The time of mortals is ending, and the reign of Chaos draws ever closer. The Dark Gods are at last united in a singular purpose, loosing their madness across the world as never before. In the Empire of Sigmar, Karl Franz's gaze is focused on the incursion of the savage northmen, but it is not the only threat. As the Chaos moon Morrslieb waxes full, shrill voices echo through tunnels gnawed far beneath the Empire's cities, and a Skaven host swarms towards the surface. It emerges first in the city of Ubersreik, a screeching mass that consumes all before it. Soon Ubersreik is a charnel-town, drowning beneath the malevolent shadow of the Horned Rat.

Yet even in the darkest times, there are always champions to light the way. As Ubersreik cowers, five heroes, united by capricious fate, carry the fight to the rat-men. It remains to be seen whether they have the strength to survive, let alone work together long enough to thwart the invaders. One truth, however, is beyond all doubt: should these five fall, then Ubersreik will fall with them.

In Vermintide, the city of Ubersreik is under siege as players select from a band of five heroes with different play-styles and abilities, all equipped with unique gear and personalities. Working together cooperatively, players must use their individual attributes to survive an apocalyptic invasion from hordes of relentless, power hungry Skaven, across a range of environments stretching from the top of the Magnus Tower to the bowels of the Under Empire.

A veteran from the battlefields of Ostland, Markus Kruber is a highly skilled but war weary Empire Soldier. As the sole survivor after his regiment fell prey to the gruesome death magic of a Necromancer, Kruber is emotionally scarred but keeps up appearances by clinging to his old self, the affable soldier trying to do right in a  world of wrongs.

Having fled farm life outside Ubersreik, a young Markus Kruber found himself in the Grunburg local militia and quickly rose through the ranks. A schism with an inept superior eventually spiraled out of control and resulted in a relegation to Ostland.  Being sent from from the richest province of the Empire to one of the poorest and most war-ravaged was clearly a punishment, but Kruber welcomed the change. He hoped that competent leadership and a steady stream of purposeful action would await him at his new post.

Leading the 8th Ostland Swordsmen, Markus drilled his troops until perfection, not content until their swords and shields felt like natural extensions of their own bodies. His leadership style was somewhat unconventional,  inspiring confidence and loyalty not only through his prowess, but also due to his innate charisma and wit, making him immensely popular with his men. His unit was distinguished in several battles, whether it was breaking through Greenskin lines, repulsing marauding beast-men,  or hacking down ravaging berserker northlanders.

It was a Necromancer who was to be Kruber’s undoing. The Undead marched on a grand muster of Imperial might. Kruber’s regiment was on the east flank. Forming an impenetrable barrier against the skeletal forces they opposed. For a while it looked as if the Ostlanders sensed victory and fought with extra ferocity to that end. But then the Sergeant caught sight of a wizened old man leading a horde of Zombies. In a freak moment their eyes locked, the Necromancer grinned, and went about casting his death-magic. Moments later, a colossal orb of purple-edged darkness swept through the Swordsmen, killing all it touched while sucking the souls from hapless bodies. One of the men pushed Kruber out of the way, his own soul selflessly sacrificed.

At the end of the battle, the Undead had dissipate and the Empire was victorious, but it was a pyrrhic victory for Markus. His regiment had been destroyed, and he emerged as a traumatized lone survivor.   In a state of shock, Markus applied for leave, wishing to quit military life and simply head for home, but was denied.

However, after some time, Victor Saltzpyre, a Witch Hunter on business in Ostland, crossed paths with Markus. The Witch Hunter was recruiting for an upcoming mission, and after witnessing a display of Kruber’s talents in a roadside ruckus with bandits, he convinced Kruber’s superiors to let him go.

Assisting the Witch Hunter in escorting a Bright Wizard prisoner, the company heads for Ubersreik, where the mage is up for trial.

Markus Kruber is a fearsome melee warrior, trained to excellence in numerous weapon techniques .  When wielding large two-handed weapons, such as the Great Hammer or the Great Sword, he is capable of mowing down several enemies in one hefty swing, engaging a horde of rat-men all on his own. He is equally skilled with the One Handed Mace, the One Handed Sword, and the Sword and Shield Combo, his versatility enabling him to tackle any conceivable situation on the battlefield. For ranged combat, he is equally well prepared, wielding the devastating close range Blunderbuss, the armour piercing Handgun or unleashing a high volume of fire with the Repeater Handgun.