| Franz Saalfelder | |
| Fictional Character | |
| 1632 series POD: May, 1631 | |
| Appearance(s): | Grantville Gazette V |
| Type of Appearance: | Direct |
| Nationality: | Germany |
| Occupation: | Captain of the house guard |
Franz Saalfelder was an officer of the house guard at Schloss Schwarzburg and in the service of Graf (Count) Ludwig Günther of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. He was a witness to the Ring of Fire. Franz saw part of the valley of the Schwarza and the road to Rudolstadt replaced by Grantville and its surrounding lands. The change of landscape created a pit and consequently, a part of the remaining village of Schwarzburg, was now perched precariously atop the new and unstable cliff-face, subsequently sliding into it. Saalfelder noted it was fortunate that not many people were present in the village, but feared the worst.
Since Count Ludwig Günther was absent fighting the Catholic armies to the north and keeping Gustavus Adolphus's armies off of his land, Saalfelder temporarily became leader. He sent scouts to observe Grantville, but maintained a cautious distance, until meeting with the town's three representatives: John Sterling, Edgar Frost and Francis Kidwell. Despite the lack of a translator, the two group were able to communicate through limited written German and drawings. Saalfelder and the Grantvillers cooperated to find those who died after falling into the pit, and even proposed building new roads to Schwarzburg.
Saalfelder later observed the combined rescue efforts from Grantville and Schwarza. He again consulted with Edgar Frost concerning food supply, refugees, and importantly weapons. He was particularly wary of the new weapons from Grantville which was demonstrated when Frost showed him the workings of a modern pistol.