Wilhelm was the first childe created by Gustav Breidenstein and acted as his right-hand man in his domain for several centuries. Following the rise of Berlin's importance since it became the capital city of Prussia, Breidenstein sought to use the resources of "his" city to combat his rivals (perceived or real) among the Toreador and Tremere. When Napoleon managed to defeat Prussia in 1806, the Toreador forced Breidenstein to make concessions to them leaving him bristling with fury.