Kingmakers-Lowengeist

The Lowengeist family has long had a prominence in Reiklander politics. The line claims a direct descent from Sigmar himself, and, while in recent times they have not been especially close to the Elector, their influence is still felt. The Lowengeists claim several Grand Marshalls in their lineage, and during the time of Nulner Emperors, held the office of Reiklander Elector.

Family Divisions

Recently, there's been a division between the city-dwelling and courtly Stadler-Lowengeists, and the branch of the family that maintains the old estates, the Landner-Lowengeists. The tension stems from the Lowengeist family tradition: the oldest son's duty is to seek fortune in Altdorf, while the next in line must remain and steward the Lowengeist lands around Stimmgen. There was more influence and money to be had in Altdorf, so the second son often resented his city-going elder.

Things came to a head around 2000IC, when the Jungfraud family, whose lands border the Lowengeists', threatened insurrection. The second son at the time, Elric, bravely marshalled his army and put down the threat, but the credit went to his brother Thom, who was rewarded with a title for an estate primely located only a day's ride from Altdorf. Thom's family moved wholly to this new estate, Geldrecht. The injustice of the situation enraged Elric, and when the next family gathering ended in blows, a bloody feud started. It continues to this day.

Stadler-Lowengeists

The Stadtler-Lowengeists are accomplished politicians, raised in court life. They are fashionable, wealthy, and influential. They tend to look down on their cousins the Landner-Lowengeists as backward hilbillies.

The current head of this branch of the family is Gerhard, a skillful court hand who is somewhat discombobulated by the assassination of Karl-Franz. The coming chaos promises violence, and this betrays a classic Stadler-Lowengeist weakness - their city life means that their military strength is low. While competent warriors, they have little in the way of militia, and have not as yet plowed their wealth into a professional force.

The Stadler-Lowengeists call the small town of Geldrecht their home, though they spend the vast bulk of their time in Altdorf's crowded streets.

Important Stadler-Lowengeists

• Gerhard - The current patriarch of the Stadler-Lowengeists. His reputation in Altdorf is that he throws a hell of a party, his wigs are always in style and his hats are always floppy. He's not all perfume and niceties; though there are rumors it was staged, the fact remains that he killed the Baron von Wittgenstein's minister of taxation in a duel over a disagreement in etiquette.
• Karl - first son of Gerhard. Appears slow-witted, but is said to be cunning and clever. The Noble suspects the former.
• Wilhelm - second son of Gerhard. It is clear that Gerhard favors this bright young lad.
• Franz Stadler-Lowengeist - his name and his personality are a mystery. Many say he bears a great resemblance to a certain Nate Schornack from a different dimension.
• Jens Svenkmeyer - The captain of Gerhard's personal guard. A veteran soldier, with a heavily scarred face, who takes no crap from anybody.
• Helena - the wife of Gerhard, of the neighboring Jungfrauds. An expedient political alliance, and a lovely woman to boot. She favors the Noble above her other sons, as she sees his (yet undefined) potential.

Landner-Lowengeists

The Landner-Lowengeists are a hardy country people. They're still Reiklanders - educated, cultured, and fashionable - but they lack the court sophistication and contact network of their city cousins. However, the Landner-Lowengeist army is rightly renowned - officers from it are routinely selected for the Reikguard or even the Emperor's own Greatswords.

Currently the Landner-Lowengeists are led by Johann, a bear of a man known more for his love of jousting than his political savvy. Those who discount him at court do so at their peril, however - he is a shrewd and ambitious man.

The Landner-Lowengeists rule the city of Stimmigen and its surrounds, including Leonberg, the ancestral home of the Lowengeists, in the foothills of the Grey Mountains.

Important Landner-Lowengeists

• Johann - Johann is the patriarch of the country line, and it is clear that the ambition and jealousy that drove the family split burns a little brighter in him. He's an imposing presence - not only because of his mass and bushy beard, but also his no-nonsense manner. It's obvious that there's no love lost between him and his cousin Gerhard.

• Charlotte - Johann's wife is Brettonian and shows little interest in Reiklander culture. She is attended to by a Louis, a Questing Knight of fearsome reputation.

• Sigismund - Johann's oldest son, and the heir to the Landner-Lowengeist line. He shares his father's size, though neither his father's grace or iron will. His favorite color is red.

• Sophia - Johann's oldest daughter, a lovely and educated lady. A quick study, she longs to go to Altdorf to learn, but "such is not the Landner way".

• Marie - Johann's next-oldest daughter. Though only 15, she loves politics and certainly has more ambition than her brother.

• Brunhilde - The truth is, Johann wanted another son, but Charlotte's womb has not been cooperating. All the same, a child is a child...