Nobility in The Empire
N. Arne Dam and Alfred Nuñez Jr.

In Apocrypha Now, the Noble careers were (re-)introduced into WFRP along with the skills particular to the specialist careers.  Moreover, the article provided some background information; the reasons why a noble would become an adventurer, and the manner in which a successful may enter into and advance within the nobility.

The purpose of this article is to provide more information on the noble class.  The article will look at, amongst other things: How a person is elevated to nobility, what happens when a noble line dies out, how nobles marry for advantage, and how the success of a House is dependent upon the capabilities of the patriarch.  These areas should provide a framework for GMs to create more detailed family background for noble PCs as well as run a campaign setting where all the PCs are from the noble class.

This same information could be used to develop a more recent history of events involving the most powerful noble families in The Empire.  Such information is important, especially if any character has the noble skill of Dynastic Knowledge.  Furthermore, this article details certain individuals in the von Bildhofen family, which also serves as a perfect example of how the fortunes of a noble family can ebb and flow with the tidal forces of circumstance and history.

One point of caution.  There are regional differences within The Empire which means that the ranks and titles in different areas are of different importance, and that the article cannot speak for every region on each point.  Instead, this article speaks in general terms, leaving the exact details for the GM to develop.

The Tiers of Nobility
“Look at the filthy beggars.  If not for our magnanimous rule, they’d be little better than the animals they raise.” – Reiklander Baron von Auerswald on his way to the Great War against Chaos 2302 IC

Apocrypha Now details the careers of five levels of nobility.  While this fits for game mechanics, the careers can be broken down to the four tiers described below.

The most powerful of the nobility are the Provincial Electors (the others, known as the Clerical Electors, are elevated by their religious office), including the Emperor, all of whom rule either powerful city-states or large swarths of land, the latter of which are known as the Electoral or Grand Provinces.  In some cases, they are also the liege-lords of the non-Electoral or Lesser Provinces.  All of the current Provincial Electors come from noble families that trace their lineage to The Empire’s first millennium.  As a matter of fact, many of these noble families are interrelated to some extent.  It should also be noted that the Provincial Electors have the financial means to support relatives who have the wherewithal to reach the other tiers of nobility.  The Noble-Rank 5 career is appropriate for these important personages.

The second tier of Imperial nobility are the Lesser Provincial rulers. Powerful and just as protective of their status as the Electors.  This high office of nobility is represented by the career Noble-Rank 4 (Duke), even though the actual office title of the ruler usually differs (as exemplified by the Baron of Nordland or the Count of Wissenland. Close or otherwise important blood relatives of the Electors also comprise this tier of Imperial nobility, such as Baron Heinrich Todbringer (Middenheim: City of Chaos) and Karl-Franz I’s cousin Count Siegfried von Walfen (the head of the Graukappen as described in Warpstone #11, Behind the Scenes.)

The third tier of nobility are the landed nobles who nominally owe allegiance to the provincial rulers. These nobles tend to be ambitious and seek alliances through marriage to improve their relative position.  They will also resort to whatever means necessary to gain the favour and patronage of their liege, especially if it is at the expense of their peers.  Such activity is highly risky and costly to those whose ambitions are unquenchable.  This tier of nobility is represented by two ranks of Nobles: Rank 2 (Baron, Margrave) and Rank 3 (Count).  The latter tends to be the more experienced and influential of this level of landed nobles while the former are often individuals who have just acquired their inheritance or are less than competent in their abilities. Note that Barons can be the vassals of a Count or Duke, who in turn is the vassal of the provincial ruler. 

A number of landed nobles have property in addition to their primary holdings, some in other Imperial provinces.  An example of this is the village of Kammendun, which is located in Middenland where the River Schaumfluss enters the Schadensumpf.  The mining and fishing village is one of the Imperial possessions of Graf Boris Todbringer, even though it’s one hundred and ten miles west of Middenheim.  In fact, many of the more powerful Imperial noble families own land in other Old World lands (Bretonnia, Wasteland, Kislev, Border Princes are the most likely) as a result of marriages, inheritances and various other means.

The lowest rank of nobility (the one detailed in the WFRP Rulebook as the Noble career and Apocrypha Now as Noble-Rank 1), encompass those without land or newly elevated to the status of nobility.  These include those awaiting their inheritance and those who are excluded from such for whatever reason.

Since the time of Emperor Magnus the Pious, the number of young nobles left out of their family inheritance (all children save the eldest son, in most cases) has increased.  Many of these landless nobles flock to military careers in their pursuit of fame and fortune.  Some also hope to carve out a land of their own, mostly in the northern wilderness (north of the Middle Mountains), eastern marches (Ostland along the Kislevite frontier, Ostermark, Sylvania, and the outlying portions of Averland), and near the Imperial enclaves of Akendorf and Mortensholm in the Border Princes.

Other unlanded nobles are entering the mercantile trade in increasing numbers in hopes of continuing the lifestyle to which they’ve become accustomed.  It is also a means for these nobles to regain some influence.  Judicious use of money can provide an unlanded noble with allies from higher levels of nobility but unwise disbursement can leave them bankrupt a noble and at the mercy of their enemies.

If You Cannot Beat Them, Join Them
“Jus’ look at them, all proud and full o’ themselves.  I bet not a one o’ them has ever done a thing in their lives.  Gods, how I wish I was born one.” – anonymous Middenlander peasant.

What now passes as titled nobility had its antecedents well before the time of Sigmar.  In fact, some of the ancient tribes, including Sigmar’s, seemed to have had hereditary chiefs.  Others elected their leaders based upon skill and circumstance.  In times of peace and prosperity, a leader with mediating skills would be more beneficial to the tribe.  When war came, those skilled at arms with the abilities to lead men and defeat tribal enemies were preferre.

As the tribes grew in size, strong local leaders established themselves as enforcers of the tribal chief's law and peace.  In exchange of the martial protection they would demand tithe from their fellow peasants.  With Sigmar’s ascendancy as Emperor, the tribal leaders became provincial rulers.  Furthermore, the local leaders serving these rulers likewise ensured their positions (as well as that for their descendants) and thus joined the hereditary chiefs in founding the ancient families of nobility, the so-called Uradel.

By the time of Emperor Sigismund II the Conqueror, many of the noble families of The Empire had been firmly established. It is believed to be around this time that the first nobles were granted present day titles by their liege-lords (e.g., Imperial records show that Sigismund II elevated several of the noble warriors that campaigned with him to Barons).  Since each Elector maintained the right to appoint nobles and award them titles, their use had become the utter mess we know today by the end of the first millennium.

A few years after Sigismund II’s death, a feud between Baron von Manstein of Marburg and Baron von Spee of Kemperbad led to the latter’s death.  Emperor Siegfried the Lawgiver faced competing claims of Baron von Manstein and Baroness von Schliester of Auerswald for his land and wealth.  He decided on a third candidate: Marshal Heinz Guderian, a loyal general who served his father and himself.  In elevating his choice, Emperor Siegfried issued the Imperial Edict of 525 IC:

“Should a Fief become vacant; whether by misdeed, misfortune, or death; as decreed by Sigmar, Ulric, and Mórr, the Elector of the Province shall have the right to elevate any man whose loyalty and strength can ensure that his Lord’s laws are upheld and fealty obligations met.  Should the House of an Elector or Imperial Holding become vacant, then the Emperor may elevate any noble who holds land in that Province and has proven himself able to maintain Order and enforce its Laws.”

Although this avenue is rarely used nowadays, there have been incidences in the recent Imperial past when a person of common birth has been elevated to nobility. However, this is likely to the lowest, unlanded tier of nobility. Newcomers to the ranks of nobility are invariably scorned by members of the Uradel.

In contrast, there is only one example where an Emperor declined to elevate a noble to a vacant  Provincial seat.  In 2305 IC, Emperor Magnus the Pious decided to accept the offer of the burghers of Marienburg and declared that the Barony of Westerland (an Imperial Holding) no longer existed.  In its place, the Emperor proclaimed the Province of Westerland to be governed by an appointed Council drawn from the burghers of (see Marienburg: Sold Down the River.)

Noble Privileges and Responsibilities
‘Sigmar’s beard, man, they were just peasants.  So, my son got a little drunk with his friends and killed a few.  What’s the big deal?  It’s not like anybody important got hurt.  I even sent a few Crowns to the grieving families.  Why is that Priest of Verena making a big to-do about it by demanding justice?  One of those killed was his daughter? Bloody hell!” – Averlander Count von Oxhoft before his mansion was set aflame in 2496.

Control of the land and its resources gives the nobility great power and wealth.  Peasants working the land are required by law to pay their lords a sizeable share of the fruits of their labour in exchange for their homes and protection from bandits and goblins.

The lot of a landed noble is not as easy as the muck-raking agitators would mislead the ignorant masses to believe.  In addition to administering their liege-lord’s laws and maintaining the peace, landed nobles are responsible for collecting taxes and protecting the peasants that work the land and, as well as commoners plying their trade in towns and villages.  Additionally, are required to raise troops whenever their liege-lord requires such service (though the more creative vassals seem to find a way around even this requirement).  Landed nobles who wish to remain on good terns with their Leige Lord are also expected to throw lavish parties and arrange spectacular hunts whenever he visits.  Failure to perform such duties may well lead to a noble being stripped of title and holdings.

As compensation for their onerous tasks, nobles gain privileges beyond that of the common rabble.  They are relatively immune to the laws that govern the behaviour of the lower classes, considered above such crimes as robbery, murder, and rape.  However, should such crime occur against one of their own, only the guards of the liege-lord (i.e. the Imperial Guard in the case of the Emperor) may arrest the accused noble.  Although extremely rare, the liege-lord may issue an Imperial warrant to certain individuals other than their retinue (e.g., Bounty Hunters) to seize the indicted noble and return them for judgement.

Statutes in many lands expressly forbid the Watch from arresting any noble, no matter the crime.  Should the Watch witness a crime committed by a noble, they must report the activity to the proper authority (their Watch Captain) without taking any direct action to stop the foul deed; small comfort to any victim of the noble’s actions.  Most nobles know not to push their immunity from the Watch too far. Most have heard of young nobles who have turned up dead in some back alley or hung from a tree outside a village with nary a witness to be found.

Nobles are likewise immune to the judicial system that commoners must face. Any noble charged with a crime must be tried in a special court where their noble peers judge them.  By no means a lark for the accused many verdicts rendered in this court are based upon political considerations as much as legal.  It is therefore not surprising that most criminally inclined nobles prefer to find commoners upon whom they can shift any blame.

Given the privileges of the nobility, real or perceived, it is small wonder that there are people of common blood who fraudulently pose as nobles.  The noble class protects its birthright by passing laws that severely punish “commoners who falsely purport themselves in a manner that strongly suggests they are of noble blood.”  In Talabheim, such impersonation is considered a capital crime and the perpetrator is usually executed if convicted (in rare situations imprisonment in Tarnhelm Keep a possibility, though it is considered a close second in severity to death).  In Nuln punishment tends towards a week in the stocks and restitution to the noble family  whose good name the perpetrator sullied (if unable to pay, then a sentence to debtor prison would be added to the punishment).

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The Forms have to be kept! - Roleplaying a Noble
By Roderic d’Arcon and Alfred Nuñez Jr.

When roleplaying a Noble, a player should always keep in mind that the mindset of Nobility is considerably different than that of common folk. Given their major role as hereditary landholders and lawgivers, Nobles firmly believe that their station grants them rights and privileges well beyond those of the common people. The range of behaviour and attitude of a Noble character towards commoners varies greatly from the benevolent ruler to the ruthless power monger or cruel liege lord. Generally a Noble character should display a subtle form of arrogance and a good amount of confidence, especially when dealing with people below ones station. The following shall provide possible examples of a Noble's interactions with different classes of people.

Interaction with Lowly Folk
The lowly folk are generally the provincial peasantry, living in outlying villages and farmsteads.  It is here, with these folk, that a Noble wields considerable power of authority...

"Ah yes good man, we are in need of fresh horses. It may seem to me that those two coursers there will do just fine. What? You expect me to pay for these horses? How dare you speak to me in such voice you miscreant. Does it seem necessary to you that you need to be reminded of who your liege pays dues to? Ah yes, to my uncle, isn't that right? So now ready our horses and heave yourself away before I lose my good manners! Filthy peasants! By the way, why does it seem so unlikely to me that someone like you is in possession of such well bred horses as these?"

Players should note that the Noble does not give even the slightest respect to the peasant, who has no power as such to bring to bear against a Noble.  It is with these interactions that the Noble’s power weights the most.  Their arrogance will rise to surface in some form or another and should be portrayed accordingly.  Exceptionally harsh behaviour of Nobility may lead to some form of revolt or uprising against the ruling house, ranging from sabotage to murder or even full fledged rebellion. Such callous conduct on the part of Nobles is seen as being fairly common.  In actuality, the few that are so inclined do not truly reflect the overall general attitude of all Nobles! 

Interaction with Townsfolk
The ever growing wealth and influence of towns and cities with their guilds and merchant leagues cuts more and more into the power of the nobility. The ever growing number of non-noble landholders begins to drastically undermine the hereditary power of Nobility over land and natural resources.

"...well I understand, but I see a conflict of sorts as this document does not seem worded well enough in regards to the rights of forestry and fishing within this area, don't you agree my dear burgomeister? I know, I know that it has been set up by the town council with the help of several Verenan legalists, but I think you miss the point here. Well now, let us go over it again and see if we can't find a mutual consent, shall we?"

The above is an example where the Noble can still bring his waning power and influence to bear with careful, yet mocking, arrogance over the lowly commoner.  At times, the Noble must remind himself not to underestimate the townsfolk influence on the imperial politics through their guilds and various associations of mercantile and financial powers.

Interaction with Clergy
A Noble generally knows to tread carefully in dealings with the priests and clergy of the major religious factions, as their influence can be considerable and is better not to be taken too lightly.

"I assure you most reverend mother that my men had no deliberate intention nor order to disturb the sanctity of this convent, but were merely in pursuit of well known and notorious outlaws when they forced their way into the cloister. No greater harm has been done and only a few worldly furnishings suffered slight damage. Of course it is mine to see to the repair of these minor things. Please accept my humble contributions to the new dormitory wing.”

With these situations, a Noble is rather careful, especially if the priesthood is of an influential and powerful divinity or if the Noble is a devout follower. Still, Nobles often despise powerful individuals of a religious order as they are often just common folk alleviated into higher ranks. A clever Noble does not miscalculate the powers and influences of faith in people as many an uprising is fuelled by religious agitation.

Interaction with other Nobility
When dealing with their own kind, all of a Nobles wit and charm are put to the test. This is especially true at the various provincial courts and even the great imperial court in Altdorf.  These interactions range from exchanging courteous pleasantries to intricate political plots and intrigues.

Nobles are very conscious of their standing among their own.  They are condescending towards those of lesser rank, though not nearly as much as they are towards the peasants.  The goal here is to keep any would-be competition down so that the Noble can concentrate on joining the ranks of those higher up the social ladder.  To this end, a Noble would never pass on an opportunity to upstage a potential rival in order to prevent them from recognition by a superior.

”I daresay, do you really think that Count von Aldrich would appreciate you passing the ill news that his youngest daughter ran off with that commoner merchant, Josef Seidehandler?  I realise that his parasitic tendencies have garnered a considerable amount of wealth, but there’s our Lord’s reputation to uphold.  Leave the matter to me, my good man, and I’ll see that the scoundrel pays for placing our Lord in an embarrassing situation.  No need to thank me.  Yes, I’ll be sure to mention your concerns to our Lord.  In that, you can trust me.”

When addressing one of Superior rank and ability, a noble tends to be deferential, especially if that someone is a very capable liege-lord.  Sometimes the level of grovelling reaches the point of being nauseating.  In other cases, a noble uses the flowery language of the court to disguise his disgust over a thoroughly disdainful and incompetent superior. The difference between the two methods of communication has more to do with the tone that these words are delivered rather than the words chosen. 

“Yes, Milord, that was a splendid and clever idea.  I would never have considered to use cavalry in such a creative manner.  The boldness of sending your gallant knights headlong into a barrage of cannon fire was a stroke of genius.  Your sworn enemy, the Count of Alteisen, was caught unawares by your audacious manoeuvre.  You would have carried the day masterfully if not for the sudden cowardice of your former champion, the late Otto Bradenburg.  Had he continued the charge instead of balking at the last minute, the field of battle would have been yours as surely as I stand before you now.

“A thousand pardons, milord, but I have babbled far too long.  Did you say that you have an offer for me?  You want me to take command of your personal retinue?  O sire, you flatter me with such an offer.  I would be honoured to accept your generosity, but I fear that I am hardly qualified to undertake such a position in your esteemed court.  I am but a simple soldier whose experience in battle pales in comparison to the valiant Baron Conrad von Mannsheim.  Perhaps it would serve you better, milord, if the brave Baron commanded your retinue while I learn the art of war as leader of your archers.”

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The Art of Politics and Intrigue
Being a noble is not the be all and end all that commoners believe.  Competition for the most powerful seats is fierce and a ”take no prisoners” mentality prevalent.  In past centuries, such rivalries led inevitably to war.  Although the occasional conflict flares up these days, the contest is far more subtle, but no less deadly.  Intrigue and innuendo are the primary weapons of ambitious nobles. 

In the face of such manoeuvring, alliances are formed between nobles with a common goal.  These alliances can be a fickle thing, a key ally at one moment can very well become an ambitious noble’s most implacable enemy the next.  This shifting of power require the utmost delicacy since a noble must not completely burn all their bridges unless absolutely certain that a particular ally would never be needed again.  The key to thriving in the game of politics is timing.  A noble must keep all options open and be willing to change their schemes quickly should a better situation present itself.

Ambitious nobles must be ever on guard against scandalous rumours aimed directly at them.  The most innocent comment, framed in a particular manner, could derail the best-laid plans.  A suggestion that a certain ambitious nobleman was openly seen in the company of his liege-lord’s young mistress at her apartments in the dead of the night have spelt the doom of many young gentlemen.  Thus, those seeking to better themselves must be ever mindful of how their enemies may portray their actions.  Conversely, daring nobles may actively place themselves in situations where the appearance of a scandal is assured.  Creating such an occasion against an enemy may force that rival into a position where action or inaction may diminish their own standing among their peers.

Sidebar
There are ample fictional and non-fictional sources that a GM or player could use for inspiration. Movies such as Dangerous Liaisons are excellent choices.  Literary sources include Richard III and Othello by Shakespeare as well as several Alexandre Dumas novels.  Historical accounts of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I amply demonstrate the role of politics among the ruling class.

For Richer or Poorer: Marrying for Advantage
A common political ploy of the noble class involves marriage.  Scheming nobles use their daughters, and sometimes sons, to cement political alliances through use of arranged marriages.  Among the more powerful noble families, marriage was also used to “seal” recent de facto peace treaties. By making family bonds, families assure each other that they would restrain from aggression in the future, since “who in their right mind would struggle with their brother in law?”.  The opinions or desires of those being joined in matrimony rarely matter to those arranging the match.  This can lead to complications as the wedded couple seek other lovers to deal with the imposed circumstances in which they find themselves.

In other situations, the child of ambitious nobles may be offered to their superior in hopes of advancing their own status.  Usually, a young daughter is offered to a liege-lord in hopes the enamoured (lusty) superior grants a boon or elevates the inferior’s status in gratitude.  There are instances where a young son is offered as husband to a liege-lady for favour.  These marriages are the most unhappy of all for the younger spouse since the age difference ensures that they are little more than a trophy.  Of course, the situation could lead to some interesting twists should the older spouse meet an early demise leaving the younger one as heir to the title and lands of the deceased.

On rare occasion, a patriarch of one noble family may marry a matriarch of another to further their mutual goals and ambitions.  The intention of this joining of families generally is to leave the new noble house more powerful and influential than either family was previously.  This mutual arrangement has the added benefit of changing the political landscape by infusing new blood into faltering family fortunes.  A recent example is the merging of a branch of the von Krieglitz family of Talabecland with the old, and declining, Talabheimer noble family Untermensch.

Money and Bloodlines: The Role of Wealth and Inheritance
“Give me a thousand men at arms, and I shall conquer Middenland. Give me a thousand loyal peasants, and I shall keep it!” – The Duke of Altdorf in a drunken stupor circa 2252 IC

Despite much talk of good breeding and famous ancestors, wealth is the overriding factor that determines the power and influence a noble wields.  Even the most politically astute is little more than an interesting bit player without the fortune to bankroll his lifestyle and schemes.  Wealth generally takes the form of land holdings which generates the tax revenues that a noble collects.  This, in turn, binds the landed noble and the commoners who work and live on his lands to one another.

Unlanded nobles understand the need for wealth very clearly, which drives them into the mercantile and mercenary careers.  It may also compel the more ambitious to do whatever is necessary to obtain a fief.

The foundation of a noble’s wealth is the inheritance they received, whether that takes the form of land or income. In the first millennia, it was customary in several provinces that the land of a dead noble was divided between the sons.  This led to countless conflicts as well as numerous fiefs too small to finance the obligations of a vassal.  Hence, since the time of Magnus the Pious, the rules of inheritance principally benefits the eldest surviving son. The key word here is ‘surviving’, and fratricide is not an uncommon occurrence.  Although few nobles contemplating such action would actually ‘soil their hands’, they have no compunction about hiring someone else to do the foul deed.  Such attempts could be as subtle as slowly poisoning an older brother to outright assassination.

In the more traditional Ulrican families, inheritance by the eldest son is not automatic.  Instead they take the view that only the strongest should prevail is prevalent in these areas.  In the past, the sons of a conservative Ulrican noble have been pitted against one another in deadly combat to determine the right of succession.  Unfortunately, families became weaker as the surviving son may not have necessarily been the strongest as luck or fate played the key role in these struggles rather than skill at arms.  With the rising strength of the Sigmar cult following the ascension of Magnus the Pious to Emperor, Ar-Ulric issued the 2320 Bull of Succession which formalised the rules of Inheritance by Combat so as to reduce mortality and ensure that the strongest succeeds in inheriting the family lands.

Should there be no surviving sons, the next in line is usually the eldest surviving daughter.  The most ambitious of young noblewomen are equal in cold-heartedness to their male brethren.  In fact, a scheming noblewoman typically has more tools of persuasion available to her than any male counterpart.  This makes them more likely to use an accomplice to further their aims.

In the event that there are no surviving offspring the line of succession falls to the eldest surviving male child of the oldest son and follows the same progression as with the deceased noble’s children.  If there are no direct heirs, then any inheritance is awarded to the oldest male relative.

Bastard children have no claims unless they meet the following three criteria:

1)	There are no living immediate family members (spouse, children, and grandchildren).
2)	They have documented proof of their heritage.  Ideally, a signed will by the noble recognising the bastard as his heir.  Failing that, there are few other documents which would grant a bastard the title and lands.  In the more settled regions, this might be a certificate issued by the cult of Verena and countersigned by either a Sigmarite or Ulrican priest (depending upon the Imperial province).
3)	Their rights of inheritance have been recognised by the liege of the deceased lord or his lawful representative.

These condtions were set down in law as a compromise reached at the Synod of Tannbruck. Traditionally, Ulricans considered a bastard as equals, while Sigmarites and Verenans gave them no rights what so ever. Regional divergence’s still exist.

On rare occasions were there are no proven heirs (though many claimants usually come forward), such lands become the property of the liege-lord to dispense as he wills.  Such situations generally occur during devastating wars or ravaging plagues.

The Decline of a Noble House
“We fought and defeated Chaos.  And for what?  So a bunch of money-grubbing, ingrateful peddlers could convince His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Magnus the Pious, to allow them to govern the richest city in The Empire?  By Sigmar, when will reason again prevail in this great land?” – Wastelander Baron van Erlich, lamenting the Emperor’s decision to allow the Barony of Wasteland to become a province of commoners, 2305 IC

While external events can lead to the demise of a noble house, a number of internal causes can lead to a family’s downfall. Most likely is that the family runs out of heirs due to natural causes; all the more since younger sons in the clergy or military tend to remain unmarried throughout life.  Only a few of the myriad of the other more interesting possibilities are covered below.

Foremost among these is where the family battles among themselves.  A Family War typically start when different family factions find themselves in opposition over a variety of issues.  The resulting break divides the family into separate camps, each struggling for supremacy.  Even if one faction prevails, the remnants of the family lose a tremendous amount of prestige and influence.  Much of its wealth is exhausted and many of the issues that caused the fallout remain unresolved and fester.  In this case conflict after conflict are likely to reoccur.

There are occasions where the fragmented family does cannot pull itself together under any circumstances.  Too evenly matched for one or the other to succeed, allies must tread carefully to avoid being caught up in the internal quarrel.  To do otherwise may result in their own break-up.  In rare conditions, the warring family exhausts their entire fortune, so incapable are they of overcoming their differences. Their liege-lord may have no other recourse but to strip the subordinate noble family of their title and lands, especially if such actions prevent the money-grubbing creditors (often commoners) from claiming the bankrupt family’s estates.

Another precursor to the fall of a noble family is the competence of its patriarch and/or matriarch in handling the family’s responsibilities and wealth.  This managing of resources and influence range from preparing the heir apparent for their future role to selecting which faction to support in a struggle between two powerful nobles.  Backing the wrong faction, or even remaining neutral, could involve great risk if the other side emerges victorious and vengeful.  The more productive (in terms of tax revenue) portions of one’s estates may be stripped away and awarded to a rival house, leaving them vulnerable to other predatory peers.

Nobles who carelessly use their wealth to fund ill-considered ventures often find themselves on the wrong end of a loan to a money lender or heavily indebted to their liege-lord.  Either condition courts disaster. Should the ruined noble default on their obligations.  In these situations, their abilities and skills are put through the supreme test.  Those with the aptitude will find ways to discharge their obligations. Divesting themselves of the costly enterprises, entering into a treaty or political marriage or agreeing to undertake additional service to their liege in order to lessen their obligations.

Others, whose arrogance typically exceeds their sense of reality, will take a hard fall from grace.  Nobles reduced to a penniless and landless state can expect little consideration from their former peers other than disdain and ridicule.  Even the spouse and children have been known to disassociate themselves from the wretch by abandoning the impoverished noble to his fate.

**********Sidebar**********

The Price of Friendship

One example of a fallen noble was the Stirlander Count Ludwig von Striessen, friend and confidante (as well as sycophant) of Emperor Dieter IV.  Von Striessen was one of those who encouraged the Emperor’s ambitions to conquer the Border Princes.  Sensing a means to increase his own prestige by adding to his own holdings, von Striessen sunk the family’s fortunes into the enterprise and was rewarded with the command of the part of the Emperor’s army.  He was to lead his force into the unruly lands to the south by way of the Winter’s Teeth Pass.  All but the noble and his friends saw a sudden snowstorm as an ill omen, even though they lost several field cannons.  The campaign was a three-year disaster which nearly bankrupted The Empire and von Striessen returned home a ruined man with his family abandoning him and his lands confiscated by the debts he incurred in his Emperor’s name.  He would receive no help from Dieter as the Emperor himself was deposed and fighting for his survival.  Unable to face life as a penniless noble (only life as a commoner held more terror), von Striessen fell upon his sword and died.  As a final insult, the people who were once his servants tossed his body into a pauper’s grave.

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Conclusions
As detailed above, the nature of the nobility and their seemingly unquenchable need to improve their power and position provides fertile ground for a GM who wants to add elements of intrigue and scandal to their campaigns.  The PCs can either be agents for one of the nobility or just find themselves caught up in events beyond their abilities or station.  Ambitious GMs may even want to use elements of this article to run a campaign where the PCs are all members of the nobility, specifically those who may not be in line of successor to their parents’ estate as the first or second heir.

The following section provides some suggestions for a GM to insert the ruthless and scheming world of Imperial nobility into their campaigns. 

Adventure Hooks

Family Tree
Count Karrick has recently died, leaving his northern lands without a direct heir.  Baron Stefan von Mittelmund has hired the PCs to search the archives at the Collegium Theologica in Middenheim to find proof that he's the closest living relative to the deceased Count and, hence, his rightful heir.  Unfortunately, Baron Stefan’s half-sister, Lady Katarina, has hired others to prove that another sired her brother and that she is the rightful heir.  Both siblings want evidence to support their respective claims, no matter what the source.  Crafty and creative PCs need to be careful as there are strict laws governing the legitimacy of the proof required to support a claim.  Those who carelessly skirt the laws, and are not themselves noble, may face some harsh penalties.  In the end the PCs may learn the true depth of a noble’s loyalty to those they employ.

A Rich Bastard
Baron Otto von Braun is dying, leaving no legal heirs. The barony is prosperous, and the liege-lord seems pleased to take it back for himself.  However, a poor and nervous bard called Erich Humperdinck approaches the PCs claiming to be the Margrave's bastard son. The Baron knows of a bastard child, but he has never seen it, and his old mistress is long dead. However, Erich claims that the Rhyan midwife who delivered him can prove his identity, and he wants the PCs to assist and protect him from the liege-lord's assassins. Since the liege-lord's pawns will stop at nothing to eliminate Erich, a risky and hectic search of the countryside for the midwife is necessary, followed by getting the necessary declarations before the Baron dies. If they succeed (and Erich honours the agreement) the reward is enormous

Masquerade
An Altdorf lawyer named Frederick Langnase contacts one of the PCs via a courier.  Herr Langnase has been commissioned by the von Eschetal estate to find a descendant from a branch of their family that moved to the Reikland some sixty years before.  Apparently, the old Baron is dying and doesn’t have any possible heirs to take over the prosperous estate in western Ostland.  Through months of research, Herr Langnase has uncovered the fact that one of the PCs (to whom the lawyer bears a passing resemblance with the same colour hair, eyes, features, and build) is actually the only family relation whom the Baron may be willing to recognise as his heir.  Herr Langnase has made the arrangements for a meeting to take place within a few days and gives the PC a letter which details the time and date of the meeting.  Family business requires Herr Langnase to be elsewhere.

There is one small twist that the lawyer will not divulge: the meeting is not with the Baron.  Herr Langnase has been masquerading as a member of the von Eschetal family for a number of months: A very serious crime in the Imperial capital.  Herr Langnase recently learned from reliable sources that his charade has been uncovered.  He had only a few days to find a likely scapegoat upon whom he could frame his illegal activities before he is to meet a magistrate from Ostland to arrange for his surrender.  Failure to make this meeting would ensure the issuance of an Imperial arrest warrant.  The Ostlander has never met Herr Langnase, but does have a general description of the criminal (and the PC in question).  The task of the PC’s companions should be fairly obvious, unless they’d rather see their comrade convicted of another’s crimes.

The Von Bildhofens

In the Middenheim sourcebook one finds a family tree of the houses of von Bildhofen and Todbringer without any text to support it.  In fact, one could conclude from this limited information that the von Bildhofens ruled no less than three Electoral Provinces at the same time, one of them reigning as Emperor for no less than 65 years.  Given that “Power behind the Throne” scenario provides PCs with their first opportunity to interact with the High Society of Middenheim, more information of its rulers and their ties to other noble families is clearly needed. In the last part of the article we attempt to account for the events that lead to the rise of the von Bildhofens and their “struggle” to maintain their position.

In the library of the Collegium Theologica one can find an invaluable tome for those researching the members of the extraordinary House of von Bildhofen. During the first half of the 24th century the leading members of the family went from an anonymous life at the court of the Stirland Grand Count to the thrones of Reikland, Middenland, Middenheim and the very Empire of Sigmar Divine.

The von Bildhofen family traces its roots back to the myths of Sigmar himself. The first documents showing the name are from the sixth century where one Lothar von Bildhofen played a leading role in the Grand Conquest of Emperor Sigismund II. Apparently, it was at this occasion that the head of the family was appointed Baron.

The next significant event in the history of the von Bildhofen is the Age of Wars. In 1215 IC Friedrich von Bildhofen was appointed Count of Saxburg in recognition of his loyal assistance to the Grand Count of Stirland in the war against Talabecland. Friedrich is the first person described in the book, but our interest is in more recent events:

Extracts from The von Bildhofen Chronicles

by Dr. Albrecht von Kauhafen & Lord Alfred von Nuln

Magnus, 2280-2369
Grand Prince of Reikland 2303-2369, Emperor 2304-2369
Duke Josef’s oldest son, Magnus, was born in the year 2280 IC the first von Bildhofen to be born at the newly erected family estate, Schloss Bildhof. Sadly, as described elsewhere, Elizabeth von Bildhofen never quite seemed to recover from the birth. The duke was thrilled to have an heir to the duchy he had won for his family. He demanded that Magnus should have an education befitting a prince and hired the best scholars, swordsmen and priests as tutors for his son. He proved to be a bright pupil, though some say his father was worried that Magnus seemed to be more interested in legends of Sigmar than in governing a duchy. And the rest, as they say, is legend. At the age of twenty-two Magnus received a vision from Sigmar himself and initiated his legendary rally of The Empire in the battle against the vile forces that we shall leave unnamed.

In these battles at the End of the World the Grand Prince of Reikland died defending his people. He left no heirs and thus became the last of the House of Holzkrug to rule the Principality. A distant relative made claims to the throne, though this was completely ignored when the Order of the Holy Unity and the Grand Theogonist announced Magnus was to take the responsibility of ruling the Principality.

Magnus had gained such popularity and influence that it seemed a mere formality to gather the Electors in Nuln the following year, where he was unanimously elected “Emperor of Sigmar’s Empire Restored”. He decided to make his old city Nuln the centre of the restored Empire. Wilhelm Holswig-Schliesstein, the Duke of Ubersreik, was elevated to Chancellor and Plenipotentiary of the Reikland, while Magnus - successfully - concentrated on re-establishing Imperial institutions. (When it became obvious that Magnus would have no (legitimate) offspring, he named Wilhelm Holswig-Schliesstein heir to the Grand Principality of Reikland. As is known, one of Wilhelm's descendants would become Emperor as Wilhelm II the Wise).

For sixty-five years Magnus ruled The Empire and what better way to end this short biography than with the words of His Holiness Kazgar XIV:

"And thus I command Thy Soul to the eternal grace of Sigmar Divine. Few, if any, has done more for this illustrious Empire the Lord entrusted to us, and it is indeed a united Realm that mourn Thy Departure. Fare well, Magnus, most pious of Servants."

Gunthar, 2305-2387
Grand Duke of Middenland 2329-2369
Duke Josef’s second son, Gunthar was the only child from the duke's second marriage. Born in 2305 IC, his brother Magnus had already reigned a year as Emperor. Hence, historians who connect Gunthar with the War against the Ruinous Powers are clearly either manipulating or plainly incompetent. Since Magnus was still a young man and thus expected to marry and have sons of his own during Gunthar’s childhood, Gunthar was named heir to the Duchy of Saxburg rather than to the Grand Principality of Reikland.

Meanwhile, the Carroburg Scandal was evolving. Allow us to quote Eberhardt Weiss’s The Scandal of Carroburg:

"In the year 2329 IC it had been fifteen years since the public had last seen the Grand Duke of Middenland. It was clear that he would never fully recover from the disease he had contracted during the Incursions of Chaos. His son, Count Friedrich, and Chancellor von Kemmp had de facto ruled the duchy for years now. Officially, the Grand Duke was ill yet fresh in mind, and all major decisions was taken by him in the royal bed chamber. I suppose no modern historian believes this. Whatever has been claimed over the years, the bare facts are undeniably clear; at Ulric's Great Feast, the Grand Duke appeared raving like a lunatic (which he probably was) in front of the Ulrican priests' procession. It seems that all eyewitnesses can confirm that his frail body was twisted in the most bizarre ways. I am in great doubts regarding the validity of these statements. To this day I have not found two statements describing the mutations even remotely alike.

"Whatever reasons caused the Madness of the Grand Duke, no one doubts the political consequences of his fatal appearance: The Witchfinder General in Nuln publicly accused Count Friedrich of hiding and collaborating with a man obviously marked by Chaos, while public riots ravaged the streets of Carroburg. Ar-Ulric was pressed to excommunicate Count Friedrich who fled with his most trusted men to Marienburg pursued by numerous (primarily Sigmarite) witch hunters. According to rumours, Count Friedrich ventured to the Border Princes. The fate of Grand Duke Jürgen since that fatal day remains a mystery.”

Since all members of the Chancellery had been compromised in the Scandal, it was hard to find a suitable man to rule Middenland. Enter Gunthar! At the age of nineteen he shocked the Imperial Establishment by journeying to Middenheim with Ulrican pilgrims (including Emperor Magnus’ military advisor General Jurgen). Also, he argued enthusiastically (and maybe a bit naively?) against the Church of Sigmar's increasing meddling in the political affairs of The Empire. On his return, Gunthar spoke highly of his discussions with Ar-Ulric, much to the discomfort of the Grand Theogonist. Thus, when Magnus suggested Gunthar be installed as Grand Duke of Middenland and Gunthar again went to Middenheim, this time as a pilgrim himself, no one seemed to protest. After all, the man was not only the Emperor's brother; now he appeared to have become a devout Ulrican. As the reader will know, Middenland has been ruled by Ulricans since the days of Sigmar himself. Within months of his appointment as Grand Duke, Gunthar married Magda Burg, the daughter of Margrave Wilhelm-Friedrich Burg, head of the very influential Middenland Burg clan.

Some have claimed that Magnus abused his power by appointing Gunthar as Grand Duke of Middenland. It pleases us to be able to reject this hypothesis; upon the death of the Count of Klein Elgut, father of Josef's first wife Elizabeth, Gunthar inherited his lands in Middenland. Hence, he was indeed member of the Middenland nobility and thus his claim for the duchy was as good as that of any other member of the Middenland nobility.

Lord Alfred von Nuln has presented the hypothesis that one of Magnus' more subtle objectives was to get a man he could trust close to Marienburg. Living in Carroburg enabled Gunthar to keep an eye on the new and unfamiliar force in Imperial politics, the Directors of Westerland, and report to Magnus. As plausible as it is, it is for obvious reasons be virtually impossible to document. 

Although Emperor Magnus had obvious concerns with Gunthar's blind faith in Ulric, he trusted him throughout his life and named him heir to the Imperial Throne. After Magnus' burial, the Grand Theogonist refused to support Gunthar, feeling Gunthar had betrayed the Church of Sigmar. The fact that Gunthar would have been a stronger character on the throne than Leopold von Krieglitz can well have had some influence on the Grand Theogonist's schemes. True or not, they resulted in the Sigmarite provinces' support for Grand Count Leopold von Krieglitz's candidacy. Hence, Leopold was elected Emperor in Nuln in the year 2369 IC

In his fury Gunthar publicly criticised the Grand Theogonist as well as Emperor Leopold so strongly that the recently appointed Ar-Ulric had to dissociate himself from Gunthar's statements. Almost overnight Gunthar had lost the political support of the Establishment, including his own Chancellery. A majority of the Middenland nobility now claimed that he had had no right of inheritance to the duchy in the first place. Utterly disappointed, he abdicated after ensuring his loyal Marshall Heinrich von Streissen succeeded him as Grand Duke. Extraordinarily, Gunthar was allowed to keep the title of Grand Duke. He left for Middenheim where he would stay at his son's court in the Middenpalast for the rest of his life. After some years of futile attempts to return the political scene, he ended his long life as a pious Ulrican, allegedly spending much time with the veteran Templars of the White Wolf.

********** Sidebar **********

Heraldry

The von Bildhofen family’s coat of arms is a black and white check pattern, whose origin is unknown and predates Baron Lothar from the sixth century. All members of the family carry this symbol in the heart of their coat of arms.
drawing] Coat of Arms of Emperor Magnus I (the Pious)<<

Coat of Arms of Emperor Magnus I (the Pious) 
Magnus displayed the Imperial Griffon in the upper right and lower left corner of his shield, signifying his emperorship. In the upper left corner is the Black Reikland Eagle, signifying that he was Grand Prince of Reikland, while the symbols of Altdorf in the lower right corner shows that he was Lord of Altdorf. In the centre we see the inner shield. The upper half contains the symbol of the von Bildhofen family, upon which Magnus included the Sigmarite two-tailed comet; the lower half contains the Unicorn head of Saxburg, since Magnus held hereditary claims to his father’s duchy. On top of the shield sits the closed Imperial crown.
drawing] Coat of Arms of Grand Duke Leopold <<

Coat of Arms of Grand Duke Leopold
Leopold displays the running white wolf of Middenland in the upper right and lower left corner of his shield. In the upper left corner we see the elephant of Klein Elgut, of which Leopold is Count, while the lower right displays the wolf and tower of Middenheim, since Leopold maintains hereditary claims to the City State, although it passed to the Todbringer family in 2415 IC. The inner shield is similar to Magnus’, apart from the two-tailed comet, only carried by Magnus. The shield is topped by the open Grand Prince crown.

********************

Magnus, 2330-2381
Graf of Middenheim 2355-2381
Born one year after the marriage of his parents, Grand Duke Gunthar and Grand Duchess Magda. He was appointed heir to the Grand Duchy of Middenland on the day of his birth. Twenty-five years later he was the Graf of Middenheim. To explain why we have to look at the then ruling family of Middenheim, the von Kärzburgers. Von Kauhafen has previously given an account of these matters in The Fall of the von Kärzburgers and the following is a brief account of the details relevant for our subject.

At the all-too-soon death of Graf Heinrich, his only child, Baron Ruprecht, was appointed Graf of Middenheim but soon proved to have very little interest in ruling the city. Rather, he was found in the taverns and whorehouses of the more dubious districts of the city. On more than one occasion the Knights Panther successfully searched these places for him at sunrise and dragged the dead drunk Graf back to the Middenpalast so that he could be present at council meetings and audiences.

One dark Kaltzeit night in the fourth year of his rule, Graf Ruprecht found himself in the arms of a young woman. Just as the Graf had begun charming the lady her husband turned up and became utterly enraged at seeing his wife in the young brat’s arms and challenged him to a duel. Graf Ruprecht may have been incompetent, but he was no coward. He drew his rapier and asked the man to step outside with him. The Knights Panther found the Graf’s body in the snow-white alley the following morning and his opponent had disappeared never to be found.

With Ruprecht’s death this branch of the von Kärzburgers had died out. A distant relative made claims for the throne but the Middenheim nobility had had enough of them. A priest of Ulric had a vision during a sermon in the Temple; “Behold the descendant of Magnus! He shall lead thou, my faithful, into prosperity. He shall be the end of thy misery.”

Ar-Ulric (a very close friend of Grand Duke Gunthar) quickly sanctioned the vision as a true divination of Ulric. The Middenheim nobility happily accepted the von Bildhofen candidate, plausibly believing a young Graf with neither friends nor family in the city would be easily manipulated. Whatever their schemes, they did indeed have things the way they wanted during the rule of Graf Magnus for he was a rather weak if well liked Graf.

Prior to his appointment as Graf of Middenheim, Magnus married Wanda von Krieglitz, older sister of the later emperor, Leopold von Krieglitz.  Allegedly, Magnus the Pious had convinced his brother Gunthar to join forces with one of the major Sigmarite families. Since his conversion to Ulric, Gunthar had been far from popular with the Sigmarite nobility of the southern provinces and in order to strengthen his position as heir to The Empire, Magnus knew Gunthar had to gain some allies among the influential Sigmarites. The von Krieglitzes of Stirland, the major branch of the ancient House of Unfähiger, was one such leading Sigmarite family. Thus many have speculated that the marriage of Gunthar’s son and Leopold’s sister was to secure Gunthar the support of the von Krieglitz family.  As we have already accounted for, Gunthar never received anything even remotely alike such support.

During a summer hunt in the Drak Wald forest in his fifty-first year a wild dog bit Graf Magnus. He was infected with Rabies and died within weeks.

Solveig, 2352-2415
Gravin of Middenheim 2381-2415
Since the laws of succession in Middenheim follow the principles detailed in the Tannbruck Synod, Solveig the oldest child of Magnus and Wanda would normally have been third in line to the City State of Middenheim in favour of her younger brothers.  Instead she was appointed heiress to Middenheim upon Magnus accession in the year 2355 IC.  What follows is the result of Lord Alfred’s investigations into these matters.  His work is partly based upon the testimonies of noble sources whose identities for obvious reasons must remain a secret.

With the death of Ruprecht von Kärzburger, the house of the Todbringers came into its own right as the most powerful of the old Middenheimer noble families.  Manfred Todbringer used his political and economic might to convince the other noble families into supporting Magnus von Bildhofen’s candidacy for Graf of Middenheim.  Unbeknownst to any of the other families, Manfred had reached a secret agreement with the old Grand Duke that Magnus’ daughter would wed Manfred’s first born son when both came of age.  In addition, Manfred would continue to be von Bildhofen’s main benefactor in exchange for the designation of Magnus’ daughter as his heir.  The old Grand Duke agreed to the terms hoping that Magnus might in time prove to be his own master.  Unfortunately, Magnus was proved to be as weak as Manfred suspected.

Appeasing Magnus’ first born son Gunthar was not a problem.  Like his father, Gunthar was not terribly astute.  He was content to live on the country estate and pension that the Todbringers arranged for him.  In fact, Gunthar’s line figured into the plans of the von Bildhofens to recapture Middenland.

Solveig proved to a far more capable and confident ruler than her weak-willed father.  Many historians, in fact, consider her reign as Gravin as the Golden Age of Middenheim.  The greed and incompetence of the von Kärzburgers dynasty had drained the City-State’s treasury and its bureaucracy was in shambles.  Several families profited during this time of anarchy and corruption was rampant and the control of her father by the Middenheim nobility continued the status quo.  On taking power Gravin Solveig moved quickly to correct the deteriorating situation.

Backed by her grandfather’s influence, Gravin Solveig reached an accord with the Ar-Ulric to use his Templars to assist in the reformation of the Knights Panther.  One of these Templars, Wolf Eisenzucht, was elevated to the position of Grandmaster of the Knights Panther upon the ousting of the old, incompetent Ernst Schlafenbär.  Another Templar, Heinrich Wütendstier was promoted to Midden Marshal to whip the unfit and inattentive soldiers of Middenheim into a respected fighting force.

The Gravin knew that reforming Middenheim’s knights and army could never succeed without money.  Using Manfred Todbringer’s influence and fortune she pushed the three (all of whom were reputed to be comatose) Law Lords into early retirement.  The capable replacements were charged with reinforcing Middenheim’s laws, reinstating the tax code, and improving compliance.  Some members of Middenheim’s nobility initially resisted Gravin Solveig’s reforms, but quickly became enlightened after a personal interview with the Knights Panther Grandmaster.

With these reforms in place, Middenheim began to recover her past glory.  The tax codes were revised so the burden of filling Middenheim’s treasury did not fall solely on the merchants and tradesmen.  Corruption was reduced and the perpetrators imprisoned in the locked suites within the fastness of the Fauschlag.

In the year 2410 IC, Gravin Solveig Todbringer defied the Imperial Edict of Sigmarzeit 2362 IC by secretly resurrecting Grand Duke Gunthar von Bildhofen’s Schwarzmantel organisation.  The purpose of this small covert organisation is to ferret out and discretely dispose of hidden cultists and other enemies of Middenheim.  Gravin Solveig also created the position of Privy Councillor whose responsibilities include overseeing their activities.  She named her second son, Baron Bengt Todbringer, as the first Privy Councillor.

Werner, 2411-2481
Grand Duke of Middenland 2443-2481
The von Bildhofen plans to recapture Middenland were first formulated by the old Grand Duke and his wife and passed down to Solveig.  They entailed marriages to tie the von Bildhofens to the other influential Middenlander families:  Solveig’s brother married Renata Teim, heiress of the Teim banking and mercantile family of Carroburg and Gunthar’s son Otto to Selena von Wartburg, the youngest and most intelligent of Baron von Wartburg’s daughters (and the sister of Graf Bertholdt Todbringer’s wife, Hildegarde) amongst others.  One of Solveig’s last acts was to reach an agreement for Otto’s eldest son, Werner, to marry Marlene von Streissen, descendant of the Grand Duke Heinrich von Streissen and heiress to the Grand Duchy of Middenland.  As part of the arrangement (and with some financial incentives to the indebted von Streissen house), Werner von Bildhofen would become the successor to the reigning Grand Duke, Reinhardt von Streissen.

Thus, twenty-eight year old Werner married Baroness Marlene von Streissen in the Verenan temple of Carroburg.  Being a man of action he soon rose to a leading position in the Middenland Army where he would become a popular man for the next dozen years.

In the year 2443 IC the old Grand Duke Reinhardt died.  As usual there were disputes over Werner’s claim for the throne.  An army man Werner was not used to debates over his orders and within the very week that the Grand Duke had passed away, Werner declared that any further protest against his candidacy would be considered “a threat to the safety of Middenland and the Holy Cult of Ulric.  Thus, we are obliged to eradicate the source of such a protest with all the power accessible to ourselves.”  Allegedly, this was his councillor’s rephrasing of Werner’s own words: “Any Middenlander thinking that I would even consider giving up Middenland as my great great grandfather did so long ago is a damn fool!”

Meanwhile Werner gathered a major contingent of the Middenland army outside Carroburg.  The Middenland nobility got the message loud and clear, and Werner was appointed Grand Duke of Middenland within weeks. Not really interested in politics, Werner left most of the ruling to his chancellor (and distant relative) Baron Karl Uwe Teim. His eldest son and successor, Siegfried, proved to be far more capable and interested in politics and during the last part of Werner’s almost forty years of reign, the Barons Siegfried and Teim were the de facto rulers of Middenland.

********** Sidebar **********

The Case of Hans-Dietrich von Bildhofen

One of the interesting parts of von Bildhofen history surrounds the person of Hans-Dietrich von Bildhofen.  The official history of the noble family mentions this controversial figure as only a footnote; the bastard son of Selena von Wartburg, accepted as a protégé by her husband, Otto von Bildhofen. He was murdered in the year 2437 IC by an unknown assassin.

During his research in the Collegium Theologica of Middenheim, Dr. Albrecht von Kauhafen have found several unofficial sources alleging that Hans-Dietrich was recognised as the oldest son of Otto von Bildhofen and brother of Werner von Bildhofen.  Apparently, Hans-Dietrich was the son destined to succeed Grand Duke Reinhardt von Streissen of Middenland.  He married the Grand Duke’s daughter Marlene to ensure his succession.

However, the unscrupulous Hans-Dietrich von Bildhofen was involved in an incident during an Orc incursion in 2435 IC  There were accusations that Hans-Dietrich sent envoys to the Orcs and bribed them to attack the forested region north of his lands (the border region between Middenland and the southern reaches of the Laurelorn Forest).  Rumours flew that the Orcs found and destroyed an Elven village and its inhabitants.

An enraged Wood Elf envoy reached Grand Duke Reinhardt von Streissen’s court in Carroburg with proof of Hans-Dietrich’s duplicity and demanded restitution.  The political debacle proved very embarrassing and Hans-Dietrich’s timely death gave the von Bildhofen family an opening to rewrite their family history.  Hans-Dietrich’s place in the official family history was altered, while his marriage to Baroness Marlene von Streissen annulled and stricken from the record.  Werner von Bildhofen then married the Baroness and was proclaimed heir of Grand Duke Reinhardt von Streissen.

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The von Bildhofen family tree

	    The Unberogens
		                   |			Electors marked with *.
                   |			Heads of the House of von Bildhofen
                   |			in italic.
		                   |
	Baron Lothar von Bildhofen
		             471 - 530
		                   |
		                   |
	                             Count Freidrich von Bildhofen
		        1184 – 1235
		                   |
		                   |
		Duke Josef von Bildhofen
		         2255 - 2310
	____________	=Elizabeth von Klein Elgut
	|	=  ?	                 _____________________
	|				|
    Emperor Magnus the Pious*			Grand Duke Gunthar von Bildhofen*
                2280 – 2369			                   2305 - 2387
				               = Magda Burg
	 				|
			_____________________________|_______________________
			|	  |	              |	                   |
		                Graf Magnus*            Josef                                 Anna                       Werner
		                2330 – 2381        2332 – 2340                      2334 – 2395           2338 – 2412 
		                   =Wanda		          =Erik
		                      Krieglitz		             Tussen
		_____________|____________		               |
		|                          |                       |		               |
	                   Gravin Solveig*    Gunthar           Ludmilla	               |
	                2352 – 2415          2356 – 2428     2359 – 2409 	               |
	                    = Boris               = Renata		               |
	                        Todbringer         Teim		               |
		|                          |			               |
		|                      Otto		               |
	______________ |              2381 – 2420		               |
	|	                      = Selena		               |
	|		von Wartburg		               |
	|             ______________________|___________________	               |
	|             |	                     |	               	          |	               |
	|   (Hans Dietrich)      Grand Duke Werner*	      Astrid	               |
	|       2401 –  2437            2411 – 2481  	 2415 – 2495	               | 
            The Todbringers	          = Marlene          	    = Andreas	               |   
              of Middenheim	           von Streissen    	      Baader	               |
	                _______________|________ 	         |	             |
	               |	              |                       |	         |	             |
	Grand Duke Siegfried*     Uta                 Anna 	         |	             |
	    2446 – 2503	       2448 - 2460          2450 -   	         |	             |
	          = Petra			         |	             |
	              Tussen-Hochen		         |	             |
	                 |_________________	Various Baaders             |
	                 |		|		             |
	   Grand Duke Leopold*              Siegfried		The Tussen-Hochens
	          2466 -  	    	2477 - 		    of Hochland