Sgt. Tomas: A local. In charge of the outriders. He's too old to be riding, to be honest. His primary motivation seems to be doing as little as possible, preferably in front of a fire with some schnapps in his belly.
• Fritz: A local. A ten-year veteran of the Wachen. 
• Jugend: A local. A five-year veteran of the Wachen.

Unfer

Could be Unfer if you add a dry stone&timber wall.

The village of Unfer, home to some 200 or so souls, is located about 12 Imperial miles from the village of Herenhorst, the last stop before the forest's edge. There is a road of sorts leading to Unfer, but it's little used, narrow, and in poor shape. A man on a horse can ride between the villages in a couple of hours, less if he wants to go fast. Walking takes a bit longer but it's no trouble to walk back and forth in a day and still have time for lunch and a nap!

There is an inn (with no beds but a cozy fireplace to sleep in front of), a shrine to Sigmar, a smithy, and a mill. Houses and farms, fields, and meadows, and some homesteads nearby. Pretty standard for a Middenland village in the forest.

Characters of Unfer and environs:

• Heinz: Peasant lad/militia.
• Marco: Old woodsman/militia.
• Marius Wald: Middle-aged hunter with steady eyes and crooked nose. He represents the hunters, trappers, and woodsmen of Unfer. Def facto Alderman of the village.
• Hermann Löw: Anointed priest of Sigmar - and the village blacksmith. Big beard and big hands.
• Kurt Krank: The innkeep.
• Walter Müller: The miller.
• Annika Müller: The miller's wife.

• Unferth (mentioned only): Merc hired by the villagers to scout the Five Sisters. Been missing for months. 
• Peter Baden-Vürt: Imperial Witch-hunter. Passed through Neue-Etzel in late autumn. Found dangling by the neck, both wrists slit, from the great white oak.
• Priest of Taal: hanged by the neck from the white oak.
• Priestess of Rhya:  hanged by the neck from the white oak.

• Iarin: Elf with a pocket full of gems. Leader of a team of elves looking for the elf girl.
• Thesalva: Elf girl. Warm and soft. Smells nice. Perfect skin. White teeth. Glossy hair. Lips that look painted but are not. Probably what passes for a princess among her people. For some reason, she doesn't want to be reunited with her kin...

Wigmar Heck

Wigmar Heck was born in the market town of Stimmigen, Duchy of Falkenhayn, Reikland, on 12 Sigmarzeit, 2475. He was the youngest of six sons (and two daughters) Dagna Heck gave her husband, Eldwin Heck.

Eldwin passed of the plague in the summer of 2480, as did Wigmar's brother, the sickly Kleine Emil, and both his sisters. Unable to support her remaining children, Dagna was forced to turn them away. She then killed herself by jumping into the River Ober - she did not know how to swim.

Heller Heck, Eldwin's brother, a soldier of nearby Dunkelberg, took in 5-year-old Wigmar and Kurt, aged 7, and raised them alongside his own three daughters. He was a stern man and short-tempered when drunk but was not an altogether bad guardian.

When they became old enough, both Kurt and Wigmar followed their adoptive father's footsteps, joining the army of the Duke of Dunkelberg. Kurt to serve as a common footsoldier, wielding pike, halberd, and sword. But Wigmar had steady hands and sharp eyes and warranted special training as a hand-gunner.

Heller buried his wife in 2495 and married off the last of his daughters the year after. In the summer of 2497, Heller, Kurt, and Wigmar joined the Dunkle Greifen - the Dark Griffons - a mercenary company recruiting in the Reikland. Together they made their way north, bypassing fair Altdorf (they are not so keen on mercenaries inside the walls) to follow the road up to Middenheim - and beyond, for their employer was an Ostland nobleman.

Wigmar never made it past the town of Neue Etzel, Middenland. The Council was hiring outriders, men who could ride and shoot and take care of themselves. The promise of a horse and gold to go along with a genuine Hochland rifle offered (not that the townspeople knew what a treasure it was) as a sing-on bonus was too much. The warm fires of the inn, the buxom barmaids, the thick stew, the sweet pies, and the ale helped seal the deal.

Still very much the Neuer Mann - the new guy - Wigmar is, ever so slowly, becoming accepted by his comrades in arms and the town in general. If only something could happen, something a little exciting, he could show these country yokels his true measure...

Campaign notes: Wigmar has free food and lodging in Neue Etzel. He has access to the town's small armory if he needs simple arms or armor. He's paid 10 gc per year on top of this. Not a whole lot but after 5 years he's entitled to a bonus: his horse, saddle, and harness (worth at least 100 gc).