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| “ | If we die, we will die wielding our swords, for there is no better death for a warrior. We will sit at Sigmar's banquet like the heroes of old and our names will be remembered in the songs of our people till the end of time! | „ |
| ~ Emperor Karl Franz speaking to the Imperial troops before the Third Battle of Black Fire Pass, 2519 IC |
Karl Franz, also known as Emperor Karl Franz, is a protagonist in the Warhammer Fantasy franchise. He is the current Emperor of the Empire of Man, the Elector Count of Reikland, the Prince of Altdorf and the greatest statesman.
Karl Franz, the patriarch and leader of House Holswig-Schliestein, ascended to the Imperial throne in 2502 IC, following the legacy of his father, Luitpold I. He was celebrated as a supporter of the arts and sciences, a pioneer in military strategy, and a courageous general.
Under his unwavering dedication, the Empire experienced unprecedented prosperity. The Imperial School of Engineers in Altdorf expanded, the Colleges of Magic flourished, and his armies achieved one victory after another.
The emperor often took direct command of his forces, wielding Ghal Maraz—the legendary magical warhammer gifted to Sigmar by the Dwarf High King Kurgan Ironbeard over two and a half millennia ago—or his Runefang sword. He rode on his longtime Griffon mount, Deathclaw, alongside his second-in-command and close friend, Reiksmarshal Kurt Helborg.
Personality[]
Karl Franz was considered the premier statesman of the Old World, renowned as a patron of the arts and sciences, an innovator in military strategies, and a courageous warrior of remarkable determination. Thanks to his leadership, the Empire thrived during his rule. The Imperial School of Engineering crafted new and more lethal war machines to strengthen the Imperial army, while the Colleges of Magic expanded in both size and power, contributing to a string of military victories. Karl Franz exceeded even his most illustrious predecessors in skill and integrity, fulfilling his promise to create a strong government grounded in justice and morality.
Under his leadership, he adeptly navigated the complexities presented by the Cults of Sigmar and Ulric, which sought his allegiance. When a dispute arose between the Elector Counts of Stirland and Talabecland—stemming from the Time of the Three Emperors—other Elector Counts watched with bated breath to see which side Karl Franz would ally with in a conflict that could determine both factions' fates. However, the Emperor chose to intervene directly, traveling to Talabheim to broker peace between the two rival parties.
His adeptness as a spokesman, coupled with his remarkable patience, was put to the test in these negotiations. Ultimately, the two rival Counts acquiesced to his terms, allowing civil war to be averted thanks to his political acumen. Karl Franz's interventions resolved many similar conflicts, bolstered by the reassuring and formidable presence of Ludwig Schwarzhelm, the Emperor's personal champion known as the "Sword of Justice." The mere appearance of Schwarzhelm compelled the other Elector Counts to be more accommodating and cooperative than they otherwise might have been. Historians and scholars believe that Karl Franz employed a political strategy designed to create agreements that were "mutually acceptable to both parties." His keen insight into contemporary politics enabled him to secure victories by providing the populace not with their desires but rather with assurances that their rivals would be held back. This clever tactic persuaded the Merchant Guilds of Altdorf to endorse the infamous Convention of the Stink Act in 2506 IC, imposing substantial fines and exorbitant fees not out of a genuine commitment to a cleaner Altdorf, but in hopes of crippling their competitors financially.
Another remarkable demonstration of his political finesse occurred when the territorial ambitions of the aggressive Theoderic Gausser threatened the neighboring province of Hochland. In response, Ken Franz sent the Supreme Patriarch of the Colleges of Magic, Balthasar Gelt, to Salzenmund, Count Theoderic's capital, as his ambassador. Balthasar aimed to dissuade Theoderic from pursuing his aspirations for expansion. Utilizing his mastery of the Winds of Chamon, Balthasar ingeniously transmuted the gold meant for Theoderic’s mercenaries into lead. Stripped of funding, Theoderic's army was unable to march, forcing him to abandon his claims on Hochland. Furious upon discovering the subterfuge, Theoderic brandished his powerful Runefang, Crow Feeder, intent on avenging himself on the sorcerer for the loss of his gold. However, the sorcerer had vanished, having hastily escaped the Nordland capital on his pegasus after completing his clandestine work in the treasury.
History[]
TBA
Trivia[]
- Some fans of the Warhammer community would consider Karl Franz to be the Warhammer Fantasy counterpart of Roboute Guilliman from the Warhammer 40K franchise.
External Links[]
- Karl Franz on the Warhammer Fantasy Wiki
