Magnus the Pious
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Magnus the Pious was one of the greatest rulers of the Empire.
Credited with re-uniting the Empire, Magnus became Emperor following his victory in the Great War Against Chaos in 2302.
At the time of the great chaos incursion, the Empire was divided. Known as the time of the three Emperors, this existed quite literally. The Elector counts had disagreed on the new Emperor and thus two counts (and a countess) had declared themselves Emperor. The imperial system had effectively ended.
With this internal power struggle, the Empire was vulnerable. The Chaos Warlord Asavar Kul rampaged southwards, burning and destroying everything in his wake, the nation of Kislev bordered on the brink of disaster.
Magnus, a nobleman from Nuln, realised this lack of leadership and direction could cost men the world should the forces of Chaos succeed. Driven by his faith, he walked throughout the empire, preaching the word of Sigmar and driving the people until they believed he was the man who could lead them to victory. Ultimately, Magnus gathered a great army and marched north to meet the threat, his force a massive and diverse cross section of gleaming knights, crazed flagellants, hardy state troops and in a particularly new and controversial move, hedge wizards trained in battle magic by the High Elves.
High Mage Teclis of Ulthuan had been sent by the Phoenix King to aid the realms of men, knowing that if the Empire was to fall as would all. Teclis took command of a large fleet and army which crossed the sea of claws to Kislev in a pincer movement.
High King Alriksson of the Dwarfs marched north to aid the nations of men, also. Eventually the forces of Chaos would meet the greatest alliance in the history of the old world. Ultimately, the men, elves and dwarfs drove back the armies of chaos at the battle of Kislev, and ended the Great War.
Afterwards, Magnus was elected Emperor in honour of his great victory. "The Pious" as he became known, due to his religious fervour and devotion to Sigmar, reunited the Empire, and instigated many traditions and institutions they still survive today.
Magnus founded the Colleges of Magic in Altdorf, once more enlisting the aid of Teclis to train Battle Wizards for the Empires armies.
Sources
Warhammer Armies: The Empire, p. 14
