Heroes & Villains - Gravediggers: Colonel Allison Jakes

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     And we're three for three, sort of (well not really, Jason Soles wrote the H&V entry for Buck Hasker). This was the last of the Gravedigger compendium entries for Heroes & Villains I did, and probably the most interesting, given she's a well known background whose characterisation had to be built upon, and incrementally so (in 3k words or less, at that) to take her from Captain as a mid-ranking warcaster to the field commander of a whole brigade as well as now-senior warcaster. Something which I don't think the final version really points out, is that, as of MkIV, Jakes has spent more time in uniform than not, hovering around the age of 40. She's the first character I've written for who has 'grown up' over the lifetime of the game, even if only a part of it.

    As an aside, it was neat to give more detail to a small unit which was only featured as an alternative colour scheme (the Gravedigger Companies of Renown in No Quarter Prime issue 1, for those curious). Likewise with Anson Hitch.

    Compendium - Heroes & Villains

    The Gravediggers - Colonel Allison Jakes

    (characters created by Jason Soles & Matthew D. Wilson, creative direction by Matthew D. Wilson, first published via the Warmachine App, May 2025)


    'Despite not originally intended for permanent command among the Trenchers, Colonel Allison Jakes herself and all who comprise the Trencher corps consider her to be one of them - and that she always has been one of them. Since her days as a lieutenant journeyman, she has been building to this moment, where she stands as the first among the Gravediggers of the 63rd Brigade. And she is no stranger to the malestrom of battle, no matter the opposition. Her duelist's instincts have carried her across much of the Iron Kingdoms, facing horrors of all descriptions that have done nothing but driven her to hone her skilsl and tactics. She faced Khadorans and Cryxians alike while a journeyman and then the infernals as an accomplished warcaster, yet no enemy has dimmed her resolve. Though precise, pragmatic, and persevering, Jakes knows she is not perfect, but this awareness is a strength, for she has the support of trusted officers who counterbalance her imperfections. In turn, Jakes bears the responsibility of command on the battlefield, and she fully appreciates its weight, never taking lightly her obligation to those who serve under her. Many among the Cygnaran military command believe there was never anyone else but Jakes to lead the Gravediggers.'

    [read the full Compendium entry on the Warmachine App, which can be downloaded here]