The Black Chamber is Reikland's most important intelligence network, and the best equipped spy organisation in the Empire. The notorious Black Isle in the midst of the River Reik in Altdorf is their headquarters, but they also have agents and safe houses throughout the Altdorf, Reikland, and the rest of the Old World.[2a]
Liepmund Holzkrug, High Lord Ambassador of the Reikland Council, headed the inner circle of the Black Chamber for many years. Many in Altdorf doubt the wisdom of his appointment, as the Holzkrugs are historical rivals of the reigning Holswig-Schliestein dynasty. Yet, although Liepmund is fiery and ambitious, all indications are that he is loyal to the emperor.
After the events of the Turmoil of 2512 IC, Immanuel-Ferrand Holswig-Schliestein became head of the Black Chamber. By 2522 IC, the position was held by Siegfried von Walfen.[1]
The Black Chamber often makes use of contacts within the Cult of Sigmar.[2c]
There are tensions between the Black Chamber and the emperor's other spy ring, the Emperor's Eyes. In fact the Black Chamber is compromised by double agents for the Emperor's Eyes.[2b]
Organisation[]
Below the commander of the Black Chamber is the Inner Circle, which meets in a literal black chamber on Black Isle. Beyond this, the organisation is divided into several wings.[2a]
The Schattenkabinett are the secret police of the emperor who work to neutralise threats internal to Reikland and the capital at Altdorf. In particular the various parties that make up Altdorf's revolutionary movement are targets of the Schattenkabinett.[2a]
The Graukappen work against political threats external to Altdorf and the Reikland. Most Graukappen are stationed in other provinces or even foreign nations. In particular they're interested in curtailing the political power wielded by the Bretonnian court and Marienburg's ruling directorate. During the era when Immanuel-Ferrand Holswig-Schliestein led the Graukappen and Liepmund Holzkrug led the Black Chamber, however, many Graukappen agents worked inside Altdorf because of the discord and distrust between the two.[2a]
The Spionwerber is the recruiting arm of the Black Chamber. They recruit most commonly from the University of Altdorf and the Reikland nobility. They also know how to disappear agents who become liabilities.[2a]
The Palisades are the secret service of the Imperial Palace. They're in charge of protecting the Elector Counts when any of them are in Altdorf.[2a]
The Black Chamber also has a corps of archive keepers who collate and analyse intelligence, and a small engineering wing.[2a]
Members[]
- Liepmund Holzkrug - Holzkrug was the commander of the Black chamber until 2512 IC.
- Immanuel-Ferrand Holswig-Schliestein - Commander of the Black Chamber beginning in 2512 IC. Prior to that he was head of the Graukappen.
- Siegfried von Walfen - Commander of the Black Chamber by ca. 2522 IC.
- Else Barnheim - Head of the Schattenkabinett ca. 2512 IC [2a]
- Yann Zuntermein - Head of the Spionwerber until 2512 IC. Double agent for the Purple Hand and chief architect of the Turmoil of 2512 IC.
- General Erik Hoffman - Head of the Palisades in ca. 2512 IC. He preferred his work in the palace to the skulduggery of the organisation performed on Black Isle.[2a]
- Siegfried Waltz - Agent of the Black Chamber working out of the Cathedral of Sigmar.[2d]
- Emmanuelle Nacht - Nacht was an agent of the Black Chamber rumoured to have a key to the Holy Hammer of Sigmar tavern in Altdorf.[2e]
- Peony Hayfoot - Hayfoot, a Haffenstadt herb vendor and burgher, is an informant for the Black Chamber.[2d]