House von Kopf is an Imperial noble family from Averland. They are historically significant, with many generations serving the Elector Counts of Averland as statesmen and generals. For instance, Elector Count Marius Leitdorf delegated the command of the armies of Averland to Jurgen von Kopf on his behalf. Jurgen von Kopf was the patriarch of the house, a powerful and wealthy figure, who led the war effort against the Orcs to protect the Empire. He was slain by his own son Lukas von Kopf, who became the true heir to his legacy.[1a]
Jurgen had fathered a number of legitimate and illegitimate sons born of various women. Claus von Kopf, his legitimate son, was raised in privilege and wealth but recently died in battle. His half-brothers, Benno von Kopf and Gelfrat von Kopf, were among Jurgen's numerous illegitimate children. They grew up in far less favorable conditions, having to "scrabble and scrape" compared to their more fortunate half-brother.[1a]
Benno and Gelfrat were opportunists, seeing Claus von Kopf's death as a chance to advance in their father's eyes, hoping to be legitimized. Their relationship with Claus had been distant, and they had little emotional connection to him. They were driven instead by ambition, eager to fulfill their father's wishes and claim the position of favored sons.[1a]
Benno, the smaller but more diplomatic of the two, relied on manipulation and charm, while Gelfrat was physically imposing, aggressive, and easily provoked. Together, they sought to retrieve Claus' remains and thus secure favour with their father, competing against the other bastards within the family for Jurgen's approval and recognition.[1a] Unfortunately, both died in a tower of the fortress-town of Grenzstadt during a Greenskin siege.[1b]
After having killed his father with the help of Angelika Fleischer, the same woman tasked to retrieve the body of Claus by Benno and Gelfrat, Lukas von Kopf sought to locate the Black Field Sabres, a military company linked with the von Kopf family, as he had inherited command of the unit due to his claiming the mantle of leadership of House von Kopf.[1b]
Black Field Sabres[]
The Black Sabres, or the Black Field Sabres, is a prestigious military company founded nearly three hundred years ago by the first Jurgen von Kopf. They are closely tied to House von Kopf as a result and have become a symbol of Averland's military might and political power.[1c]
The Sabres are known for their unwavering loyalty to the Grand Province of Averland and their fearsome reputation in battle, with many of Averland's enemies fearing the sight of their emblem -- a sabre on a black field.[1c]
The Black Sabres are elite soldiers who have played pivotal roles in important historical battles, such as turning the tide at the Battle of Midden Bell, crushing a mutiny at Rotermann Field, and helping to overthrow Bloody Count Giannis, a tyrant who had brought too much cruelty upon the province. These victories have cemented their status as legendary warriors in the Empire.[1c]
One of the key elements of the Sabres' fearsome reputation is their strict vow: never to survive a losing battle. Any Sabre who does not fall in battle during such a defeat is considered to have dishonored the regiment, and this vow ensures that they fight with unmatched ferocity, as defeat means death. This harsh requirement is the foundation of the Sabres' prestige, ensuring their battlefield presence is enough to strike fear into enemies and command respect from allies.[1c]
House von Kopf takes great pride in their connection to the Black Sabres, and since the time of Moritz the Swift, a von Kopf has always stood as an advisor to the Elector Count of Averland. This close relationship between the family and the Black Sabres has helped secure their political influence in the province.[1c]