Completed: Empire Wizard

I finished up this lady the other day. She turned out rather well, I reckon! This wasn’t one that I really intended to do, as it wasn’t on this month’s plan for the slow grow armies. It just kind of happened.

She was an absolute joy to paint:

I’m happy with her! Now, given that she will count towards the slow grow, I suppose I’d better give a bit of a story to go with her:

Lady Adelinde von Karlsburg.

Born into the prestigious von Karlsburg family of Altdorf, Adelinde was destined for a life of privilege and responsibility. However, her destiny took an unexpected turn when her latent magical abilities manifested during her adolescence.

Recognising her potential, the family’s court wizard, a wise and seasoned mage, took Lady Adelinde under his wing as an apprentice. Under his guidance, she honed her magical talents, delving into the mysterious arts. Adelinde’s innate connection to the Winds of Magic grew stronger with each passing day, earning her a reputation as a prodigious and promising sorceress.

Despite her burgeoning magical prowess, Adelinde’s noble responsibilities beckoned. As the heir to the von Karlsburg estate, she gracefully navigated the intricate web of courtly affairs, earning the admiration and respect of her peers. Yet, her heart longed for something more profound—a higher purpose beyond the political machinations of the aristocracy.

It was during a fateful encounter at the grand Cathedral of Sigmar that Lady Adelinde found solace and purpose. Witnessing the impassioned sermons of Heinrich Volkmarsson, she was moved by his unwavering devotion and the hope he instilled in the hearts of the Empire’s people. Inspired by the teachings of Sigmar, Lady Adelinde became a devout patron of Heinrich’s church, using her considerable wealth and influence to support the endeavors of the Warrior Priests.

Adelinde’s dual identity as a noble and a sorceress became a potent force for good within the Empire. She used her magical abilities to aid Heinrich’s cause, employing the Winds of Magic to heal the wounded and bolster the defenses of the Empire. Her support extended beyond the battlefield, as she funded the construction of orphanages and schools, providing a beacon of hope for the less fortunate.

However, not everyone within the aristocracy embraced Adelinde’s alliance with the church. Skepticism and jealousy festered among her noble peers, leading to whispers of heresy and collusion with commoners. Undeterred, Lady Adelinde continued her dual life, navigating the delicate balance between her aristocratic duties and her commitment to Sigmar’s cause.

As the Empire faced ever-increasing threats from the forces of chaos, Lady Adelinde von Karlsburg and Heinrich Volkmarsson formed a formidable alliance—one that blended nobility, magic, and faith. Together, they stood as beacons of hope in a world shrouded in darkness, their partnership symbolising the unity of the Empire’s diverse strengths against the encroaching shadows that sought to consume the Old World.