Ludwig Schwarzhelm is the Champion of Karl Franz, a towering figure of a man, renowned throughout the Empire for his mighty physique and stern expression. He is said to have never smiled in his life. His role is to uphold the Emperor's justice during trials of combat. Such trials are a judicial right of high ranking noblemen accused of breaking the Emperor's laws. Ludwig is also the Emperor's bodyguard and his mere presence has so far proven enough to discourage any attempts on the Emperor's life.

On the battlefield Ludwig carries the personal standard of Karl Franz. He is armed with the Sword of Justice, an ancient weapon passed down from Champion to Champion through the reigns of successive Emperors. It is studded with ancient Dwarf runes of vengeance and retribution. To date Ludwig Schwarzhelm has never been defeated in hand-to-hand combat.