"Rested? Healed? Good, because I got another job for you. And it won’t keep."
- —Franz Lohner.[1]
Franz Lohner the Innkeeper.
Franz Lohner is innkeeper of the Red Moon Inn and a pragmatic man. Simultaneously, Lohner is a bit of enigma. He knows more than he should, but drip feeds that information out as he needs to. He takes the role as an affable, authoritative landlord, but can be more than scolding if his adopted charges disappoint or under-perform.[1]
History[]
Who is Franz Lohner?[]
Franz Lohner has seen Ubersreik turn from prosperous town to doomed settlement and taken it in his stride. In fact, he seems to know far more about the situation than any man should, more than the Burgomeisters or the squabbling nobles who seem only interested in the grand masquerade.[1]
Perhaps this is because of the persistent rumours of Lohner’s past. He arrived to take over the landlordship of the Red Moon over a decade ago, but not much is known of his previous career.[1]
The rumour-smiths swear he is ex-military and that can be seen in his bearing and practical nature. But the very best rumour-smiths insist there is much more to Lohner. That he was and, indeed, still is, a member of the Emperor's Eyes – a highly secretive organisation, a spy network led by the inscrutable ‘Black Count’ who, if the myth is believed, answers directly to Karl Franz himself.[1]
But this is all conjecture, stuff that Lohner would laugh off if you ever had the gall to approach him directly. He is just a humble Innkeeper, albeit one more prepared than most.[1]
Franz Lohner's Chronicles[]
An absent-minded man of mysteries, Franz Lohner relies on his bulging journal to keep track of occurrences, intrigues and arguments around Taal's Horn Keep. Sometimes his notes are even useful, believe it or not.[2]
Enemies[]
Franz Lohner's enemies: Carmello Esposito’s Crew, Thikad Urgolsson, Shaderipper, and Tah-Ra Mentuhr[4a]
Lohner has a mysterious past. When deep in his cups, he tells tales of being an officer in the Grudgebringers, a mercenary company of much renown. But such days of adventure are behind him, much like the old shield hanging behind his bar. However, it appears Lohner’s Grudgebringer past brings trouble as old enemies gather at his gate. Fortunately, Lohner sensed danger approaching and avoided any confrontation, which provided opportunities to scout those moving against him. He now knows of the following incoming threats: an angry Slayer, a shadowy assassin, a Border Prince’s agents, and a ghostly something haunting his inn.[4a]
- Thikad Urgolsson – A Dwarf Slayer, Urgolsson took the Slayer oath after losing his family heirloom — the runeblade, Grudgebringer — in a game of Ranald’s Fingers. He now believes he was cheated by Lohner, and will not stop until the innkeeper is dead.[4a]
- Shaderipper - A Skaven Assassin wants the innkeeper’s head. When working for the Grudgebringers in Tilea, Lohner was a constant problem for the ratmen. The ratmens’ auguries suggest now is the time for revenge.[4a]
- Carmello Esposito - Carmello Esposito’s Crew work for Marchesa Generosa Caramanici of the Border Princes. Lohner introduced the Grudgebringers to Lord Carl Svennson, the Marchesa’s longtime rival, and for that crime he will die slowly.[4a]
- Tah-Ra Mentuhr – A Nehekharan Wraith This ancient creature has emerged from beyond the gates of time. It seeks to possess Lohner’s body, infiltrate the Grudgebringers, then murder the Commander before its master’s future plans are foiled.[4a]
Wargear[]
- Saif al’Janub - Gifted to Lohner for taking decisive action during the defense of Sudenburg against undying hosts in 2498 IC, this curved blade was crafted by famed Philosopher-Artisan Hataq al-Kundi in 1445 IC. This exquisite blade is worth ten times its listed price in Araby.[4a]
Trivia[]
- Franz, as according to his comment concerning the Blightreaper sword, is of Hochland descent.
- It is implied several times throughout the events of Vermintide that Lohner is a former member of the Grudgebringers. A Guide to Ubersreik states that he was once a successful Mercenary, and Waylaid reveals that he owns a shield bearing the heraldry of the Grudgebringer Cavalry. Upon seeing a painting of the famed Morgan Bernhardt, Lohner suspiciously denies even knowing who the man is. Finally, during the Skaven assault upon the Red Moon Inn, the Ubersreik Five will encounter Franz alone and surrounded by dead Stormvermin. It's entirely possible that Lohner is Morgan Bernhardt himself.
- Lohner's possible status as an ex-Grudgebringer may explain his extensive knowledge of the Skaven, as they had previously fought against the forces of Grey Seer Thanquol. He also claims to have strong contacts within Bretonnia, who revealed to him the true identity of Markus "de Mandelot". Indeed, the Grudgebringers had also fought alongside Tristan de la Tour and his Grail Knights at the Battle of Mousillon.
- Lohner is implied to be in possession of the iconic Grudgebringer Sword, after which the mercenary company was named.[3]
Sources[]
- 1: Warhammer: Vermintide Dev Blog #26 (Archived)
- 2: Franz Lohner's Chronicle - The Old Baron of Bluchendorf (Archived)
- 3: Franz Lohner’s Chronicle – It’s Geheimnisnacht all Over Again (Archived)
- 4: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition: Adventure Book (RPG)
- 4a: pp. 34-35
Gallery[]
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