A unit of spearmen wearing Talabheim uniforms and displaying typical slashed sleeves
Just as the Empire is a highly diverse nation, so too are the many regiments that compose its military. But from the best equipped units in Altdorf to the poorest backwater Free Company Militia, every regiment has some sort of uniform.[1a]
Every Imperial Electoral Province and city-state has state colours. But different units adhere to these to various degrees. Some regiments are clad entirely in state colours; some only use them as an accent on a sleeve, plume, or hat; and still others have traditional unit colours completely independent from those of their province.[1a]
There's often great variety even within a unit. Some regiments issue uniforms to their soldiers, but most soldiers are in charge of procuring their own uniforms.[1a] A typical uniform consists of hose, a doublet with slashed sleeves, and an undershirt. Other soldiers wear tabards instead of doublets.[2a]
Imperial State Military Uniforms
Altdorf
Altdorf's colours are red and blue. The spit-and-polish standards of its unit's lavish uniforms make it very visible that Altdolf is the largest and wealthiest city in the Empire. Altdorf soldiers are also known for wearing medals and seals commemorating their victories.[1b] All in all, Altdorf uniforms are the most ostentatious in the Empire.[2c]
Averland
As Averland is a wealthy state, its state troops often wear ostentatious and highly ornamented uniforms.[1c][2d][3d] Armour made of polished or blackened steel is popular among Averland's soldiers.[1d] The state colours are black and yellow.[1c]
Hochland
Hochland's colours are red and green.[1e]
Middenheim
Middenheim's colours are blue and white.[1f]
Middenland
The soldiers of Middenland wear blue.[1g][3c] Coloured slashing or ribbons differentiate units.[1g] Cloaks and boots trimmed with wolf's fur, and wolf's tooth amulets are other accoutrements commonly borne by Middenland soldiers.[3c]
The Moot
The Halflings of the Moot form militias. Most of these don't have formal uniforms, but wear one unifying color, such as red or green.[1v]
Nordland
Nordland's state troops, including the Nordland Mariners, wear blue and yellow.[1h][3f] Dyed feathers are used to distinguish the various regiments.[3f]
Nuln
Nuln's soldiers wear black, the colour that best hides soot stains from the city's numerous cannons.[1i][2d][3e] Artillery crews distinguish themselves with coloured plumes, ribbons, or sleeves.[1j] Units in charge of defending particular war machines or batteries often wear similar uniforms to the crews of those batteries.[1k]
Ostermark
The Uniforms of Ostermark are purple, along with either white or yellow.[1l] Since purple is a difficult color to dye, the exact hue varies from soldier to soldier.[3g]
Ostland
The black and white uniforms of Ostland are often seen in bold halved and quarter patterns. Stripes, checks, and diamonds are often used for sleeves and hose.[1m]
Reikland
Reikland's state colour is ostensibly white, but in practice soldiers usually wear fawn or off-white.[1n][3a] As Reikland is the most powerful province in the Empire, Reikland's units are well-equipped.[1n]
Bögenhafen
The militia in the market town of Bögenhafen are clothed in white and purple, a brazen display of the town's wealth.[3b]
Stirland
Stirland is a rural province, and most of its soldiers wear simple uniforms.[1p][3h] The state colours are green and yellow, but these are often worn just as tokens. But some Stirland nobles, smarting at the province's backwater reputation, equip their soldiers with lavish uniforms.[1p]
Stir River Patrol
The units of the Stir River Patrol wear green and white. They see constant action, and their uniforms are usually well-worn.[1q]
Talabecland
Talabecland's state colours are red and yellow.[1r]
Talabheim
Talabheim's colours are red and white.[1s]
Wissenland
The soldiers of Wissenland wear white and grey, and often accent their uniforms with coloured ribbons and plumes.[1u]
Uniforms of Former Imperial States
- Marienburg: The burgomeisters of Marienburg equipped their troops with sumptuous uniforms of red, blue, and yellow. This continues to this day in the now-independent city.[1v]
Regiments with Unique Uniforms
- Carroburg Greatswords: Reikland's Carroburg Greatswords as famous for their crimson uniforms, which they adopted after the Siege of Carroburg in 1865, in which their white uniforms were stained with blood.[1o][1t][2b][3b]
- The Death's Heads: This regiment wears red and black instead of Ostermark's traditional purple and white. However, they are best known for their distinctive skull masks.[1w]
- Helhunten's Redeemers: A Regiment from Stirland under the command of Witch Hunter Joseph Von Helhunten. The Regiment wears Black and Tan.[1t]
- The Company of Honour: Wearing a Yellow Plume upon their helms and black steel armor they are supposedly the bravest troops that Altdorf has to offer.[1x]
Notes
- Note 1: This information is not stated in text, but is based on illustrations in Uniforms and Heraldry of the Empire.
Sources
- 1: Uniforms & Heraldry of the Empire (Background Book)