Wilhelm Mandred Ziegler

Wilhelm Mandred Ziegler, 210

**Captain Wilhelm Mandred Ziegler** (b. 166) was a soldier of the 64th Rifle Corps and a close friend to Sir Adolf von Rosengart.

## Biography

#### Early Life

Wilhelm was born to Dorothy and Hansel Ziegler in 166 in the small village of Gutenheimer in Pretzuntif. His mother was absent for his childhood and Wilhelm often helped his father with the cobbling business. He was known as a melancholic child who would often question his own existence despite his lack of education. He once asked his father why he existed if his only purpose was to make shoes. Eventually, his father gathered enough money to send Wilhelm to Hambourg's university to study in philosophy.

It was in Hambourg that he flourished, joining a jazz zazou club where he would meet middle-class students who had a fondness for the genre. It was during this time that he met Margheriti Barretté at the club alongside Vincent Gabahoul, finding himself caught in a love triangle. Wilhelm would graduate from the university in 189 though persuaded further studies, writing his own philosophical textbook entitled *"Gods of the Old World: A Look into Religious Ethics before Mordus' arrival on the Continent'.* The book saw little fanfare.

Frustrated with Ziegler winning Margheriti, Vincent forced him into a duel on who would win her heart. In the competition, Vincent used sweeping gestures more akin to stage acting and, abandoning his sword, Ziegler punched his opponent to victory. Vincent would eventually go on to marry acclaimed playwright and author Edith Gaskill, though his love for Margheriti never left him and he still lead a promiscuous lifestyle with actresses and duchesses.

By 194, the couple were facing drastic financial trouble and, as a last resort, Zielger found a way to make money by participating in fight clubs. In time he would beat countless opponents. During one competition, he caused his opponent's heart to stop and fell into a small depression about his power. It was debt that dragged him back into the life and, as a result, forced him to compete in many more to fund his family. Margheriti fell pregnant and the excited Wilhelm took on more and more competitions to make ends meet. For successfully winning one competition, he was offered free drinks which he accepted before collapsing drunk. Ziegler's body was taken by the impressment gangs and given to the Volkhard navy.

#### Navy and the Battle of Hambourg

Ziegler was forced to work on H.M.V Prince Henrik as a deckhand due to his strong physical strength. He gained a reputation for his hard labour and, when insulted by another victim of the impressment gangs, he beat the man bloody. Despite this, Ziegler would often find entertainment in singing sea shanties to the crew whilst working including jazz renditions that he had gained from the zazou.

In 196, the H.M.V Prince Henrik fought in a naval battle against the Astarian fleet, causing the ship to sink and forcing Wilhelm to swim towards the mainland. Exhausted, he eventually arrived in Hambourg and was met the 64th Rifle Corps led by Major-General Rupert and, most importantly, a young Sir Adolf von Rosengart. As Wilhelm gained his strength, the two of them formed a friendship and bond as the ensuing battle continued. Once he recovered his energy, he joined Major-General Rupert in the push to free their troops from the Astarian encirclement and was awarded a medal. Liking his new position and, having lost contact with his family and wife, he remained in the position.

Leading the retreat alongside Adolf, he was rewarded with the rank of colonel and earned himself a position alongside his newly found friend. During one night raid, he fought the siege of Kalousa in his slippers, earning him the nickname "Slippers," and the recommendation of captain from Adolf himself.

## Military Career

* **Deckhand of the H.M.V Prince Hendrik** (194 - 196)
* **Colonel** (196 - 200)
* **Captain** (196 - 200)