TG STORY - Did I really just transform the Old World into a Dating Sim!? Route B: Empire of Steel

STORY BY THE GREAT TFWIZARDNO ART ON THIS PROLOGUEI need to share some bakstory for this. This project started as a funny concept some years ago, and TF-Wizard (a fellow patron here) was very into the idea. Like the madman he is - he turned it into a full story... in ONE MONTH.... 70 OR SO PAGES.

There are several chapters - each features one faction from the TTRPG World of "Warhammer Fantasy" - these factions are:- High Elves- Dark Elves- The Empire- Bretonnia- Dwarfs

I loved this story, but the thing is that I liked it so much, that I never felt I had proper time to actually draw for it. I wanted to do well, and Warhammer designs are quite complex... tho the Sketch Requests give me the perfect opportunity to churm out at least one of them! Hopefully, if you guys are interested, I can do the rest!

This chapter features Emperor Karl Franz of the Empire and related characters!

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Reikwald Forest, Year 2509 of the Imperial Calendar,  Deep Forest

The Emperor Karl Franz howled as the Slayer of Kings, foul blade of Archaon the Everchosen, plunged into his chest while he fought desperately to defend the ritual that might save the world. He howled in anger, not pain, as he would not grant his mortal enemy the satisfaction of pitiful mewling. With the last of his strength he struck one final time with Ghal Maraz, smiling as his weapon slammed into the Everchosen’s black armor. With his last breaths he looked back to see the ritual progressing, and that the warriors of the Conclave of Light may just be victorious. He could feel more than hear or see the massive armored boot of Archaon slamming down on his head, and then sweet oblivion as he prepared to finally meet his divine predecessor.

Then he woke up.

Needless to say the Emperor was shocked to have any sensation after what he was sure was the final battle of his world. His head pounded as he managed to get out a low groan, certainly feeling like he might be dead in a moment anyway. His eyes slowly opened as he coughed and sputtered, trying to place his surroundings. He was alive, and seemingly uninjured other than his aching skull. He appeared to be in some forest or other, although it reminded him more of the Reikwald close to home than the forests of Middenheim the ritual had been conducted in. On one side of him was Ghal Maraz, the legendary Warhammer of Sigmar himself, slicked with blood. And on the other was the corpse of some giant Wolf. A wolf? He had seen no wolves around in the battle against Archaon, but yet here one was. He heard footsteps, and his hand went to the warhammer before he heard a (human, bless Sigmar,) voice.

“By Taal...when I saw that beast strike your head I thought that Ludwig would have my own.” The Emperor looked at the source of the voice, and for just a second he had a flash of recognition. He recalled the round furred hat with red feathers, blue clothes, mystical bow, and salt bearded face of Huntmarshal Markus Wulfart, The Emperor’s Captain of the Scouts and the most acclaimed monster hunter in all the Empire.  But when his strained vision cleared and he truly beheld the figure before him, he was rather surprised. The round furred hat was still there, but the person wearing it was a tall, lithe, and rather striking young woman! She had short black hair that cut fashionably around her head with a few curls, and her tight fitting hunting outfit left a spot open to show her cleavage. Her face had hardened but pretty features, ones that did vaguely remind the Emperor of his Captain of the Scouts. Perhaps she was his sister? In her hand was a familiar item to the Emperor, the Amber Bow he had gifted to the Huntmarshal in thanks for his killing of the Drakwald Cyclops. Karl was shocked that the Huntsmarshal would have lent it out to anyone. She walked forward, looking around the area idly. “Still, I am glad that we found the beasts. This hunting trip would have been a waste of time otherwise, and those wolves would have been quite the danger to the local loggers.” She said seriously before offering a hand to the Emperor, Karl happy to have the help.

As he struggled to his feet, he panted a little and nodded as he looked over the slain Giant Wolf. The woman had claimed that this was a hunting trip. There would have been no time for such leisure during the End Times...so was that all a dream? No...had the ritual rewound time? The forest was looking a bit brighter than he remembered, prettier in a way that was rather hard to describe. He could deal with the specifics later, for now he might as well get as much information out of the huntress as he could. “Excellent work huntress. I am in your debt, although I am afraid that I was concussed, even if my armor held true, thank Sigmar.” He said, doffing his helm and rubbing his head a little. There was a definite bump. He was happy that it was not a gaping wound.“I would appreciate a refresher on our location, date, and what in the name of the gods we were doing out here.” He said in his usual deep, commanding voice. The Emperor had a powerful presence, one that could inspire whole armies to fight in his name. Right now he needed little of it however, since he was only speaking to one woman.

The huntress nodded cooly, giving a quick salute. “Aye sir. It’s four days before Sun Still, and we were asked to investigate rumors of horrible beasts in the Reikwald Forest before the coming Noble Hunt. You chose to accompany us I think largely for a break from your duties. We were expecting a leisurely ride for the most part, but came upon giant wolves.” While the Emperor could not recall the specific instance, he had recalled doing such things to distract him from the rigors and difficulty of the job before. Although most of the time it did not end in a monster hunt. The girl nodded, with a slight smile on her face. “After that the hunt was much more exciting, I imagine for you as well. Seeing you fight was quite inspiring, at least until that beast got a lucky swipe.” She cut a rather pretty figure even as she went to go look deeper at the corpse. “I would have expected more damage to the body from the fabled Warhammer. I know a skilled taxidermist, this could make for a fine trophy. A gift to the University perhaps?”

“Hm.” The Emperor said calmly, regaining his composure a little as he stretched his neck and put the helm back on his (rather terribly bruised) head. He did like the cut of this woman’s jib, whoever she was. And he was glad for the information.“Well, I thank you for your service. May I ask your name? I presume you are one of Markus Wulfhart’s band?” The Wulfhart Hunters were among the most acclaimed monster slayers in the Empire. Karl Franz had personally formed the group, even if they had not been enough to protect his Empire from the End Times. A few of their number gathered around the dead wolf before disappearing into the mists, searching for any remaining giant wolves. He could trust them to protect him for the moment at least, even if he made sure to hold Ghal Maraz.

The woman’s eyes widened considerably, looking rather confusedly at the Emperor. “Are you truly alright milord?” She said, looking like she was speaking to some madman. “I’ve never heard of a Markus Wulfhart. And you speak to Marcia Wulfhart, Huntsmarshal of the Empire, and the Captain of your Scouts.” She said the last bit much more proudly, while the Emperor’s eyes widened confusedly in turn. The Huntsmarshal looked towards him again more nervously. “You were the one who gave me the position. Mayhaps that blow to your head was worse than I thought. Shall I escort you back to Altdorf and the Imperial Physician, milord?” The Emperor was shocked and confused, but he also understood the importance of keeping calm and collected. Even if things were strange, he was still the Emperor, and it would not do for him to be seen as unfit for duty. He had worked long and hard, and sacrificed much, to obtain this position. To claim the strength and renewal the long dilapidated Empire had finally been experiencing. He could not let some weaker Emperor take the stage even if this was some altered world. Especially if the world still risked falling into the End Times.

“Ah yes, of course. It was merely a slip of the tongue born of my addled vision. I can see to my own injuries and transport. You may continue your hunt Captain. We need to ensure that the woods are safe before the Sun Still hunt. Most of the nobles in attendance would be slain in an instant by such beasts.” The Huntsmarshal laughed at the notion and nodded, readying her bow and disappearing into the mists. It seemed that not everything had changed about the woman, even if it was utterly bizarre that the Huntmarshal had changed at all. What was going on in this new world? Just what had that Elven sorcerer done? And why had the Huntsmarshal’s memory changed but not his own?

A short walk escorted by a couple of rather annoyed hunters later and he was in his carriage heading  back to Altdorf, holy city of Sigmar and capital of the Empire of Mankind. Safe in his carriage and surrounded by Reiksguard knights, he had leave to try and puzzle out the confounding situation he had landed himself in. He had met back up with Ludwig Scharzhelm, his champion and personal bodyguard. But it seemed the man had changed in this world as well, losing his great white beard and instead possessing a more feminine (if exceedingly handsome) mein with pretty white hair. 

The handsome champion stared nervously at his charge for a few moments before sighing. “You know I only agreed to let you go on that trip thanks to the Huntsmarshal being present. I really should have been there to protect you.” He looked down for a moment before staring back at the Emperor almost wistfully. “You know that I am to always stand by your side. I have...promised myself that much.” He said, closing his eyes melodramatically. The Emperor was...confused as he saw his champion’s reaction. The bodyguard was acting more like some lovesick dandy than a skilled warrior, although Karl could tell from Ludwig’s movements and musculature he was indeed still powerful. “Are you certain that blow to the head was not serious your highness? You seem a little out of sorts. You know that you can come to me for anything, right?” The way the Champion stared at his Emperor seemed odd to Karl. It was as if Ludwig understood that something was wrong, but could not place precisely what it was. 

The Emperor sighed a little. It would not do for his own personal champion and bodyguard to be suspicious of him. Even if this new world was different, he understood he would still have need of a champion, whether to protect him in battle or to serve as the arbiter of justice and the law. He smiled softly and bowed. As he did so, his cold, grey eyes turned into a beautiful and seemingly more innocent blue. “Do not worry Ludwig. You shall always be my champion, and I am sorry for making you worry so.” He nodded. “You understand that I do need you, correct?” The Ludwig he remembered had a reputation (one partially cultivated) to include complete sternness and stoicism, but perhaps in this world things were different. He hoped that the Champion kept his sense of loyalty at the least.

Upon staring into his Emperor’s blue eyes and hearing the kind words Ludwig Scwharzhelm, known as the Emperor’s Sword of Justice, brightened and eased his suspicions considerably, his heart beating with a fervent passion. “Of course your highness. For who else can ensure that your edicts are followed, and protect you on the battlefield?” He nodded sagely. “I shall always be at your side milord, no matter what happens.” The Emperor gave a sage nod, happy to have the situation resolved, at least for the moment. It seemed he may have to use other means to confirm Ludwig’s loyalty, although it certainly still seemed to be there.

He took more stock of these bizarre changes as the carriage rolled through Reikland, the center of the Empire of Man. The world around him certainly seemed different even at a glance. The plants were greener, the peasants cleaner than he remembered, the buildings less dilapidated, and everyone seemed a little...happier. It must have had something to do with that summoned savior from another world. But could that really have altered everything like this? And why had he seemingly experienced no changes? A man would have gone insane if he tried to figure out something like this on his own. Thankfully Karl Franz had been wise enough to surround himself with skilled advisors and aides, the greatest minds and warriors in all the Empire. Together they had accomplished great things, and if they could not figure it out who could? Although beyond the Emperor’s knowledge, he had lost a couple inches of height during the carriage ride. 

The Empire was far too large and complicated for one man to rule alone. Therefore an administrative and advisory group known as the Council of State had been formed to provide assistance in matters ranging from foreign relations and legal affairs to religious squabbles and matters related to the arcane. For the moment he elected to instruct his coachman to drive to his official Counselor on Matters Magical, although he made sure to keep the terms vague enough. It would not do for him to keep making gaffes like he had with the Huntsmarshal. He recalled the man he had appointed to the position, namely Balthasar Gelt, the Supreme Patriarch of the Colleges of Magic. The mage of the Golden Order was greedy and ambitious, and his arrogance had caused much chaos in the End Times. But for now, Karl Franz knew the man to be loyal enough, and most importantly able to keep a secret. When he rode up to the prestigious colleges of magic, he immediately noticed several differences from the academic institution that he remembered. The grand spires were still there, but the entire campus was much prettier than before with grand sweeping gardens and downright luxurious dormitories. Greater than the change to its architecture was to its students though. Rather than the grimly robed older men bedecked in strange raiments and skulls were adorable women of various shapes and sizes! They wore cutesy uniforms with short skirts, each colored after their respective college, and many were happily chatting as he walked through the halls, some of them whispering to each other like, well, schoolgirls. Karl Franz was always more comfortable and appreciative of the Colleges of Magic than most, but even he could appreciate the greater atmosphere of levity. The Emperor did hope that such a seemingly flippant institution could provide his Empire with sufficient Battle Wizards, but if his Champion could look like an adonis and his Huntmarshal a woman worthy of song perhaps the rules were different now. He quickly sought the office of the leader of the College.

A moment later he was in the office of the Supreme Matriarch of the Colleges of Magic, Bellandy Gelt. She was still a tall woman and wore a golden mask, but instead of the long black robes she had an attractive outfit adorned with jewelry. The magus’s fingers templed as she heard Karl inquire about his curious situation, and then he could sense a smile behind the mask. “How curious, your highness.” She said, leaning forward. He could tell that her mind was racing, but he was concerned about how this may be used against him. “You wish me to investigate a claim that the entire world may have changed? Normally I would say such a thing is preposterous.” The magus said, holding a golden globe that sent ripples along its surface with the hums and whims of the powerful wizard. “Such a thing would require magic on a scale never before seen. Forgive me, my lord, if it seems most impossible.” She leaned forward. “And it would only be possible with the influence of Chaos itself. Or some other more bizarre, outside force. Are you certain you are right in the head? There does seem to be something different about you...” She stared at the Emperor, as if seeing something she did not expect or was not supposed to see.

Karl easily understood this was a clear power play by the Supreme Patriarch (or he supposed Matriarch in this bizarre new world), but the Emperor stared firmly at the magus regardless. It appeared that even with her more adorable appearance Gelt’s ambitions had remained unchanged. As he straightened his expression though, his features began to soften slightly, his thick powerful nose beginning to shrink while his edges started to form cleaner curves. His face was already clean shaven, but now even the stubble from the long day of riding disappeared. Still, he chuckled a little bit, annoyed that the magister was trying to take advantage of this, but happy to turn the situation around. “I think you misunderstand, matriarch. These are merely strange reports being handed to me in the field, and some of the lesser Magisters recommended the possibility. I merely want you to investigate so that we can confirm these rumors are truly as ridiculous as they sound.” He still did not know what was happening, and would need the aid of the matriarch in order to figure it all out. But he also had to angle it properly. “Such reassurances in these times of confusion would look most favorably on the Colleges of Magic, wouldn’t you say?”

At that the magister also seemed to be less suspicious of him, nodding weakly. “I see. Well, there are a few strange theories in the Celestial and Golden Colleges. Something about changed fates and discrepancies in the rules of transmutation of matter.” She shrugged and gave a sigh, stroking at her chest as she did so. “And a few in the College of Light claim that there is more order in the world of late...although I would attribute that to our mastery of the Arcane more than anything so outlandish.” She tapped at the side of her head cutely as she continued, even giving a chuckle. “The strangest thing I heard was one of the scullery maids claiming that the Colleges consist mostly of men! How ridiculous!” She gave a loud laugh, which the Emperor returned despite his own inner confusion and curiosity. “But yes, my Emperor. I shall gladly look into these strange occurrences…” she said with a knowing grin. “But while you are here we should really talk about the budgeting for my research. I understand the desire for combative magics to protect the realm and the training of Battle Wizards, but I can assure you that a more comprehensive research program will provide far greater benefits to the Empire.” She held up a couple of the pieces of jewelry. “These were finely crafted, not by hand, but by magic, for example.” She said, a proud expression on her face. “As were several of the cosmetics that I’m sure Reiklanders enjoy.” The magister sighed. “I would probably avail myself of them...but well, you know.” She said, shrugging and pointing at the golden mask. 

The Emperor’s face, while as pale as ever, took on a slightly prettier complexion. He supposed that despite Gent going through many changes in this new world, some things would never change. He frowned and gave a sigh. “Of course. I shall do my utmost in my next budgetary review.” With that he left the office of the Supreme Matriarch, passing by gaggles of schoolgirls going about their day. The sight of the tall, imposing Emperor among them would have been bizarre given the contrast...but he was a little less tall than before, and his softened features gave a somewhat friendlier atmosphere, even if the man acted as stoically as always. He wished to investigate the matter further, but for now he understood he had plenty of administrative matters to attend to. He whispered a small prayer to Verena to ask for assistance in getting through the more boring duties, and to Sigmar to grant him strength in all of this strangeness. Back in the carriage Ludwig seemed less on edge at his appearance, although the Emperor could not fathom why. He passed by the office of the Witch Hunters, noticing a few of the leather clad figures wearing more risque clothing than he was used to, even as they dragged a few gibbering cultists to an uncertain fate. He could only pray they still did their duty properly. They returned to the palace for now, riding through the (much cleaner than he recalled) streets of Altdorf.

The palace was still rather beautiful, but it lacked the skulls and memento mori that he was used to. He supposed that it did give a bit more levity and joy to the place, but his was a serious station so such things should have been unnecessary. The gardens contained far more flowers and intricate shapes, creating a rather soothing scent as the Emperor entered. The whole structure in general was also much brighter than before, both with more colorful paintings and the walls seeming cleaner and neater. The place was still massive though, and filled with the usual innumerable clerks, busy servants, and scheming nobles. Many of them were more adorable than he remembered (especially the serving girls) but he was still glad to be home. He returned to his office, noticing a few changes to the place. There were a few vases with fresh flowers in them, likely taken from the gardens outside. His paperwork was simultaneously less and more organized than usual, most if it being placed on a comically large stack atop his desk. Further inspection of his office revealed a few more knick knacks than he remembered, along with two rather curious items in his desk. One was a small cosmetics set. He understood the stereotype of Reikland men as effete and obsessed with fashion, but he had not really indulged in such things. There was also, albeit more hidden...a stuffed griffon doll? The man had a somewhat strange reaction to the toy, feeling more attached to it than a man of his age and stature probably should have, and finding it oddly adorable. His hair grew longer as he could barely resist the urge to give the stuffed toy a small hug, falling past his ears. Just before he could he was interrupted by the sound of someone entering the room however.

It appeared to be a young woman in a cute, pencil skirted suit. In her hands was a comically large pile of papers which she seemed barely able to carry. The Emperor coughed and quickly hid away the toy, blushing in the process. Why had he been playing with such a childish thing anyway? “Y-your highness, I-I’ve brought the-kyaa!” The poor clerk flailed as she fell forward, the papers tumbling to the floor. “O-oh by Verena! I-I’m so sorry sir I-” The Emperor gave a sigh, his voice rising in pitch and femininity in the process. He wondered why the change to the world had lowered the standards of the Imperial Palace. A girl like this probably should not have been hired in the first place. But the Emperor was feeling softer than usual as he courteously stood and walked over to help. As he did so his own body seemed to be getting softer as well, his shoulders shrinking inwards and downwards and his torso thinning to give a more feminine gait. His arms and legs followed suit, lengthening slightly and his muscles thinning to show more tone than bulk. By the time he walked across the office he looked more friendly and pretty than cold and intimidating. He knelt down, helping to organize the papers much to the clerk’s consternation and embarrassment. 

When he spoke, it was much more gently than perhaps he even realized, the words simply flowed from his mouth. “Hilda, it’s okay. I know you’re better than this, all you need to do is pay a little more attention, alright?” When he looked down at the young woman it was with a much friendlier affect than the Emperor had shown before. Which combined with his new appearance more befitting a particularly girly otome game love interest had quite an effect, especially on the already flustered young woman. 

The clerk blushed. “Ah. Um, right. Of course.” She said, managing to stop whimpering thanks to the Emperor’s kindness. Together they quickly had the papers reorganized and back on the Emperor’s desk. She bowed cutely and smiled. “Thank you so much for the help Empress!” She said as she walked away, tripping out in the hallway almost characteristically. It was like some running gag from a particularly lazy writer…

Karl Franz sighed both from the girl’s (somehow familiar) trip and from Hilda calling him ‘Empress.’ The Emperor just thought about how the girl was a klutz, but in truth the latter blunder could be quite reasonable given his new appearance! Not that the Emperor really seemed to notice his thinner limbs and slightly more feminine fingers as he started to work through the paperwork, reading a few reports on some strange activity from Sylvania while approving and vetoing proposals from the Reikland Parliament and Imperial Council of State. As the Elector Count of Reikland and Emperor, he was forced to handle a great deal of administrivia, which was especially frustrating given how he was more concerned with the strange changes to the world around him, even as they also felt more normal and familiar at the same time. He had made subtle inquiries about the matter to his spymistress, one Countess Sigfrid von Walfen, and it seemed the clever woman had slipped the reports in with Hilda’s delivery. It seemed that there was little evidence of such a shift, other than the chattering of a few captured Chaos cultists who referred to a ‘rebirth’ being stolen from them or some such nonsense.  Needless to say it was mostly useless, and he wrote a quick note thanking the spymistress for her work.

He needed to do something about it now. The man idly took out his makeup and readied to head out again, touching up a few spots on his more feminine face as he considered his next move. If the Arcane and State Intelligence Services had failed him, perhaps he could rely on the Divine instead. Although Karl was increasingly concerned that the issue was with him rather than the world around him. Could he simply be insane? Or even corrupted? Whenever men worried about such things, they oft turned to the gods for guidance. And in such times the Emperor could rely on one of his personal friends and Counselor on Matters Spiritual, Grand Theogonist Volkmar the Grim. Volkmar the Grim was the leader of the Church of Sigmar. Said god was the defied form of the Empire’s founder, patron god of his homeland, bringer of Imperial Unity, and the greatest force against Chaos in the known world. Volkmar was a tall, powerfully built man with a bald head and a glorious mustache. He was incredibly devout, possessed of holy miracles and a righteous fury beyond his aged form. At least he was that way in the increasingly confused Emperor’s memories anyway. No matter the form the Grand Theogonist might take in this new world, Karl had little doubt Volkmar’s piety could help him see this through these strange events. And if he truly were mad or corrupted...he could always turn himself in.

Regardless he boarded his carriage and headed to the Grand Cathedral of Sigmar, a humongous building that towered over much of the city. The grand edifice still climbed into the sky, it’s ancient wings and huge scope able to attend to thousands of worshippers. The titanic stained glass window was present, but altered, the skull on the hammer replaced with the image of angelic wings. The statues of grim gargoyles seemed to have been replaced by angelic figures as well, and the Emperor noticed more depictions of charity and heroism among the usual pictures of slain enemies and burning heretics. The by this point quite feminine Emperor still felt doubt and nervousness as he stepped out of the coach, surrounded by the statues and the sheer majesty of the temple. Priests and Priestesses of Sigmar, largely dressed in black habits that tightly clung to their forms or wearing proud armor, walked through the halls. Some prayed to Sigmar for guidance, others hauled holy artifacts and offerings, while yet others were training or giving orders. Worshipers of all classes and professions were filing out of the temple as mass completed, the Emperor’s hair lengthening further as he basked in the holy atmosphere. The locks were black and pretty, carefully arranged in an elegant pattern. As he stepped forward his limbs thinned further, showcasing a delicateness to them despite their strength. His torso thinned as his hips extended once more, giving him a rather feminine gait.

Soon enough he found himself in the presence of the Grand Theogonist. He could still recognize them from the distinctive red and gold garments, with the most distinctive pieces of attire being the green, glowing Jade Griffon and the beautiful, golden tipped Staff of Commands. The new world seemed a little more predictable to Karl as he noted that the leader of the Church of Sigmar was a woman now. She still had the large scar around her right eye, but the rest of her body was very different. Tall with a stout, downright heavenly form and a rather motherly appearance, her robes clung tightly to her form and showcased her large bosom. Rather than the bald head, she had long locks of gorgeous black hair in a somewhat barbarous configuration reminiscent of Sigmar himself. She looked serene, but somehow Karl could sense passion and fervor within the priestess. Volkmar smiled and held her arms out to the Emperor. Her voice was warm, sweet, and motherly. “Wonderful to see you again, old friend. What brings you to my temple? Have the enemies of righteousness shown themselves once more? Is there a matter you wish to solve with the Church’s Guidance? Surely it must not be that your faith has wavered.” Her eyes narrowed at the last part.

“O-of course not your holiness.” He sighed, his mein becoming totally feminine between his opening up and the divine, order-restoring presence of Sigmar within the temple. “It is just...things have been strange lately. It is as if the entire world has been altered. I fear it may only be myself. I have these strange memories...perhaps visions of the future, where everything was different. A world of despair…” The Emperor’s armor changed to fit his feminized form as he felt a pressure growing in his chest, and a strange sensation in his loins. “I fear I have been corrupted, that I am no longer myself.”

The Grand Theogonist nodded sagely at the Emperor’s worries. “I understand your concerns my friend. Even as Sigmar’s light touches this world and protects us, the terrors of chaos and evil lie everywhere. But just as Sigmar protects, he also provides strength and fury to men and women of honor and righteousness.” She smiled at the Emperor, who looked on in awe. “Just as Shallya provides mercy where humans fail, Sigmar provides fervor to those who protect the Empire.” She looked more proudly upon Karl. “Have you not followed the strictures? Have you not worked to defend the unity of our nation? Have you not obeyed your betters, rooted out the enemies of Order, and fought for peace and righteousness?” The fervor in the Grand Theogonist’s voice grew, reminding Karl of those old (false?) memories even as she took on this newly motherly personality. “You are a proud daughter of the Empire are you not? Feel Sigmar’s light within you! Let it bolster your courage like wind behind your sails! Tell me just who you are, child! Who are you?”

The Emperor’s fists tightened as he felt the divine inspiration flowing through him. She was always a pious Sigmarite, like any Reiklander. How could she doubt herself like this!? When the Empire needed him! When the forces of Chaos and evil crawled out of their holes! When craven fools threatened the stability of the Empire! She was the shield of the nation Sigmar Heldenhammer had founded, the guise of its disparate peoples and the general who commanded its armies! How could she let herself falter!? Her breasts expanded outwards as the woman stood taller and prouder than she had all day. “I am Karla Franz! Empress of the Divine Empire of Mankind! Defier of the Dark! Shield of the Empire! Bearer of the Ghal Maraz itself!” She shouted louder and louder as she regained her pride and fervor. She could not let doubt stop her now! Not when her Empire needed her so very much! No more fear, no more doubt! She needed to be the best Empress she could be! Karla Franz was an imposing and powerful young woman, but also filled with a refined grace and a commanding air. 

The Grand Theogonist put a reassuring hand on the woman’s shoulder and grinned. “That is exactly what I wanted to hear Empress! Surely the power of Sigmar runs strongly through you! We shall need it for the trials ahead.” She nodded again. “But hopefully we will not have to face them alone. How goes the search for the blessed savior?” The priestess asked, her face looking a little more serious.

The Empress nodded, finally restored to normal. “Of course Grand Theogonist. We have kept the savior a secret to all other than your priests and the Celestial Wizards lest the Elector Counts become too greedy.” She said with a little sigh. Everyone knew the tale of the prophesied savior who would grant great boons to any nation that earned their loyalty. “My spymasters have mixed reports about the Vampire Counts, but so far there have been few-”

“E-empress! Empress!”

Suddenly, the duo were interrupted by a loud voice and the sound of armored boots clanging against the marble floor of the cathedral. The Empress and Grand Theogonist looked back to see a familiar figure racing towards them. It was a tall, powerfully built young woman wearing battered golden plate and a beautiful helm with wings atop it. This was Katharina Helborg, Grand Master of the Reiksguard Knights, Reiksmarshal of the Empire’s military forces, and BFFs with Karla Franz. She was Karla’s most trusted general, and she panted as she raced through the cathedral, giving a quick salute to the Empress and priestess. “Empress. Grand Theogonist. Thank Sigmar I found you in time. We have reports of the Vampire Countess, Manuela von Carstein, in Imperial Territory! She apparently kidnapped someone, and we believe it may be the savior himself!” The two other heroes looked back in shock. 

“By Sigmar’s light! This is a sign from the heavens!” Shouted the Grand Theogonist. Her eyes lit up with a terrifying glee. “And a chance to finally rend that Manuela limb from limb!” While she despised chaos, she may have hated Manuela von Carstein more than any other.

“But we don’t have time to mobilize the army after Wurtfest yesterday! The men went way too far with the festivities and-” Returned the Reikmarshal, concerned beyond belief.

She was stopped by the proud voice of Karla Franz. “We have no need of the general army for this mission. Manuela must have only brought a small host. We have plenty of at the ready units. The knights of the Reiksgard, Gelt’s Wizards, Wulfhart’s Hunters, Volkmar’s Warrior Nuns...we can still rescue him! We have no time to waste! If they make it back to Sylvania there will be no hope!”

The Empress raised her hand proudly, rallying her forces like the true class representative she was. “We go now, for Sigmar and the Empire!” The three heroes cheered in unison, and dashed away to prepare their forces for battle.

Near the Border of Sylvania, Year 2509 of the Imperial Calendar,  Inn of Last Journeys

“Come on Savior…enjoy yourself. What you are about to receive is normally only gifted to those of fine breeding. Which you clearly are not...” The lilting, almost bored female voice came from a pale faced young woman with a long, frilly dress and a downright lolita aesthetic. She had short white hair that covered her ears, and deep red eyes. Whenever she opened her mouth, her canines were revealed to be long fangs, and at her waist was a large sword. She was happily sitting on the bar inside one of the few roadside inns leading in and out of the Nightmare County of Sylvania, nominally part of the Empire but effectively its own kingdom ruled by vampiric masters. Her name was Manuela von Carstein, ruler of Sylvania and a true master of Necromantic magic. The evidence of her magic was obvious judging by the zombies, ghouls, and skeletons alternately shuffling around the room or cleaning and pushing (less moving) corpses. The vampire licked some blood off of her fingers, grinning towards the terrified young man stuck in a seat.

Said poor boy was one Hiro Tanaka, master strategy gamer, interdimensional traveler, temporary god, and the one responsible for (kind of) accidentally rebuilding the entire world and combining it with his favorite eroge. It had been one of those sorts of days. After the whole become a god for five minutes thing he had encountered a sort of faction select screen? A tooltip (if it really was a tooltip and not his mind trying to understand gosh this was so strange) had informed him that the “Empire” option involved a human nation with gunpowder and magic, which sounded pretty cool to Hiro! After clicking (kind of?) the option he had blacked out again. When he woke up in a rather pretty forest he had been a little confused, but at least happy to have his body back. Of course, that didn’t get to last long as a group of skeletons, ghouls, and zombies suddenly surrounded him! He didn’t have any superpowers or anything to speak of, so there was little he could do as he was captured by one Manuela von Carstein, some kind of hot vampiric necromancer lady.

Now he was in some sort of abandoned inn, although it hadn’t seemed that way before Manuela sent in her undead. He hadn’t chosen to join some sort of undead faction! He didn’t think he wanted to either! Sure he played evil factions in games sometimes...but those were games! Not real life! He desperately looked around the inn for some chance at escape. Pretty much all of the exits were guarded by skeletons and zombies, and he’d seen weird bat monsters and worse outside. Getting out would be hard. Why couldn't this be an isekai story where he was super overpowered again!? He gulped nervously as he realized again that the Vampire Countess was speaking to him. “I uh…”

Manuela gave a sort of mischievous giggle. “Oh...so you’re a shy one then. Don’t worry, the Kiss will teach you pride.” She said with a grin. “But until then, drink and be merry! For you are to be given a truly grand gift.” Drink!? That vampire had already drank the whole bar dry! Or the barkeep anyway. “And this may be even better for me you know...once I become the sire of the prophesied savior…” She said, slowly sauntering towards a terrified Hiro. The boy thought he could hear something like a gunshot in the distance, but he was way too scared to even consider it! The vampire continued. “Nagash-senpai will finally notice me, give me all the power I want…” She climbed atop the mortified boy, who was shivering just as hard as he was blushing. 

“I-I um, erm, I-I don’t think-” He stammered before hearing something else. It sounded like...people shouting outside? It reminded him of the sound effects for...a battle!? Were there people coming to rescue him!? Although it wouldn't matter too much if this girl drank him right now! For now he tried not to show he knew of it. Maybe whoever was coming could surprise her?

The vampiress licked at her lips, and then leaned forward and licked at Hiro’s quivering neck. “Yes...perhaps I can taste your blood before the kiss. If you’re anything like the stories I’m sure it’ll be special…”

“C-countess!” Shouted a gravelly voice from the doorway. It appeared to be a lower ranking vampiric lieutenant, who was shouting at the assembled undead soldiers. Manuela turned and gave a hiss at the man. One of her hands filled with dark mystical energy, and she looked ready to kill the vampire (again) for interrupting her meal. The soldier moved forward undaunted. “I-it’s the Imperials sir! Karla is here and she brought-gyaaaa!” His last words were interrupted as a hammer smashed into his chest, sending the hapless vampire flying.  

Manuela screamed like a little girl throwing a temper tantrum. “WHAAAAAT!?” 

Outside the assembled heroes of the Empire and their elite forces made short work of the Zombies, Skeletons, and Ghouls protecting Manuela and the Inn of Last Journeys. Bellandy Gelt needed to but wave her hand and entire lines of the Undead turned to golden statues before her, while her adorable Battle Wizards caused flame, mystical light, and balls of steel and stone to rain on the battlefield. Katharina Helborg led the mighty Reiksguard knights directly into the enemy lines, her mystic Runefang sword singing as it cut through the Undead horde like butter. Ludwig fought right alongside the Reikmarshal, bantering back and forth about who was the Empress’s greatest friend and confidant. Volkmar’s Battle Nuns stood with Shield and mace at the ready as the Grand Theogonist completed a mighty battle prayer, filling the area with holy light and turning many of the Undead to ash. Marcia Wulfhart’s hunters struck with bow and gun, her own mystical Amber Bow letting her take down the strongest among the Undead. 

The Empress Karla Franz had been organizing the hastily assembled forces from the back, but a quick leap from her Griffon, Deathclaw, landed her near the entrance to the inn. She dismounted, trusting the fierce mount to protect her rear, and raced inside the inn after slamming some poor vampire with her Warhammer. She would risk her own life if it was for the safety and unity of the Empire. And she relished the chance to stop Manuela von Carstein wherever she stood!

Hiro watched as a gorgeous woman with powerful black armor and holding a giant warhammer burst into the inn of Last Journeys. Manuela screeched for the undead soldiers to kill her, flailing her arms in fury. A ghoul jumped at the armored maiden, but was easily smashed by her mighty warhammer. A skeleton trained its crossbow on her, but a quick command from the young woman caused a gunshot to ring out, the skeleton exploding in a pile of bones. A zombie charged at her, but one swing was all it took to pound the living corpse into mush against the wall. She was beautiful, and her eyes stared coldly at Manuela as she made her declaration in a voice that made Hiro shiver. “Manuela von Carstein! You have committed the crimes of rebellion against the Empire, consorting with Dark Forces, and illegal use of Necromancy. I, Empress Karla Franz, will mete out your sentence! Face me now, Traitor Countess!” 

The vampire’s hands tightened so much Hiro could swear he saw her bleeding. She looked furious beyond belief, dark power gathering around her. When the odds were against her and she had to do the impossible, the vampire countess knew that there was only one thing to do.

...leave her troops to rot and run home crying. 

Karla Franz frowned as he saw the Vampire Countess blubbering like a child and flying away in the form of a bat, knowing the necromantic vampire would likely be impossible to chase down with her current resources. She looked out the window and raised Ghal Maraz, the men and women outside cheering triumphantly as they worked to finish off the remaining Undead. The Empress turned to Hiro, walking towards him with her hammer in one hand, offering the other to the awed boy. “I believe you heard my introduction. It seems you just might be the person our Empire needs. May I ask your name?”

“H-hiro.” Said the boy, red as a beet from the sight and touch of the beautiful, powerful maiden. 

The Empress nodded calmly. “Well then Hiro. It seems like we have a lot to do. Welcome to the Empire.” With that calm message she pulled Hiro forward. Just what had he gotten himself into?

Imperial Palace of Altdorf, Year 2509 of the Imperial Calendar, Side Classroom

“And have you poison his mind with short sighted ideas on the possibilities of the Arcane? Please.” Said the cool voice of Bellandy Gelt, the magister standing proudly in her golden robes. It was hard to tell her emotions sometimes with that golden mask of hers, but anyone could tell she was quite frustrated despite her outward calm.

“And let you risk corrupting this poor boy’s soul with wicked magic? I’d be worse than an elf if I let you do that!” Replied the fervent voice of Volkmar the Grim, the priestess slamming her staff against the ground for emphasis. Volkmar was quite often serene, but when she got mad...she got furious.

“It is precisely that sort of nonsense I wish our prophesied savior to avoid. A comprehensive education in magical theory and systems will surely grant him the greatest benefit.” Returned the Supreme Matriarch of the Colleges of Magic, her hand tightening into a fist as a small orb of gold flew around her with increased speed. She grinned and leaned in. “Besides, what greater force could he learn than magic itself?”

“No, what Hiro needs is to learn the strictures of Sigmar! With the dark times coming he needs to know how to stay on the right path! Could you imagine if Hiro turned to Chaos!?” The priestess said with a grunt, glaring at the magister. “Besides, the holy powers of the gods are more than a match of any sorcerous magicks!” She leaned in further, the Counselors on matters Magical and Spiritual seeming to be in quite the clash. 

“Somehow I bet you just want him for yourself Grand Theogonist!” The magister exclaimed, venom in her voice, especially near the end. “You merely understand that if the prophesied savior becomes a Sigmarite Priest it will strengthen your cult in the eyes of the people!” She swung her hand. “You claim to be pure but I bet you want his heart as well!”

Volkmar growled in response.  “How dare you Matriarch! You’re just looking to turn your Colleges into something even stronger aren’t you! There’s no way you care about young Hiro or his soul!” She leaned in further, her large bosom bouncing in the process. “And I’m given over to Sigmar! It’s you who wants to take his heart just like one of your golden trinkets!”

“Close minded priestess!”

“Greedy witch!”

“Big breasted idiot!”

“Flat chested fool!”

As the priestess and wizard were literally in each other's faces, poor Hiro Tanaka looked back and forth in consternation and more than a bit of fear. It had been a busy few months since he had turned up in the Empire of Man. Most of it had been spent getting up to speed on the peoples and politics of the land. The Empire of Man was super complicated! Different Cults, Elector Counts and their Vassals, Chartered Towns, Burghers and Guilds, Colleges and Churches, all of them having their own laws and traditions! He was pretty good at figuring out that sort of thing thanks to his strategy skills, but it was all just so much! Not to mention that he also was trying to learn and figure out new tactics for the army. 

More recently it was decided that Hiro would probably have to fight on the battlefield at some point, and provide more than grand plans and the like. He had always hated when he had to try and figure out which class to pick in RPGs, but it was way harder when he had to think about the months or years of training he would have to go through too! Somebody had noticed that he might have the capacity to become a mage or cleric...and well, this had happened. He timidly raised his voice before the magister and priestess. “You know...I think that maybe-” He began before being interrupted by both girls glaring in unison.

Poor Hiro felt himself withering. What was he supposed to do? Either would make the other girl mad, and trying to do both would just make them both mad. Before he could despair too much though, a commanding voice rang through the classroom and all stared to find someone standing before them. 

“I come to fetch Hiro for his tactics training, and here I find you two arguing like spoiled children. I shall remember both of your actions when considering budgets and donations this year. Perhaps I shall decide neither of you get to train our dear Hiro.” The commanding voice was none other than Karla Franz, today wearing a rather stately dress. The Matriarch and Grand Theogonist, despite all of their temporal and mystical power, withered under the presence of the Empress, gulping and looking around weakly. The powerful woman nodded calmly. “That is what I thought. With me, Hiro.” She said, turning around quickly.

The boy was happy to leave the tense situation, even as the priestess and magister muttered to themselves. He breathed a sigh of relief, generally more comfortable around the more diplomatic Empress. “I swear...how do you deal with stuff like that every day? And it’s not just them but everyone else right?” He said, looking back weakly as they walked through the labyrinthine corridors of the Imperial Palace.

The Empress shrugged a bit. “When you’re an empress you learn how to deal with such matters. I’ve found that preying on mutual dislike tends to work well in these sorts of situations.” She smiled and gave a knowing chuckle. “A little harder than in your strategy games I imagine?” The Empress grinned slightly. She could be a little bit of a know it all. But she always meant well. She was always working so hard for everyone else, it was something Hiro really admired about her.

Hiro sighed a little. “Yeah, I guess so.” He said before grinning. “They did help me figure out a new way to use those new gatling guns though!  If you can just prepare a whole unit of Master Gunners behind the center point of a formation…” The tactical chats, sometimes accompanied with board games, were some of Hiro’s favorite moments with Karla. As the two happily chatted the clerk Hilda dropped a whole load of paperwork, falling on the floor with a groan. 

As they both went down to grab the papers for the poor girl. Their hands touched, causing both to blush awkwardly. Then he smiled and she returned it as they handed back the papers to the clumsy clerk. The Empress nodded and waved to Hilda as she left. “So then...back to class?”

Hiro’s adventure may only have been beginning, but something told him it was going somewhere sweet.