Orfeo the Minstrel

"Men of Estalia or the Empire will confidently assure you that there are no cities in the region, and that even the grandest of the so-called princes are merely upstart brigands. Those whose notion of a city is formed by knowledge of Magritta or Altdorf are justified in saying that no such place exists in the Border Princes, but there are walled towns in the region much greater in size than Arjijil, which the people - who know no better - think of as great cities. Such places are sometimes little more than huge fortresses, to which the entire population of a region might retire in time of invasion. Each one has its own prince, and each one has its own tiny empire - for even such small cities as these must rely on the produce of a legion of farmers."

—Orfeo the Minstrel explaining the Border Princes to Alkadi Nasreen, Caliph of Arjijil^[3a]

Orfeo the Minstrel is a Bretonnian minstrel raised by the Wood Elves.^[1a]

History[]

At the age of 8, Orfeo was abandoned in the forests of Bretonnia. He remained there for the next four years, fostered in a small community of Wood Elves. It was there he learned how to play the lute to a standard only surpassed by the Wood Elves themselves. But even though he was happy among the Asrai, Orfeo knew that he did not truly belong. He decided to make his own way in the outside world, living off his skill as a musician. Since then, Orfeo has drifted wherever his fancy took him.^[1a][2a]

He was only twelve or thirteen years of age when he first saw the walls of a town of Men. During his voyages he has visited the libraries of many of the Empire's universities.^[1b]

Orfeo is a likable enough chap. He has a quick wit, a gentle manner, and an unerring feel for what is just and true. What causes him problems and gets him into trouble, is his curiosity: he hates to think he is missing something. He will often be in over his head before taking a breath. Some have even called him reckless. Orfeo himself thinks that's a little strong, though deep down he knows it's true.^[2a]

Appearance[]

Even at 40 years old, Orfeo can still turn the ladies' heads. Standing at just over 6ft 2in and slender of build, Orfeo retains the appearance of a man half his age. His poise and manner have stolen many a woman's heart.^[2a]

Sources[]

• 1: Zaragoz (Novel) by Brian Craig
  • 1a: Ch. 1
  • 1b: Ch. 2
  • 1c: Ch. 7
• 2: White Dwarf 119
  • 2a: pp. 12-13
• 3: Warhammer Fantasy Battle: Rulebook - The Generals Compendium (6th Edition)
  • 3a: pg. 48

Gallery[]

A much more muscular depiction of Orfeo.^[1]