There are many mysterious beings, origins and truths hidden, that walk the Mortal Realms, and many of them dwell within the mists of Ulgu. But only one seems to command those very mists. To the Duardin, she is Azrildrekked, although they have long forgotten what deed earned her such a title. To the Aelves and Sylvaneth, she is the Grey Loremaster. And to Humans, she is Dämmerlichtreiter, The Twilight Rider.
Clouded by shadow mists wherever she goes, the Rider falls upon the foes of Order from the rear, or other more unexpected paths. Many battles, thought lost, have been won with the intervention of this shadowy figure. She commands the winds of Ulgu with a skill no mortal can match, slipping between the enemy's ranks without notice, or causing any touched by her dancing shadow to disintegrate. Her blade is an ancient Duardin creation that can strike with enough force to send Ogor flying, and by her side prowls a massive wolf, with teeth and claws that can tear through the strongest of armor. Should a foe too great to defeat challenge her, The Twilight Rider, her mount, and her companion fade away, like mirages in heat.
There are those that say that the Rider is a Chosen, being selected & empowered by a god to act as their foremost servant, but of which god or gods have blessed her, none can say. It is surely not Malerion, for he views her as an irritant, a thief of his power. Others say it is Morrda, the Pale Rider, but there is truthfully little to link the two. Some among the most learned claim that the Rider is the lost disciple of a dead god, whoses final act was to save his most loyal servant from the end of The World That Was. There are perhaps only two that know the truth of this; Sigmar, who refuses to speak of it, and The Twilight Rider herself.
Description
The first any know of the Rider's approach is the ever present cloud of mist that surrounds her. Even in other Realms such as Aqshy or Hysh it is present, like a sliver of Ulgu itself has been bound to her. Sometimes it can be seen from miles away, a warning and a threat for those that know what it signifies. Sometimes it is suddenly around you; between one blink and the next the grey fog swells, blocking out all else. Whispered secrets and mocking laughter haunt you as you stagger about, trying to free yourself. Finally, after what seems like years, you hear the sound of hooves and turn to find the The Twilight Rider already towering above you.
Her horse is a thing of mist and shadow, and she is bound so tightly to it you could mistake it as part of her body. She herself is clad in black, worn robes, with a belt of silver links around her waist, atop a sash of torn green fabric. At her hips are two blackpowder pistols of archaic make, while across her back is a greatsword, with three unrecognizable runes upon the blade. A gnarled staff, around which mist spins in a silent dance, is clutched in one hidden hand. As your gaze rises higher, you see a talisman on her chest; a broken coin. Finally you see her wild black hair, and underneath the wide brim of tall hat, her face…
You wake, as if from a walking dream. The sun shines. There is no mist, no shadow horse, no silent lady. You try to convince yourself it was nothing but a fantasy. But as you look down at the road, you see them. Four hoofprints. And the imprint of a massive paw.
In Battle
The first a commander will know of The Twilight Rider's presence on the battlefield is more often than not when her blade slits their throat - but often they never even know that before they find themselves in death's embrace. The Rider can pass through ranks of elite warriors with nary a whisper, leaving them to fall as their wounds suddenly show themselves.
As said above, the Rider is a master of the Grey Wind, beyond the skill shown by any living being, save those touched by the gods. Mist rises to cover ranks of charging berserkers, and when it drops only desiccated corpses remain. The Rider's shadow seems to be its own entity, dancing on its own. When it covers a being, they simply turn to ash, blowing away in the silent wind. Knives of pure shadow fly through the air, striking down many and leaving no trace. She uses her magic to aid her allies as well; weapons suddenly glow with a dark light, cutting deeper then they should, or the mist covered ground seems to flatten, allowing even the most unsure steed to travel at full pace. Those that try to use magic directly against the Rider have their minds torn apart; if they survive, they have no knowledge of the spell they had used.
The sword of the Rider is known as Branulhune (Moonlit Wit) and is an ancient greatsword of Duardin make. The three runes that blaze upon the blade are unknown, even among the oldest of Longbeard, but their effects seem to be spectacular. Anything struck receives a massive blow of force, comparable to "a giant's kick", and are often shattered into many pieces. Magic flees from the sword's touch, leaving any warrior relying on magical artifacts or spells exposed. The Rider also seems to be able to turn the sword into mist, before instantly reforming it. In this way she can easily pass through an enemy's guard without striking their weapons.
The Rider can also strike at a distance using her blackpowder weapons. No matter the distance, cover, or spells of protection, it takes but a single bullet to kill the foe, with none of the sound that usually heralds the firing of such weaponry. Sometimes a leader of a warband is the only one killed, felled from some unseen foe, which sends the now leaderless mob into a frenzy.
The Wolf of the Rider bears mention, for it is a terrifying foe. Like a being of shadow itself, it springs from the mists, tackling stragglers and dragging them away before their fellows can act. Those that try to strike it simply fail to; something about the beast causes blades to slip past it, bows or guns to misfire when aimed upon it.
History
Time within the Mortal Realms is often… difficult. What is known, in relation to The Twilight Rider, is that she has been present for as long as any can remember, a silent silhouette on the horizon, only rarely approaching. As the Age of Chaos began, such vistations became rarer, until the Rider is now only seen when she rides against the forces of Chaos, Destruction & Death.
Age of Myth
"I wish she… I wish all of them could see this. Maybe they can. Somewhere"
There are many stories of The Twilight Rider during the Age of Myth. She was never confined to a single Realm, going where she willed, but she often avoided Hysh and Azur. While solitary, she was known to enter towns and cities; most of the time she merely observed, but sometimes engaged closer. One story tells of her entering the Blade Festival of Schwert, a town in Chamon famed for its blademasters. She defeated every warrior that challenged her, often in mere seconds, but abandoned the tournament before the final set of duels.
Age of Chaos
"Even after all this time… you won't let yourself rest…" - Daemon of Chaos
When Sigmar retreated to Azyr, many left behind in the other Mortal Realms followed his lead, and hid instead of actively fighting against the seemingly endless tide of Chaos. No so The Twilight Rider. She struck the forces of Chaos wherever she could, ambusing armies on the march and sneaking into their fortresses to assassinate leaders and steal items of import.
The Rider once led of Slaaneshi warhost on a dance through Ulgu. Everytime the mortal servants of the Pleasure God grew bored with the chase, she would strike them from afar, goading them again. Finally after many days the host believed they had her cornered with a deep gorge - but as they approached the Rider to slide into the shadows and escaped. To their horror they then found they had been led into the path of a great Shade-storm. Magnified by the gorge, the storm devastated their ranks, who fled best they could, cursing the Rider's name.
It was at this time that the Rider began to cloak herself more deeply in shadow, creating the ever present cloud of mist that now surrounds her. In this darkest age she herself grew darker, retreating into herself, nothing more than the shadow of death.
Age of Sigmar
"The Dämmerlichtreiter rides with us!" - Freeguild Captain
As the Realmgate Wars began, the Twilight Rider only amped up her assaults on the enemies of Order, often striking in tandem with the remergent Alliance of Order, even if they never knew of her presence. It is possible in fact that she took part in many important battles, without either side knowing of her.
It is known that she advised many Fyreslayer Lodges and Kharadron Sky-Ports to join the Grand Alliance, where they might have stayed neutral instead.
During the Soul Wars, The Twilight Rider led a Kharadron Sky-Fleet into a series of lightning fast assaults on the borders of Nagash's empire in Shyish, destroying several castles and fortresses of Vampire Lords, and fleeing before a counter attack.
She has been encountered by Soulbound parties, and often guides them on their journey, giving advice or important knowledge to aid them. When asked why - if any are brave enough to ask - she simply responds that she once took part in her own great quest, and sees some kinship with them.
Known Relationships
Sigmar
"You failed him. He was loyal, he fought in your name and you failed him. You let him die. You could have saved him, but you didn't. I'll never forgive you for that."
It is said that the God-King Sigmar, in the earliest days of The Age of Myth, wandered the realms, meeting many strange beasts and peoples. It is said, during his exploration of Ulgu, he encountered a lone woman sitting beside a stream. It is said, when the woman realized who he was, she tried to cut off his head. And shot him. Repeatedly, it is said.
It is unclear if this woman was truly the Twilight Rider, but is known for a fact that she holds some grievance with the God-King. Some stories tell of her visiting the ancient cities of Men, Duardin and Aelves but never those sworn strongest to Sigmar. When the forces of Chaos began to invade the Mortal Realms, it was suggested to Sigmar that the Rider be invited to the councils of war, or at least be asked to join His armies, but he refused, stating "I once took something dear from her, and she has never forgiven me. She has no love for me, or my works."
Stormcast Eternals
Despite such a claim, since the first deployments of the golden warriors of lightning, the Rider has been known to observe them from far off distances, fleeing when any approach. She seems most interested in the Vanguard-Hunters…
Collegiate Arcane
In the Tower of the Grey Wind, one of the floating colleges of the Collegiate Arcane, there is a sealed set of rooms that has never been claimed. Despite this, sometimes movement can be heard from within.
There is also an open seat on the Grey Council, although none can remember who sits there.
Duardin
The Duardin say that the Azrildrekked was a great friend to the earliest Karaks, visiting a great many times. She was also, mostly strangely, known to freely enter the private sanctums of the Ancestor Gods; in particular Thungni, Morgrim, and at least once Grimnir. It is unknown what was discussed between such figures, but it is said when the Rider left the company of the fiery war god, the mists that surrounded her seemed to be a cloud of sorrow, rather than a mantle of mystery. In the Age of Sigmar, while she freely gives aid to the Kharadron Overlords and Fyreslayers, she seems most fond of The Dispossessed, those Duardin who still hold onto the traditions and values of their ancestors.
An odd claim by some Duardin is that the Twilight Rider is, in fact, one of them. Despite looking like a human, they say she carries an ancestral soul, one stolen from their afterlife long ago. There is little proof for this claim however.
On separate occasions the Twilight Rider has commanded Duardin forces, either by purchasing their loyalty or using ancient pacts. She has lead them to great victories many times, often making use of the overwhelming firepower deployed by the Dispossessed and Kharadron Overlords. For this, she (perhaps unofficially, perhaps not) is known as a Thane, or even an Arkanaut Captain.
Aelves
The Aelves of Hysh know The Twilight Rider as The Grey Loremaster, for this was the name given to her by Teclis, their Mage God. When the two first met, it is said Teclis greeted her as an old friend while the Rider greeted him as a student would their master. Again, none know what they discussed, but the Rider would return many times, a shade standing out against the eternal light of Hysh.
She is less well regarded by Malerion; it is said the two have never truly met, but The Shadow King calls her only thief, saying she wields power stolen from him. Morathi supports her son in this, and the Daughters of Khaine are often hostile to The Twilight Rider.
Sylvaneth
"You. I know… I know you." - Drycha, first encounter with The Twilight Rider
The children of Alarielle mostly follow the Aelves in their interactions with the Grey Loremaster. The exception to this is Drycha Hamadreth, who hates her with a burning passion. The two mistresses of shadow have dueled at least three times; the first time Drycha forced the Loremaster to retreat bloodied, the second the Handmaiden was cut in twain, and the third fight ended when they were joined forces to fight a Nurgle Rotbringers assault. After this, they made a tentative truce.
Orruks
"Zog dat" - attributed to unknown Ironjawz Megaboss
Orruks are, as a general rule, hard to frighten. Even when faced by a force many times their greater, they are likely to still "giv' it a go." Which is why stories of full WAAAGHs turning around merely at the sight of a lone rider are often met with incredulity. Yet, there is truth to these stories. It is theorized that at some point, perhaps beyond any memory, the "'Spooky Lady" took part in such an overwhelming slaughter of the children of Gorkamorka that it caused spiritual wounds in the entire species. Or maybe, more simple men say, orruks are smart enough to know when a fight isn't worth it.
Skaven
"Big good-obedient little ratling, or misty warlock swallow you up-up!" - Overheard in a Skaven den
The "Shadow-Fog Deathmaster" is a figure of fear, dread, and surprisingly admiration for the Skaven, especially the clans of Eshin. To the shadow masters, she is worthy of respect, given her evident prowess, and ability to detect, trick or kill even their most-well trained Deathmasters. To say you survived an encounter with the Rider is a badge of great honor, although few rats are quick to claim it. She has a record of tracking down those who boast of besting her… even following them in Blight City itself.
Grand Alliance of Death
"Damn the van Hals. She knows too much. She must die" - Nagash
To a soul, the servants of Nagash hate the Twilight Rider. If she enters Shyish, orders are immediately given by the Great Necromancer to his trusted lieutenants to hunt her down. Entire armies are shifted to pursue her, no matter their previous objectives. Thus far the Rider has avoided them, either by lingering in the Realm of Death for a short while, simply slipping past, or outright fighting and destroying them. Of all the Undead, The Rider seems to have the greatest enmity with Vampire Lords of all kinds, and often goes out of her way to kill them and destroy their holdings.
Prince of Cats
"You died. I saw you die!"
"And die I did! Why do you think I'm down here, hmmm?"
It is rumored that the Twilight Rider was often the honored guest of the Prince of Cats, in the afterlife for thieves and tricksters he ruled over; Latchkey Isle. Due to the forces of Nagash constantly chasing her, she was never able to stay long.
During the Age of Chaos, the power of the Prince of Cats faded as his mortal worshippers dwindled, and he vanished. The Twilight Rider no longer travels to Latchkey Isle.
The We
A little known race from the mountains of Ghur, the We are a grouping of Hive-Minds within arcarnid bodies. In the past they traded with the Duardin and Humans of the Realm, mostly the silks they produce in abundance, while they themselves purchased books and other materials for their Libraries of Memories. The Twilight Rider has long been associated with the We, and fought alongside them against Orruks and the forces of Chaos, allowing them to survive to the present day where other species may have been consumed by the Realm of Beasts.
Felt like this could have more, buuut screw it. Maybe I'll write more pieces (including the full story of how Mathilde survived the death of the World That Was) if people are interested.
If anyone wants to try making a statblock for this version of Mathilde, good luck. I had a look, and it seems complicated as heck…
Up next: Skaven Cultural Insight. Actually I might do a MAGDA WESSEN post before that
