Hey there everyone, so I've seen a lot of discussion lately regarding Bretonnia and how it might expand in the future as far as its roster, map, and in some cases its lore.

As a devout and true follower of the noble Lady and protector of her radiant kingdom this pleases me well haha. I've long thought that it was high time for Bretonnia to at last be updated for the first time since 6th edition and get some of the attention it has been quite due for. Seeing it as one of the first armies revealed for The Old World made me really happy and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the fair country.

With that said, on the Total War Warhammer side of things I feel that there's roughly six particularly prominent "themes" as far as new units that I'd really like to see. Bretonnia has long been called a bit of a one note faction in comparison to the others due to its almost exclusive focus on knights and cavalry backed up by some infantry support. Let's see if we can't change that a little shall we? Of course cavalry is the defining major focus of the faction, I'm never going to argue otherwise on that. But still: I would love to see it go from being "The Medieval Knight" faction to "The Classic Medieval Fantasy" faction. Arthurian legend and the histories of Britain and France are broad subjects in scope, featuring many characters and people from walks of life who never once claimed to quest for glory and there are others who did so in less traditional ways. With that in mind, here are some areas of Bretonnian culture that I'd like to see be developed more. The crazy thing is despite the lack of miniatures, the actual lore of the faction is rather deep and inclusive. There are many things that are said to be a part of the country's culture that really just need to at last be included into the game properly.

Theme 1

The Clergy

Priests, Cardinals, Bishops, Clerics, Friars, Monks, Nuns, and their defending knights and infantry. The fellowship of the Lady's believers is a very powerful and influential force in the country of Bretonnia, just as it was in real world history. This theme actually already has some partial representation in the roster through the Battle Pilgrims and Grail Reliquae, but I believe that it could easily be expanded into a full-fledged represented group similar to the likes of Volkmar the Grim for the Empire of Kostaltyn for Kislev. In particular, it could do with some lord and hero options and maybe some battle prayers for the Lady. Oddly enough the new Lore of the Lady from the Old World gives me some inspiration as far as those:
https://whfb.lexicanum.com/wiki/Lore_of_the_Lady

But here are some unit ideas I had in mind:

Priest/Arch Deacon or Bishop/Cardinal (The Fancy Title)

Alternate Art:

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/50ab2386-0310-4c7c-b297-2a935a79768d/darw7wm-849f4ed1-9b63-4c56-8c7f-3584fca337cc.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzUwYWIyMzg2LTAzMTAtNGM3Yy1iMjk3LTJhOTM1YTc5NzY4ZFwvZGFydzd3bS04NDlmNGVkMS05YjYzLTRjNTYtOGM3Zi0zNTg0ZmNhMzM3Y2MuanBnIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.m46ZKTW656j9vBZ4Ee8Ev_mS9DER2ZJsch82ocfkyvE

https://preview.redd.it/pkqvku4qydh31.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=e781ab682ee3aab92456abdefa82fdffb86635a5

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/81/73/dd/8173ddffd69ed7ddaf22ed55f10a3704.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ae/11/12/ae11127ce1545509df7c4ba759c53224.jpg

Generic Lord

The leaders of congregations and wielders of powerful support abilities and the Battle Prayers of the Lady.

Cleric

Art Here:
https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fart-artwork-ive-done-of-characters-and-creatures-v0-umsojdie19dd1.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1224%26format%3Dpjpg%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3D723ea23bda1f48cdc6254abc5702d4b272121578

Generic Hero

Noble and dedicated ladies, these are the Damoiselles du Grail (or Sisters of the Lady/Grail Nuns) who have decided to train themselves and risk the battlefield. Carrying holy staves, they are devoted to healing others through the mystic powers of their faith. Like the Priests they also know the Battle Prayers of the Lady, though possibly lesser in scale.

Monk

Alternate Art:

https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/078/967/570/large/artem-senin-monk-1.jpg?1723578384

https://64.media.tumblr.com/2adde8c55c87e78329bbaeb18aa56f77/5acbf9d36ad026ec-c0/s540x810/0633f24e3db2c725957c9418e49a4fbfea24f8a2.jpg

Dedicated scholars and some of the few among the non-noble classes with a dedicated education. The hooded and robed monks of the Grail Chapels are an infantry type armed with a sword and tome. They would be wielding bound spells from the Lore of Light. Notably it is not the magic of the Lady that they wield, but rather knowledge they've gained through their study and translation of mystical texts. While unable to use magic inherently, they carry scrolls with spells inscribed within them.

Friar

Alternate Art:

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f2/fe/2e/f2fe2ee29aa70c277d74878e7020d0db.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/64/76/a8/6476a89e2dee7c6cf8cfcd78c39240c1.jpg

The devoted who choose to leave their monasteries and do the Lady's work among the common people, Friars are a support character that I originally took from The Old World, where they are a new Champion that can be included with Men At Arms. (Though they've been around ever since Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 2nd Edition).

Right stout lad:
https://preview.redd.it/the-bretonnian-friar-tuck-v0-knvfgao1uimc1.jpeg?auto=webp&s=968413bc9cc4917e51969daabefdce344065620e

In terms of Total War Warhammer, I've made him a Regiment of Renown that functions similarly to Bugman's Ale Cart for the Dwarfs. He provides liquid fortification to all near him, raising their spirits to fight on against the savage enemies of the Lady.

Chapel Knights

Alternate Art:

https://media.istockphoto.com/id/136220601/vector/priest-worriors.jpg?s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=4v4lfJwdiNPud25JrpOFFvRnnTPp9Ts6HtCKB2pvvrc=

Every Grail Chapel is defended by a noble Grail or Hermit Knight, but it's not like they don't have backup. These are knights who have dedicated themselves to aiding their holy heroes in watching over the sacred relics housed within the various holy sites of Bretonnia. Dressed in lustrous robes over their armor, they are unceasing in their vigilance.

Chapel Guards

Alternate Art:

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/ff60cb1a-6935-435c-8a92-1d01ec2567e3/dbbqcrv-83526d37-9dcf-4b9f-81c1-1d6685086d1f.jpg/v1/fill/w_1024,h_1577,q_75,strp/guard_by_kamortum_dbbqcrv-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9MTU3NyIsInBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2ZmNjBjYjFhLTY5MzUtNDM1Yy04YTkyLTFkMDFlYzI1NjdlM1wvZGJicWNydi04MzUyNmQzNy05ZGNmLTRiOWYtODFjMS0xZDY2ODUwODZkMWYuanBnIiwid2lkdGgiOiI8PTEwMjQifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.Az4a6SHpg695TbQ3q6jm8IZpNR7c6Wl0cmwPO8vJuio

Men at Arms who have dedicated themselves to the guarding of the Grail Chapels.

Amalric of Gaudaron

Art Link: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammerfb/images/9/9d/CC34F096-CF9A-40C0-9BFA-39F6E61610EA.jpeg/revision/latest?cb=20190710234059

Wiki Page:

https://warhammerfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Amalric_of_Gaudaron

A famed Grail Knight known as the Bane of the Undead, he could make for a cool Legendary Lord choice.

Kemmler and his barrow army can eat righteous steel if they ever think of heading to Gaudaron!

Another Legendary Lord option would also naturally be a new chief religious figure within Bretonnia. Someone comparable to Volkmar and Kostaltyn to be introduced.

I'll write up the rest of the themes soon with any luck. Take care.

Theme 2

The Brigands

It takes a real man to wear tights haha.

The defenders of peasants and the unfortunate everywhere and heroes against the tyrannical nobility, Bertrand the Brigand and his motley crew of ex-nobles, religiously motivated do gooders, and widely spread, stealthy network of bandits and thieves would offer a very different and thematic playstyle experience to the usual knightly rundown. As a faction they'd actually be similar to Drycha's, running around attacking castles within Bretonnia's own borders and anyone else with some gold worth stealing to give back to the common man. If you ever wanted to play a bandit and the Border Princes are trying just a bit too hard to act refined for you, Bertrand's your man lol. They would unlikely be able to recruit knights. (At least at first, some of the less self-indulgent among them might lend an aid once they see your cause and you establish some infamy for yourselves.) So instead their campaign would involve the challenge of trying to avoid being taken down by stronger foes through the use of clever battlefield tactics, bribing officials, growing in number by gathering allies among other outlaws, managing your reputation among the people maybe, those sorts of things. It would be a really fun time imo. ^_^

As far as ideas for new units:

1. Faceless

Art and Information Here:

https://warhammerfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Faceless

Generic Lord

"All bands of Herrimaults have a leader; if a group gathers by chance, either a leader arises or the group fragments once more.

Successful bands of Herrimaults are almost always led by a Faceless, an individual highly experienced in the pursuit of right and justice by unconventional means."

They are the Crownless Lords, peerless archers and fighters in green capes who are masters of sneaky cunning and elaborate plans.

Outlaw Chief

Art and Information Here:

https://warhammerfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Outlaw_Chief

Generic Hero

"Every band of brigands needs a leader. An Outlaw who shows he is both cunning and bold can rise to the level of Outlaw Chief.

Commanding a lawless group of dangerous men is no easy task and the perilous forests of the Old World don’t make the job any easier. Outlaw Chiefs get their pick of the loot their band acquires, but they are also held responsible for every failure and their grasp on leadership is tenuous. Outlaw bands are notorious for not allowing any of their members to simply retire, which may make leaving the Chief's post a difficult task."

Bard

Alternate Artwork:
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ac/58/8a/ac588ac79b5961e02f07f0fdcaaeaea9.jpg

Generic Hero

Proud minstrels, many of whom hail from the musically-inclined Dukedom of Brionne, who wander the land with a song on their lips for any to hear. However you don't travel widely without learning to protect yourself either, and so it is that these musicians and poets also are trained warriors equipped with both sword and bow. They serve as a support Hero for Bretonnia, acting as both a light skirmisher and a buffer, playing a variety of songs to support the rest of their allies.

Herrimaults

Art and Information Here:

https://warhammerfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Herrimault

​

​"Do not harm the innocent. You cannot fight for justice by unjust means. Uphold justice where law has failed."

—The Code of the Herrimaults

"The Herrimaults, known also as the Merry Men, are a vigilante band of outlaws that fight against the oppressive nobility of Bretonnia. Herrimaults are outside the laws of the nobility, but they fight for justice, robbing the rich to feed the poor and overthrowing oppressive nobles condoned by their peers. They are a popular subject of peasant tales, and over the years, these stories have come to be attributed to a single group, led by the Faceless, which acts all over Bretonnia."

(Comes with multiple weapon varieties and likely some light cavalry)

Outlaws/Bandits

Alternate Art:

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/7c/48/28/7c4828574b4026f2d9f16e21accc2871.jpg

https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/079/571/635/large/ben-hudson-bandit.jpg?1725281428

Art and Information:

https://warhammerfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Outlaw

The Highwayman

By Loreena McKennitt

"The hinterlands of the Empire are full of miscreants and other bandits who prey upon their fellow man for no other reason other than financial gain. How a locality deals with such a threat varies, but in most cases a large reward if offered for the capture or execution of the bandit and his compatriots."

—A description of the bandits of the Empire

"An outlaw or bandit is an individual who has chosen a life of crime and stealing from others to make their living, often in rural areas outside of the major Old World towns and cities. As Imperial justice is swift, merciless, and often cruel, it is no wonder then that so many flee the watch and take on the life of the outlaw."

(Comes with multiple weapon varieties and likely some light cavalry)

Truffle Hounds

Art and Information:
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammerfb/images/5/5c/Truffle_hound.png/revision/latest?cb=20160116003202

"Bretonnian truffles grow underground, on or near tree-roots, and leave no obvious sign at the surface. Finding them would be impossible, were it not for the uncanny senses of the male Bretonnian Truffle Hound."

Either this, or possibly some other canine unit could be an idea. This one does involve the idea of throwing mushrooms at people though, so I'm sure the Goblins would approve lol.

Bertrand the Brigand, Hugo le Petit, and Gui le GrosAlternate Miniature Art:https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammerfb/images/6/6e/Bogensch%C3%BCtzen_von_Bergerac.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20200531030129

Art and Information:

https://warhammerfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Bertrand_the_Brigand_%26_the_Bowmen_of_Bergerac

The May King himself, the robber in a hood and merciful champion of the kindly, along with his chief lieutenants the imposingly tall master of the quaterstaff and a loyal friar of the Lady. They would be an incredible Legendary Lord and Legendary Heroes for this gang of goodness respectively. The Bowmen of Bergerac accompanying them could also serve as either a separate unit or possibly a Regiment of Renown as well.

Bonus:

Deployable Stakes

Adapting an ability Bretonnia's archers had on Tabletop, now several ranged units in the faction have the ability to deploy a line of wooden stakes to skewer cavalry attempting to make a charge at them.

A mod by ChaosRobie featuring this:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2860306662

Theme 3

The Wizards

And now for something completely brand new. It's Warhammer Merlin time.

Yes the magic of the fay might be exclusive to the damsels of the Lady in Bretonnia, but no one said anything about this guy lol. Even though he might seem like an outlier in current lore, Merlin is still a very classic and important figure of Arthurian legend and more than worthy of being Warhammerized into the world of Mallus. I've yet to think up a real name for him, but here's some basic ideas I've considered so far:

1. In a nod to his mysterious origins in real legends, he is the offspring of a Daemon Prince of Tzeentch and an ancient Prophetess. An unusual union to be sure about which not much is truly known, but it is known that this man has been around for untold ages, seemingly possessing both magical powers, the vision of a seer, and a greatly extended life span beyond that of the ordinary old man he appears to be.

https://blogs.bl.uk/digitisedmanuscripts/2021/11/merlin-the-magician.html

2. The bards of the kingdom sometimes tell sensual tavern songs of him having an affair with the Lady herself.

No one knows whether that's true though.

https://d.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/text/pollock-merlin-and-vivien.html

3. There are stories about a figure very much resembling him depicted as an advisor and guide to Gilles le Breton himself during the founding of the kingdom.

4. He has been an advisor to the Kings of Bretonnia for many years, often giving his own advice that sometimes agrees with and sometimes contradicts with that of the Fay Enchantress. Still, he generally defers to her judgement.

5. He lives in a great but remote magical tower in the Grey Mountains.

6. He is aided by followers and apprentice mages who he personally selects, in much the same way the Fay Enchantress chooses those with magical capabilities that she sends to the Lady. He tends to be a fair bit more choosey about whom he selects though, and most magic users are still sent to the Lady's side to train. It is by an ancient oath with the Lady that he is allowed this privilege, as they share history together and Morgiana understands that there is more than one way to protect the kingdom.

7. He and the wizards that assist him practice their own unique lore of magic: The Lore of the Dragon. This lore is meant to be a representation of classic wizardry in its truest sense. They are essentially battle mages who harness the elemental energies of dragons mixed with pure arcane magic to cast their spells. Or alternatively, it could just be called something like "The Lore of Sorcery/The Lore of the Arcane": From burning fireballs, to lightning strikes shot straight from their staves, teleportation, the conjuration of mystical arcane barriers and symbols, the pushing of telekinetic force, enchantment, they are as traditional a robed wizard as it is possible to be. And that ironically, helps them stand out I think. Warhammer doesn't really have any "arcane"-themed spells, at least not in the purple magic style a franchise like Warcraft or Diablo does. Warhammer Merlin could be a way to experiment with that idea some while still coming up with a very Winds of Magic-based Warhammery feel to it.

Alternate Art:

https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a0352222006_65

https://ih1.redbubble.net/image.5308080697.0090/flat,750x,075,f-pad,750x1000,f8f8f8.u6.jpg

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/645f3f02-83b0-4a91-bb48-9e2e26ba637b/daakmxo-da5ddcfc-ba2e-43de-953e-4c36211448f3.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzY0NWYzZjAyLTgzYjAtNGE5MS1iYjQ4LTllMmUyNmJhNjM3YlwvZGFha214by1kYTVkZGNmYy1iYTJlLTQzZGUtOTUzZS00YzM2MjExNDQ4ZjMuanBnIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.pfs7cQXYBw7XVXF2-ZAZi3NXtjYQdj3viH34bofJxEA

https://i.etsystatic.com/13030919/r/il/792e79/1146518143/il_fullxfull.1146518143_f6ui.jpg

His Followers

(Generic Heroes)

Alternate Art:

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/b3bbd71a-b726-4431-95bd-127337e50261/d2dxt6o-99d2d523-46de-4ad0-816e-7a47a3542a8d.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2IzYmJkNzFhLWI3MjYtNDQzMS05NWJkLTEyNzMzN2U1MDI2MVwvZDJkeHQ2by05OWQyZDUyMy00NmRlLTRhZDAtODE2ZS03YTQ3YTM1NDJhOGQuanBnIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.Z9LTw92hbSREO4I2-qExHvxfRPjGZJ_-W899DxCn61g

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/7b6438c6-2bef-4411-a2aa-e34691f35784/d87fhy6-2e5749f1-c5d5-4ba7-a048-22e959a027fe.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_781,q_75,strp/red_wizard_of_thay_by_artastrophe_d87fhy6-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NzgxIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvN2I2NDM4YzYtMmJlZi00NDExLWEyYWEtZTM0NjkxZjM1Nzg0XC9kODdmaHk2LTJlNTc0OWYxLWM1ZDUtNGJhNy1hMDQ4LTIyZTk1OWEwMjdmZS5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9NjAwIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.07IWNdqrwjH_FQEnVXMSBZ5pspxjTWakwkAQPsuBdlo

https://images.nightcafe.studio/jobs/iW1isMK9xV10XGbKZrq4/iW1isMK9xV10XGbKZrq4--1--ox3o7.jpg

Theme 4

The Court Beneath

It's time to dive beneath the waves and see what we find...

So, for my idea of what the mysterious realm of the Lady of the Lake actually looks like, I envision it as an island. In many ways it could be a reflection of the High Elven Island of Rebirth, upon which the Everqueen rules, or perhaps another mist-shrouded isle off Ulthuan’s coast or indeed Ulthuan itself. Lileath, the Lady of the Lake's true identity as shown during the End Times, is the elven goddess of the moon, dreams and fortune. She is quite familiar with the ancient isle of Ulthuan, and so when she went rogue and started to guide the Bretonnians as her people, she decided to make her realm a dream version of the island. While it looks in some ways similar, in other ways it is quite different, as fey creatures roam the woods, the landscape feels almost too pure to be real, and at the island's heart lies an ethereally beautiful city with a castle known as Camelyn (or some other hinting reference to Camelot). It is in this castle that the eternal spirits of the original Grail Companions hold court, led in their meetings by none other than the Green Knight himself, Gilles le Breton, when he is not testing knights on quests or attending to the needs of Bretonnia's dire hours.

Among the fields of the realm exists all manner of interesting and fascinating creatures. Some of these could make good army units. Let's look at them:

Naiad

Information:

https://warhammerfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Naiad

The fey spirits of Bretonnia's many lakes and ponds, the Naiads are pure ladies with bodies composed of water. I could envision them as a ranged infantry unit with magic attacks, or perhaps an assassin hero, that summons waves to drown those who would defile the Court Beneath.

The Lost Sons of Bretonnia

Alternate Art

https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fboss-design-for-my-homebrew-campaign-a-paladin-of-the-moon-v0-9e9xs1ltq8yd1.png%3Fwidth%3D640%26crop%3Dsmart%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3Dcdbaddaf0ff911e9d16724802adfcc7c740d2252&rdt=55717

Information:

https://warhammerfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Lost_Sons

The magic-wielding sons of Bretonnia who are taken by the lady as children to be her personal bodyguards and are never seen on the surface again, except when sent there as needed. There is said to be warriors braver or more capable, save for the Grail Knights themselves. As they ride upon watery steeds, I can easily see these guys as high tier cavalry with bound spells similar to the elven ones (Sisters of the Thorn and Doomfire Warlocks).

Lake-Lion

No known illustration, though the Dukedom of L’anguille’s emblem looks like this:

https://warhammerfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/L%27Anguille?file=L%27Anguelle_symbol.png

Information

https://warhammerfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Lake-Lion

“Perhaps I should take you as a guardian in its place. Though I have many others, each formidable in their own ways."

"I pray I never cross them, my Lady...”

- The Lady addresses Prince Louen after his victory over the Lake-Lion.

“Lake Lions are ancient, aquatic predators favoured by the Lady of the Lake as defenders of her various underwater domains. They are tapered masses of silver-skinned muscle. Gifted with suits of armour by the goddess, they possess giant maws that can swallow entire horses whole, lined with fierce steel-plated teeth.”

Questing Beast

Alternate Art

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/heroes-of-camelot/images/6/68/QuestingBeastT1.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20151011110048

Information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Questing_Beast

A strange creature that has the head of a snake, the body of a leopard, the haunches of a lion, and the feet of a hart (deer). They are fey creatures native to the forests of the Lady's realm and are sometimes hunted after by valiant knights who see them emerge into the mortal world. While dangerous and frightening, they have been known to aid knights as well, possibly? serving as mounts for those chosen by them.

Tarasque

Information:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarasque

A race of six legged lion turtles with serpent tails and poisonous breath originally from French folklore, they are also creatures of the lady's realm and fierce combatants. Despite their ferocity, they have been known to let themselves be tamed by pure maidens. (A reference to St. Martha, who tamed the original Tarasque.) They tamed Tarasques have been known to assist Bretonnia in times of need.

There are other creatures in Arthurian mythos as well, should some be considered fitting for the faction.

Landuin of Couronne

Information:

https://warhammerfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Landuin_of_Couronne

A named Son of Bretonnia and the child of Brocard the Bold, a great warrior and close friend of the young King Louen. He is the unofficial champion of these noble defenders of the lady and would make for a great Legendary Lord or Hero that buffs the more fey elements of Bretonnia's roster.

The Lore of the Lady

My idea about this new lore of magic based on the Lady still stands:

https://community.creative-assembly.com/total-war/total-war-warhammer/forums/8-general-discussion/threads/9295-the-lore-of-the-lady-a-new-original-lore-of-magic-for-bretonnia?page=1#post-131617

To be continued...

I always thought it was weird how, despite how Arthurian-coded Bretonnia is, they have no Merlin analog.  Or any wizards at all for that matter.

Bretonnia should have been the ones to get the 8 schools of magic.  The Empire should have relied on Faith, Steel and Gunpowder.

​

Maedrethnir#1968 wrote:

Avelorn isn't an island. Gaean Vale after the Sundering is, though. Lileath is associated with Saphery more than any other kingdom. I would imagine her realm to be closer to it - and Yvresse because of her alter ego: Ladrielle. Indeed, not-Avalon and mists go hand in hand.

Right, forgot about the coast lol. (It was late and my brain was distracted. 😅) I just based it off the Island of Rebirth since Avelorn was already named after Avalon. But yes, I could certainly see this not-Avalon being very similar to the mist-shrouded isles off Ulthuan’s coast or indeed Ulthuan itself.

(Edited description)

Theme 5

The Crusaders

Let the Medieval II flashbacks commence.

"The Great Crusade Against Araby, also known as the Crusade Against Araby, the Arabyan Wars, the Holy Wars, the Desertblood Crusades (as they are known amongst the Nehekarans) or just the Crusades, refers to the most notable crusade ever launched by the military forces of the realms of the Old World, a military campaign unleashed by the knights of Bretonnia and the Empire of Man in order to free the distant kingdom of Estalia from enslavement by the Arabyan invaders of Sultan Jaffar."

Because seriously, his name is Jaffar? I mean would you trust a man named that?

While Repanse is currently the one most known for crusading against the fierce anger of Settra's will at the moment, I would love to one day see one of the true crusader lords of Bretonnia like Odo d'Outremer and Suliman le Saracen or Sir John Tyreweld and the Knights of Origo make their entrance into the game. Along with the great faction of Araby itself of course. No doubt updated for the modern lore with plucky thieves with lamps, dazzling storytellers, clever slave girls with names that'll confuse the Bretonnians who hear of them with that of their own fair enchantress, grand sailors, fearsome ghouls, deadly assassins, wizard caliphs, grand kings who rule over the djinn in their infinite wisdom, and more.

But for now though, the crusades. This is honestly more of a mechanics want than a units want (though I'd love me some properly decked out crusader units.) I'd just like for the faction itself to have a dedicated mechanic where they can declare crusades against the enemies of ze Lady no matter who they may be. Maybe it could function a bit similarly to the Greenskins' Waaagh! but done in a uniquely Bretonnian-feeling way, either based on a reputation system or usable against a foe that has particularly been a thorn in your side. No matter the how, I'd just love to see something like that be usable by all the factions under the country's banner. With any Crusade-themed Legendary Lord just getting more unique bonuses or mechanics involving it.

As for units, most crusading Bretonnians would essentially be standard units with cool colors and iconography.

But a few things that might stand out more may include:

Chaplain

Knights who are also priests with holy powers that aid them in combat.

Baron

Generic Hero

Information:

https://warhammerfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Bretonnian_Baron

A noble title that has technically existed in the lore since Warhammer Roleplay 2nd Edition but only very recently got a (released) miniature in The Old World, these are noble rulers that receive land from the king but are not subordinate to the commands of other noble, even the 14 dukes which sit above them in the Feudal order. As a unit in my mind, they would actually replace the role currently fulfilled by the Paladin as the Generic command Hero of the faction. Sort of like the secondary Lords they are. Meanwhile, the Paladins themselves would get overhauled to be more like "Lady-Blessed Champions". Something a bit closer to what one envisions when they hear the word "Paladin", possessing both strength of arms and powers of a mystical holy nature. If Chaplains are Priest Knights, then these guys are Magic Knights, Knights Plus if you will. Based off the 12 warriors of Charlemagne with powers to smite the wicked and protect the injured in their own way. Basically the Bretonnian equivalent of Warrior Priests of Sigmar. This is just my own take on things though and GW's gonna GW, so we'll see how the game evolves.

Crossbowmen

Sacrilege I know lol. So Bretonnia used to have crossbowmen early on around 3rd edition from what I read. But by the time of modern Warhammer, they had disappeared by 5th edition. Something about not wanting them to be too comparable to the Empire in terms of technology. But the thing is...arblastiers were used all the time toward the later Middle ages by Britain and France. Sometimes with pavise shields to provide cover, or sniping from the tops of castle parapets. Giving them guns would be a bit of a different story, but crossbows? That seems exceptable to me. (I mean if Ruglud can figure them out I reckon it's not too difficult.) What's the pope gonna do? Ban them? Pssh

I feel like they would be a great second level missile infantry.

War Castle

You see this is why the Bretonnian engineering is the best. Why would you choose a cramped, steam-belching tank with all those pipes when you could simply bring a castle on wheels into the fight? I mean it just seems more practical!

In some ways comparable to Empire's war wagons but quite a bit more durable and providing excellent range (though likely at the cost of some speed) this is a unit concept I've long had floating around in my mind. Essentially these are big castle towers carrying lines of archers or arblastiers on its roof or, as a variant, perhaps a big catapult. It could also maybe have the ability to pour burning oil from its walls to singe any foolish enough to try and take it on in close quarters. My original inspiration for it came from a classic piece of Bretonnian art. (It was the one with the maybe proto-hippogryph that sometimes people also might think is a questing beast? The one with the big castle on wheels with a unicorn head ornament attached to it? That one)

It seems I wasn't alone in the idea either, as a modder by the name of Gorilla created something very similar to what I had in mind:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2977858837

Catapult

Place a rock on it and release the rope. A bit less damaging than the trebuchet as an artillery piece maybe, but more maneuverable to support skirmishes.

Ballista

Because gates and giants were meant to be shot with a really big bolt.

Theme 6

Mousillon, The Fallen Dukedom

Time to see the dark side of virtue...

Mousillon... (takes a deep breath), I love this place and its lore. I like Mallobaude and the treachery of Maldred and Malfleur, I like its countryside full of mutant peasants, undead knights, and more than a distinct lack of virtue among most of its inhabitants. I like its swamp monsters, its corrupt merchants, outlaws, dark magic, and cannibal knight, its streets of sorrow, betrayal, and destitution, its giant pig. It's a perfect way to present a sinister mirror to the rest of virtuous Bretonnia.

So why is it that nothing has really been written that much about it since Barony of the Damned in Warhammer Roleplay 2nd edition?! I mean for real? You make something cool like that in 2006 and then just leave it alone for the most part until the End Times? And even then it's not discussed in further detail all that much. That's like a whole decade man. (Is miffed :<)

But yes, Barony of the Damned has been the be all source book for information about the cursed region over the course of the game's iterations.

It's a pretty good read.

Link to Book:

https://online.anyflip.com/cmjgl/sono/mobile/

And its also a perfect source to create a faction in Total War Warhammer from.

Rather than try and squish it into either Bretonnia or the Vampire Counts, I propose Mousillon being its own faction. Its not just evil knights and its not just undead, its a mix of them plus plenty of its own unique horrors and named characters that combine it into one big hodgepodge of evil will and wicked despair. Plus I like the idea of the swamp maps that might come with it, what can I say? ^_^

Mixu's Mousillon mod is a pretty good take on the faction, at least with the given assets we have in game right now. (Though I can really appreciate the idea of what CA could do as far as really creating a unique look for the units to make them feel even closer to their depictions in the book):

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2985441419

Just about the only original thing I'd like to add is a brand new character that I think could be a major player in the history of Bretonnia:

Merilyth of Mousillon (Merilyth le Fay)

Or, if we need to use the “Mal” naming scheme her family’s got going on:

Maldreth of Mousillon (Maldreth le Fay)

The true mother of Mallobaude and descendant of Maldred and Malfleur. She's meant to feel like a mix of Morgan le Fay (specifically the more villainous portrayal of her from later stories in Arthurian mythos) and Disney's Maleficent lol.

If you're evil you gotta have a name that starts with M. There's so many negative words that do! Misery, Morose, Mayhem, Migraine, Mildew, Malady, Malaise, Mopey, Myopic, Malice, Misbegotten...Just a good motley assortment.

But yes, this is the woman who managed to have a fling with King Louen, perhaps through the use of beguiling sorcery, to give birth to the bastard son that would one day end up challenging him.

Her objective is honestly pretty similar to Morathi and Malekith (see what I mean), she's rather upset at her family's legacy after the whole False Grail incident that led to Mousillon losing its status as a dukedom and ending up in the state that it's in. Her plan is that of revenge on the country that scorns them for their dark legacy and her son that she both cares for and manipulates is her way of doing that. She's also a powerful sorceress thanks to special circumstances: During the time Maldred and Malfleur had kidnapped the Fay Enchantress, they had managed to torture and drain her of some of her magical essence, preserving it within a mystical amulet that Merilyth eventually discovers and absorbs into herself. She is now the self-stylized Dark Queen of the Fae, a powerful enchantress in her own right and capable of great acts of terrible magic. She is said to dwell within a ruined and crumbling castle deep within Mousillon's lonely reaches, attended to by peculiar creatures that act as her servants and keeping intruders at bay with choking, thorny vines.

She also trains and leads her own group of darker Damsels and Prophetesses, in mockery of the fair enchantress.

And additionally, can also shapeshift into a massive dark dragon. Because again:

It just seemed to fit really well lol. What goes well with an evil knightly kingdom besides mysterious darkness like the Black Grail Knights, unnatural darkness like the undead, and landscape vibes darkness like mutant peasants and swamp creatures? That's right, a big ol' evil dragon at the head of it all backing the greatest dark knight who serves as a foil to the heroes as they ride out from a wicked castle while dramatic music plays.

And THAT is Arthurian legend at its heart in a nutshell haha.

Actually, I just had a brain rush. So the Lakemen (frog beastmen) and giant snails from earlier Warhammer don’t really fit in quite as easily with the heroic and brave image of the regular Brettonian faction imo. But you know where they might fit perfectly?

Mousillon!

I mean most of the fallen dukedom is a swamp! A sticky, slimy, oozing bog of a place! It already has the Grey Men and Dracoleeches.

Aka these horrifying things:

https://warhammerfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Grey_Men

https://warhammerfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Dracoleech

So why not have Lakemen as residents of the Grismerie and allies of the devious Serpent?

https://www.deviantart.com/gnomester47/art/Grung-Frog-like-humanoid-5e-1058386936

And giant snails likewise could just live in the swamp. Some of them might have been domesticated by the local peasants as beasts of war.

https://img.freepik.com/premium-photo/snail-is-jungle-with-word-snail-it_1097265-81514.jpg?w=740

Alright so I've been thinking about Not-Merlin some more...and something's hit me.

Warhammer...doesn't really have a "basic Magic" lore. All of its spells are either color magic, the invocation of various deities, or mixing and mashing different colored winds together to create Qhaysh and Dharr respectively.

What about just pure, simple, and plain good ol' "magic" magic?

I'm thinking of lorewise having Not-Merlin be a master (perhaps the greatest in the known world) of a brand new "colorless" type of magic. He's not focusing on one wind or trying to combine them, instead its more like he's sifting the winds through a filter. He's harnessing a pure raw, untamed essence of the Winds of Magic gathered from the air and then refining it until all that's left is a pure, indistinct, but powerful mass of magical energy.

I've decided to call this new school the "Lore of Arcane Magic", and the magic type Aetheryn. After the base elven word for magic in Warhammer, Aether.

This spell school would be a new school known not only by Not-Merlin, but by various peoples throughout the whole of the Warhammer world, particularly the elves and humans. It focuses on pure acts of what you'd consider "classic wizardry". It would allow you to teleport places in a flash of light, create mystical barriers to shield your units from harm, cast sigils that empower locations for channeling, cause disturbances in space or gravity, project waves of force, enchant items or animate and duplicate them, conjure various creatures (if anything so Transformation of Kadon can be a shapeshifting spell like its supposed to be in this game lol), and other possibilities.

It's the exact neutral midpoint between Qhaysh and Dharr, and while it might not be the "Blue" or "Purple" wind, it's a very white-bluish (similar to Qhaysh) but also pink/dark purple (similar to Dharr) magic in color.

For comparisons to other fictions this would essentially be Warhammer's version of the Arcane magic from Dungeons & Dragons and Warcraft.

I can see Not Merlin's followers, the generic Wizards, having access to maybe the Lores of Arcane, Fire, and Heavens. They're meant to feel like traditional battle mages for a fantasy medieval faction. So having them be able to warp around, shoot fireballs and lightning, conjure sigils and barriers, that all feels about right. They're not druids nor priests, necromancers nor shamans, but they do look at the stars intently and divine them for their auspices, and many of them have the passionate hearts to dive headfirst into battle without hesitation.

I can see Aetheryn users in the wider Warhammer lore be known for their particularly scholarly natures, love of knowledge, and those who seek to unravel the mysteries of the world in ways both physical and intellectual. All wizards are bookworms, but these are the bookwormiest of them all.

Theme Extra
Miscellaneous

Aside from the new additions, Bretonnia as a playable faction would just benefit a lot from including more weapon varieties for its knights and a few of the recent updates to the faction from The Old World. Notably Foot Knights, because having heavily armored infantry can be just as fun as having them on horseback. Heck that's something I'd say for all the Knights in the game. Bretonnia, the Empire's Knightly orders, even the Blood Knights of the Vampire Counts.

Aside from that I'd also just love to see more currently existing Bretonnian characters get added in eventually. Everyone hypes up Bohemond and his monster slaying adventures (for good reason!) But the other dukes are all very interesting in their own way. Cassyon of Parravon can lead a faction focused on pegasus and hippogryph riders, acting as a valiant Bretonnian version of Tiktaq'to.

Chilfroy of Artois is a hunter of beastmen and other monsters in the forests, Theodoric of Brionne is both a music lover (that could buff Bards), but also a ferocious warrior and a half carrying a big axe.

Among many others...

The knightly weapons could expand to include axes, flails, maces, halberds, and more.

Let Bretonnia's revered cavalry truly stand among the best in the world. If they claim it so highly.