Mannfred von Carstein

Mannfred von Carstein is a Vampire Counts Legendary Lord introduced in Total War: Warhammer. Cunning, devious and powerful, Mannfred von Carstein sees all before him as prizes to be claimed.

In the campaign, he is one of the two Legendary Lord choices for the Sylvania faction, alongside Helman Ghorst.

Description
While Vlad von Carstein was the most physically powerful of the Vampire Counts, Mannfred was the most cunning. When Vlad was slain, Mannfred did not involve himself in the infighting that would see Konrad rise to prominence. Instead, he travelled far and wide, seeking to deepen his knowledge of necromantic lore. He made an unholy pilgrimage to the ancient tombs of the Nehekhara and the ancient city of Lahmia, where he wrested the secrets of the Liche Priests from bone-dry papyrus and scrolls made from human skin. Mannfred also studied the ancient spells in the first of the Books of the Dead. Eventually, his journeys took him to Nagashizzar. None can say what foul bargains Mannfred made with that surreal realm's inhabitants in return for forbidden knowledge. When Mannfred finally returned to Sylvania, he was more powerful than ever, and took over the Undead legions in the wake of Konrad's destruction. Mannfred was almost as masterful as Vlad at concealing his true nature. As he sought for allies, Mannfred would travel abroad in the guise of an Imperial lord. He was always courteous to those he met on his travels, as befits a noble from a powerful family. When Mannfred revealed himself at the height of his power, his appearance was far more horrifying - his face became contorted and corpse-like, and his scalp writhed with magical energy. Yet his newfound powers were not enough. In the end, Mannfred was defeated and his army annihilated at the Battle of Hel Fenn. Some storytellers claim that Mannfred is not vanquished. They say he rode from Drakenhof against the forces of Chaos when they invaded the Empire. If Mannfred has survived, then surely he will reveal his designs for the Imperial throne.

Strategy
Out of all of the Vampire Counts, Mannfred is the easiest to play. The most advantageous skill is the increase in wind of magic reserves, combined with items that give regeneration rate and power reserves, Mannfred can pick off the enemy lord or army before engaging in actual combat. Mannfred's mobility is also boosted by his hellsteed and the Zombie Dragon. A master of magic and a fearsome combatant on his dragon, there are few who can stand against him.

Mounts

 * Barded Nightmare
 * Hellsteed
 * Zombie Dragon

Active Abilities
Multiplayer:


 * The Hunger
 * Master of the Black Arts

Campaign only:


 * Blood lust
 * Red Fury
 * Magical Animus
 * Undeath Resurgent
 * Arcane Conduit

Items

 * Sword of Unholy Power
 * Armour of Templehoff

Spells
Mannfred is unique in that he is the only lord to have access to 2 full lores of magic.


 * Lore of the Vampires
 * Lore of Death

He also has access to both Lore Attributes:


 * The Curse of Undeath
 * Life-Leeching

Campaign effects
If chosen as starting lord:


 * Additional Starting Units
 * Varghulf
 * Fell Bats
 * Crypt Ghouls
 * Lord Effects
 * [[file:Campaign_movement.png]] Campaign movement range: +10% (all characters)
 * [[file:Military_spending_VC.png]] Upkeep: -15% for Grave Guard and Black Knights units
 * [[file:experience.png]] Unit experience: +2 for Grave Guard and Black Knights unit recruits (all forces)
 * +1 Blood Kiss on campaign start
 * +30 Winds of Magic reserves
 * +10 leadership vs Men