Threatened from without by races bent on evildoing, and from within by political infighting and petty ambitions, The Empire has held together throughout the ages in a fragile alliance, often teetering on the brink of disaster. During the Battle of Blood Keep, Deathclaw stood over the prone form of the wounded Emperor for three hours, slaying any who came near until the Reiksguard could hack a path to their fallen Lord.

A powerful bond exists between the beast and its master, one forged in countless battles and many adventures. Karl Franz often rides to battle on the back of Deathclaw, reputed to be the mightiest Imperial griffon that ever lived. The Emperor frequently takes personal command of his soldiers, wielding Ghal Maraz, the fabled hammer of Sigmar, like the Warrior God of old, smiting enemies of the Empire with every blow. He is also a military genius and a valiant general. Karl Franz is said to be the greatest statesman the Old World has ever seen. The Emperor is Karl Franz, Prince of Altdorf and Elector Count of Reikland.