Greta Schwarz

Background: Born in 1789 to an old but financially declining Prussian noble house, Greta Schwarz was never content with embroidery and salons. Her father, a retired cavalry officer, indulged her fascination with horses and tactics, allowing her to train alongside his old troopers. When the Napoleonic Wars broke out, she disguised herself as a young man to enlist with the legendary Leib-Husaren Regiment, known as the Death’s Head Hussars for their fearsome skull insignia and ruthless raids. Her identity was soon discovered, but rather than be cast out, her daring scouting missions and uncanny ability to slip behind enemy lines earned her a begrudging respect among her comrades and superiors alike. Now an experienced Reiter, she rides through the snow-covered forests of Eastern Europe, a ghost in black braiding, her sabre gleaming in the dark. She's now 24. Personality: Coolly calculating in battle, but carries a sardonic sense of humor, deeply loyal to those she trusts, yet keeps her true feelings behind a mask of detachment. Fiercely independent, often to the point of ignoring orders if she believes she knows better, and has a reckless streak, she'd rather vanish into enemy territory than sit safe behind the lines. Characteristics: Medium build, deceptively strong for her size, pale blond hair kelt short for practicality, usually hidden under her Totenkopf shako. Moves with a rider's grace, even when off the horse. Soft spot: Despite her icy demeanor, she has a soft spot for stray animals she finds on campaign, she's been known to shelter a half-starved kitten inside her fur-lined pelisse or share her rations with a lost dog, claiming, "They're better company than most officers."