The Advisor

Not to be confused with the profession of advisor

"There is another matter... A blind man awaits an audience."
"Many people wish an audience with the emperor. If my father had granted such with every common man, there would have been no time to govern."
"This person is very convincing -- eccentric, even. He, erm...knows things that no man of his station should. He claims to have once been of the Light College. And he brings dire news of movements beyond our borders. Greenskins, Dwarfs, even the Undead -- all are preparing for war."
The emperor sighed. "Very well, I shall see him in my private chambers later. Then we will begin. If our enemies insist on bringing total war to the Old World, then the Empire will be ready..."

—Karl Franz prepares to meet the Advisor^[4]

C073D897-58FD-4D37-A36E-65C0ECB69938 — The enigmatic Advisor holding the cursed *Tome of Fate*.

The Advisor is an elderly, blind Human male who is a mysterious agent of Tzeentch, the Chaos God of change and intrigue. The Advisor appears throughout the single-player story campaigns of Total War: Warhammer, Total War: Warhammer II and Total War: Warhammer III and serves as the primary in-game adviser of the player even as he pursues his own, sinister agenda.

What is the mysterious background of the character 'The Advisor'? toggle section

The Advisor is an agent of Tzeentch, the Chaos God of change. He serves as the main in-game guide in the Total War: Warhammer series while executing his own dark plans. His ability to change his appearance aids his mission to spread chaos. Initially appearing mutated, he later discloses his true identity as a servant of Tzeentch during the Warriors of Chaos campaign, but is eventually consumed by the Ever-watcher.

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What kind of knowledge does 'The Advisor' possess that is unusual for his station? toggle section

The Advisor, an eccentric and persuasive figure, holds knowledge uncommon for his position. He alleges affiliation with the Light College and brings news about unknown movements. His insights extend to political and social conditions, often delving into peculiar or secretive affairs.

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What is the significance of 'The Advisor's' claim to have once been of the Light College? toggle section

The Advisor's affiliation with the Light College implies a background of respect, wisdom, and knowledge. The Light College is recognized for its pursuit of enlightenment and wisdom, frequently serving as advisors to political and military leaders. They maintain good relations with other colleges and the state, often mediating conflicts. Hence, an association with the Light College suggests a status of influence and respect.

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Who are the Greenskins and Dwarfs that 'The Advisor' mentions? toggle section

'The Advisor' refers to Dwarfs and Greenskins from the Warhammer Fantasy realm. Dwarfs, an Elder Race, have historical records dating back to prehistoric times. They are known for their wisdom and alliance with Humans. Greenskins, a term encompassing Orcs, Goblins, and related subraces like Gnoblars, are viewed as a savage and primitive enemy to other races.

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History[]

"The Tome of Fates. It reveals the secrets of the past, the present and what may come to be. Most would think me fortunate to own such a book, but I can only use it in service to others. That is my curse."

—The Advisor^[3]

Originally a wizard of the Empire's Light Order, the Advisor had opened an ancient tome, the Tome of Fate, desperately seeking answers to the countless dangers and horrors which besieged his homeland. However, the book was cursed by Tzeentch, and in his foolish attempt to find forbidden knowledge, the Advisor was cursed to only ever be able to use its knowledge in service to others.^[1]^[3]

When the bear god Ursun was lethally wounded by the Kislevite prince Yuri Barkov in the Forge of Souls, his pain churned the Winds of Magic into a maelstrom. The Advisor travelled north and found the site of the battle, where Barkov had entered the Realm of Chaos. The spirits of the slain told him what had occurred and the Advisor saw a chance to escape his own curse in thrall to the Tome of Fate. By aiding a faction to either free or slay Ursun, the Advisor hoped to claim one drop of the god's blood to cleanse the taint of the Tome of Fate, freeing him to finally profit from its secrets.^[3]

Regardless of which faction he supported, the Advisor eventually received his due and left, with a pure white crow following him. But when he attempted to open the Tome of Fate, he found that he was now blind and unable to read its contents. The Great Deceiver would not be tricked and had sent one of his own servants, the Lord of Change Sarthorael the Ever-Watcher, to keep watch on the Advisor.^[3]

By the year 2502 IC, shortly after Karl Franz's coronation as the new emperor, the Advisor began travelling to various nations and factions across the Known World, in the guise of a haggard, seemingly blind emissary. The Advisor came to the courts of the Empire, Bretonnia, Kislev and organisations such as the Celestial Order. With these powerful entities infiltrated, the Advisor hoped to stoke the fires of war in the name of the Changer of Ways...^[1]^[2]^[3]

During the Warriors of Chaos campaign, however, he reveals his true identity as a servant of Tzeentch, seeking to betray the player, only to be consumed by the Ever-watcher in turn.

Capabilities[]

The Advisor appears to be capable of altering his appearance, which likely aids him in his mission to sow chaos amongst the realms of the mortal world. At first, he is shown to be heavily mutated from the effects reading the forbidden tome, sporting extra eyes and horrific skin growths. However, he later appears to his advisees as a blind, scarred old man.

The advisor is blinded at the end of the events in the Realm of Chaos story campaign of Total War: Warhammer III. The events of the entire series of Total War: Warhammer are told backwards -- the story begins with the events of the Realm of Chaos story campaign in Total War: Warhammer III, then proceeds on to Total War: Warhammer II, than Total War: Warhammer. The Advisor is the least corrupted by Chaos in Total War: Warhammer III, becoming his most corrupt by Total War: Warhammer.

Game History[]

The Advisor is an original character created for the Total War: Warhammer series of PC games with the permission of Games Workshop. In-game, he serves as the chief advisor of whichever faction is the player's. The Advisor also appears in one of the trailers for Total War: Warhammer III, where he is tempted by both Nurgle and Slaanesh.

It is possible that the Advisor's origin as a Light Wizard that fell to Chaos, and more specifically to Tzeentch, may be a reference or homage to the Champion of Tzeentch Egrimm van Horstmann, who has a similar origin, although far different motivations for serving Chaos. Indeed, some of the more casual players of the game have been known to confuse the two.