"I can tell, my dear, you are attracted to a man of power. No, don't say anything. Let me kiss your hand."
- —Adalbert "Casanova" Henschmann[1a]
Adalbert "Casanova" Henschmann
Adalbert "Casanova" Henschmann is the rumoured president of the League of Gentlemen Entrepreneurs, the thieves' guild of Marienburg. He is certainly the boss of the biggest and meanest crime syndicate in the city, personally controlling nearly all illegal activities in the Suiddock neighborhood of Marienburg with a ruthless and brutal hand. He is also a fat, greasy pig who fancies himself a ladies' man. In truth, he repulses even his dog.
Someone once asked "Casanova" what he wanted from life. "I want more," was the reply, as he forced the questioner to sign over his business. He is interested only in money and sex, and anyone who gets in his way had better know how to swim with chains on. He took control of the League of Gentlemen Entrepreneurs fifteen years ago in a vicious war that broke the power of the then-master, the elder Hugo Delftgruber.[1a]
Now Henschmann uses all his influence -- and thugs -- to prevent a similar war that might seize control of the syndicate from him. His rule is harsh, and so long as everyone acknowledges that he is the boss then no one gets hurt. When people do get hurt, on the other hand, it's generally in a spectacular fashion. The nickname "Casanova" is ironic, and not uttered where Adalbert can hear it. He truly thinks he is the gods' gift to women, and will make a pass (expecting to succeed) at every good-looking woman who enters the Marienburg Gentlemen's Club. Most women would rather be seduced by a Snotling.[1a]
Casanova uses the network of tunnels running through the catacombs and sewers of Suiddock for transporting contraband unseen around the district. Many would hardly think he needed to bother, as he runs half the city, but Henschmann likes to keep his hands clean. Recently his men haven't been using the tunnels so much, preferring skulking with their carts and coaches, even using water taxis.[2c]
Adalbert deals with Lea-Jan Cobbius as an equal, and the two have healthy respect for each other's power. Between them, they keep the peace in Suiddock in a way the Marienburg Watch can never match. Adalbert has frequent dealings with Guan Lo Fat, Donat Tuersveld, and officials from the merchant princes of the Houses of the Ten.[1a]
He has regular contact with Trancas Quendalmanliye and even Captain Theophilus Graveland, though their meetings are always private. He has strong connections to the Norscan community of the city-state, often using them for labour or strong-arm work. It's rumoured that he can call in favours from Cobbius and the Norscans for a lot of extra muscle, if needed.[1a]
Family[]
Urdithriel Imrabolen, owner of the Race the Winds boatyard in Suiddock, has a daughter, Immarana who knows Adalbert Henschmann's son, Jochem Henschmann. Unknown to anyone they're in love, but their backgrounds and the differences in their class and race, not to mention the prejudices of their parents, make theirs an ill-augered match.[1b]
Appearance[]
"I understood that was the name most people commonly called you, something to do with your reputation as a ladies' man. Of course, I don't believe in such rumours. After all, why would a great lover need the services of a courtesan? Only someone too repulsive to find love without paying for it would resort to such methods to satisfy their carnal needs."
- —Kurt Schnell, member of the Black Caps, to Adalbert "Casanova" Henschmann[2a]
"He called me what? Did you say that whelp Schnell called me Casanova? In front of everyone on Three Penny Bridge? He shall pay for insulting me like this. I will make the insolent upstart understand that I command Suiddock and all who reside or work here -- they do so at my say and under my sufferance. Anyone who dares call me by that name again shall suffer an egregious, ignominious death!"
- —Adalbert Henschmann to Theodorus Oosterlee[2b]
Adalbert is fifty years of age, of medium height and heavy build, but somehow he looks more powerful than he is. He exudes an almost tangible air of menace, and a definitely tangible odour.[1a]
His clothes are of fine quality but show a complete lack of taste, and he slicks his hair down with too much Bretonnian mousse. His voice is phlegmy and rough -- he tries to sound sophisticated but cannot get rid of an edge of menace.[1a]
Trivia[]
Adalbert Henschmann's nickname; "Casanova" is a reference to Giacomo Casanova, an Italian adventurer and author from the Republic of Venice. His autobiography, Histoire de ma vie ("Story of My Life"), is regarded as one of the most authentic and provocative sources of information about the customs and norms of European social life during the eighteenth century.
The shared meaning of "Casanova" in both Warhammer lore and real history implies that there is, or once was, a legendary lover by that name in the world of Mallus as well.