Empire Greatsword

"Despite the horrific casualties and many wounds that they suffered during the battle, the Greatswords fought on resolutely and, by battle's end, their white Reikguard uniforms had been drenched in blood."

—The Carroburg Greatswords, during the Siege of Carroburg^[1a]

Capture22233232 — An Empire Greatsword on the battlefield.

An Empire Greatsword forms an elite core of heavily-armoured, greatsword-wielding infantry who are promoted from the ranks of the Imperial army for their exceptional skill, bravery, and courage on the battlefield.^[1a]

The Elector Counts of the Empire always have a regiment of these elite heavy infantry troops with them at all times, for they act both as a bodyguard regiment and as a reserve force of elite warriors that has the potential to turn the tide of many battles.^[1a]

Role[]

Old world Great Sword art — An Empire Greatsword

A regiment of Greatswords are amongst one of the greatest and most expensive asset within any Imperial army. These men are decked-out with extremely expensive Dwarf-forged full plate armour, and are armed with massive two-handed greatswords called zweihanders, melee weapons with a strike so powerful that they have the potential to cleave a fully-armoured knight in two. Due to their expensive wargear and years of irreplaceable training, Empire generals are very hesitant to send these troops into battle. It is only when the entire battle hangs in the balance will these mighty warriors be sent in their droves towards the enemy ranks.^[1a]

Wh main emp greatswords — An Empire Greatsword wielding his blade on the battlefield as depicted in *Total War: Warhammer*.

However, due to upholding their duties, most Greatsword regiments are generally used as guards and garrison troops for important castles and fortresses belonging to the Elector Count, and would follow him on many state affairs. On some occasions, the Elector Count would select a champion to lead his Greatswords into battle. Such an honour is reserved for only the greatest warrior within the regiment.^[1a]

A soldier who is promoted to the ranks of the Greatswords is required to swear an oath to never step backwards in the face of the enemy. Every Greatsword regiment upholds this sacred oath, lest they suffer dire punishment not only to their honour but also from their own Elector Count. Fortunately, instances of Greatswords retreating are very rare, and accounts of Greatswords fighting against impossible odds, even to the last man, are far more common. As a result of their unshakeable courage and devotion, Greatsword troops are often rewarded with double the pay of regular Imperial soldiers, fed the best foods available, and quartered in the most luxurious barracks within the castle walls.^[1a]

Greatswords who possess even more courage and heroism than their own comrades are bestowed the greatest honour any Imperial soldier can hope to obtain: knighthood. Such an occasion is extremely rare, however. A knighted Greatsword will possess his own estate and be allowed to join one of the famous Knightly Orders should he wish.^[1a]

Because the zweihänder requires a completely different technique to a one-handed sword, there is much study and discussion of the correct way to fight with them. This debate seems to go on endlessly within the ranks. The issue has become a virtual science with many published treatises on the art. The old Estalian masters are considered to be the ultimate authority on the subject. Some Greatswords have been known to affect an Estalian accent when they feel the need to impress.^[2a]

Notable Empire Greatswords[]

Empire Greatsword WAE4 — An Empire Greatsword in combat.

Dieter Schaeffer - Dieter Schaeffer leads a unit of Empire Greatswords in red livery with enamelled black plate armour.

Franz Vogel - Franz Vogel was the sergeant of a Greatsword regiment from Averland, who ended up leading survivors from an Imperial army. When he returned home, he found his village had been overcome by Chaos and joined the Witch Hunter Magnus Gault on his quest to destroy it. He fought against the forces of Tzeentch, Nurgle, and the Skaven.

Dagmar Nachgeben was the former Count's Champion of the Middenheim Greatswords.

Notable Greatsword Regiments[]

Carroburg Greatswords - This regiment of Empire Greatswords fight in their own livery of red and white with black-lacquered plate armour. These men used to wear the white and red colours of Reikland, but during the Age of Three Emperors, these men fought valiantly against the armies of the Elector Count of Middenheim, until the Middenlander were forced back from the siege of Carroburg. In the aftermath, Imperial witnesses state that the Greatswords' uniforms were so drenched with blood that they didn't bother cleaning them and instead changed their colour scheme to red and black to commemorate this heroic victory.

Pale Blades - The Pale Blades are a renowned regiment of Greatswords, considered second only to the Carroburg Greatswords themselves.

One regiment in Averland is said to have a Maneater Ogre in its ranks fighting in oversized half-plate with a greatsword.

Wolfram's Guard - Wolfram's Guard are the personal bodyguard of the Elector Count of Ostermark.

Pious Greatswords of Morr - Ulrich is a priest of Morr, the god of the dead, who leads a regiment of Pious Greatswords that are foot templars of Morr. They march into battle in red robes and cowls and their banner depicts the reaper with a scythe and hourglass. Ulrich himself wears the black robes marking him as an ordained priest of Morr.

Ostland Black Guard - The Ostland Black Guard are a notable Empire Greatsword regiment from Ostland.

Griffon Legion - The Griffon Legion are experienced Empire Greatswords who serve as an elite Imperial honour guard that is funded and equipped by the emperor's own coffers. They are not to be confused with the famed Gryphon Legion of Kislev.

Heldenhame Holdwatch - The Heldenhame Holdwatch are the Empire Greatswords who were the elite defenders of Heldenhame Keep. They defended that fortress viciously when the keep's knights were away.

Miniatures[]

Sources[]

1: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (8th Edition)
- 1a: pg. 40
2: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition: Up in Arms (RPG)
- 2a: pp. 13