The Kingdom of Bretonnia is a key player in Warhammer: The Old World, with the Duke of Brionne’s crusade against the marauding Tomb Kings a key element of the game’s lore. Today we’re taking a look at this ancient land and its people, and their place in the World of Legend. To kick us off, here’s a video explaining the basics of Bretonnia.
Bretonnian History
To understand Bretonnia, one must understand its history. Once ruled by the elves of Ulthuan, these lands fell into darkness and ruin after they left, until the human tribes of the Bretonni colonised them, and claimed what remained of the Elves’ once-shining cities. The modern Bretonnia was born with Gilles le Breton, the first and greatest of the Bretonnian Kings, who fought 12 great battles with his sworn companions to free the Bretonni from the domination of Orcs, Beastmen, and other foul creatures.
Gilles was the first to encounter the Lady of the Lake and drink from her holy chalice, becoming a Grail Knight. To this day, the noblest goal for any knight is to follow in his footsteps and sup from the Grail. Gilles and his heirs also formalised the Code Chivalric, the tenets by which all Bretonnian knights live.
Athel Loren and the Wood Elves
On Bretonnia’s eastern flank lies the great Forest of Loren. This fey and impossibly deep woodland borders three dukedoms, but belongs to none. Though the King lays claim over it as part of Bretonnia, in truth Loren belongs to the Wood Elves. They are the descendants of those who once ruled the coasts of the Old World, and now dwell in the hidden realm of Athel Loren.
These mercurial guardians have a dangerous reputation in Bretonnia, for when they emerge from the eaves, they could be friend or foe to their human neighbours. The Elves are a peril to any who dare venture beneath the boughs of Loren, and they guard their secrets closely.
The Green Knight
Among the many mysteries of the Land of Chivalry is the Green Knight. This mysterious figure, the protector of the Lady, appears to many Questing Knights as they seek the Grail, coalescing from the mists and challenging them silently to a duel. For some he is the end of their quest, as they prove unworthy and fall to his spectral blade. Those who can land a blow against him find that the mists clear and their quest is near its end.
None know what the Green Knight truly is. Some say he is the current champion of the Lady, or the living spirit of Bretonnia, or Gilles le Breton himself, forever testing those who would walk the path he laid out. Regardless, when Bretonnia is in great need, the Green Knight will appear to aid worthy knights in battle, before vanishing into mystery once more.
The Present Day
In the year 2276 of the Imperial Calendar, Bretonnia is guarded by the valour of its knights. The cities and villages of the 14 dukedoms are well defended, and the nobles of Bretonnia seek new opportunities to secure their borders, elevate their station, and show their mettle in battle.
The mighty Tomb King Settra the Imperishable’s assault on the Border Princes is one such opportunity. The ancient warlord’s undying legions cut a swath through the wild and lawless region, until they came to an outpost of the chivalrous realm, a border fortress commanded by Sir Cecil Gastonne, the Wyrm Slayer. Even as Gastonne prepares to face the Nehekharan hordes, allies led by the Duke of Brionne, one of Bretonnia’s southerly dukedoms, ride to his aid. The scene is set for mighty battles that will determine the course of the future, and perhaps the fate of Bretonnia itself – battles that you can fight in Warhammer: The Old World.
While you wait for news on when you can get your hands on this new game, the Warhammer: The Old World website has been freshly updated with a massive interactive map that lets you explore the lands of the World of Legend, their inhabitants – and more than a few dark secrets perhaps better left forgotten.
