Wilhelm I was a tyrannical emperor who reigned in the early centuries of the Empire of Man's existence and later lived on as an Undead Wight King.[1a] In 263 IC, Wilhelm insisted that he be buried with gold coins pressed into his eye sockets instead of the traditional pennies paid to Morr, and the death god had long ago refused to take such a proud man into the afterlife.[1a][2a] Even centuries later, rumours stated that his ghost haunted Altdorf.[2a]
During the End Times, Wilhelm's spirit was chosen by the Vampire Lord Vlad von Carstein to serve as a leader of his Undead forces. Upon his reanimation as a Wight King, the former emperor fought against Putrefex Blistertongue at the Altdorf Temple of Shallya, wielding a sword that glowed white with a killing heat. After a gruelling battle, the Wight King severed the hand of the Daemon of Nurgle, causing it to flee.[1b]