"An' then Bozgrot got 'it, standing next to me 'ewas. Got it right between the eyes, never knew what 'it 'im. Then da Boss wend down with three bolts stickin' in 'im. And finally, after we'd lost half da ladz, we actually got close enough to see 'em...."
The Marksmen of Miragliano are a famous band of Dogs of War mercenaries whoses origins hails from the Tilean city-state of Miragliano as their name implies. Although the use of the crossbow as a weapon of war is far from uncommon in Tilea, very few mercenary companies can hope to match the accuracy and precision of these marksmen. Captain Maximilian Damark, who is a veteran marksman with dozens of years of experience, currently leads the company.[1a]
The crossbow has always been the favoured weapon in Tilea because its long range allows troops to shoot from high positions on the ramparts and across moats and ditches into the enemy hordes. Crossbow bolts are powerful enough to pierce armour and inflict mortal wounds on tough and determined opponents. The crossbow is also handy for use in confined spaces, like ramparts, towers, gateways, and the narrow strees of most Tilean cities and on board Tilean ships. It is therefore no surprise that the Tileans never really bothered with the use of ordinary bows.[1a]
History[]
"JOIN US....are you good enough to fight alongside the best warriors in the world?.....THE MARKSMEN OF MIRAGLIANO ARE LOOKING FOR MORE MEN TO JOIN THEIR RANKS!.....if you can handle a crossbow and a life of adventure come to the Merry Archer at noon!.....WE HIT THE RIGHT SPOT EVERY TIME!"
- —Recruitment Poster for the Marksmen[1a]
One of the most famous regiments to use the crossbow is known simply, and appropriately, as the Marksmen. The Marksmen have operated for at least a hundred years or even more, having served under different captains as time passed. There is no clear knowledge about who exactly created this elite force, but it is agreed that should a captain fall, the most senior surviving Marksman would take over, and the regiment would continue their glorious history.
The regiment recruits its soldiers from Miragliano, and returns to it every now and then to replenish its ranks and renew family ties. A recruit must prove himself as an able marksman by shooting a bolt through the head of the Prince of Gold ducat, which is placed in the center of a target set at an incredible range of 300 paces. Once accepted, recruits perfect their marksmanship through constant practice. Their success is such that Miragliano has far fewer pigeons than any other Tilean city. The Marksmen of Miragliano gained distinction and rich Imperial rewards in several battles. As well as serving the Emperor of the Empire, the regiment has served the Tsarina of Kislev and several Dwarfen lords. On other occasions, the Marksmen have fought with the High Elves and have taken part in many journeys overseas.[1a][2a]
The number of battles in which the Marksmen have won distinction and, of course, increased their amassed riches, is far to great to recount.[2a] One of them is the great battle for the city of Vlent in the Border Princes, where they were tought dead just to came back victorious, and the breach of Schipdorf, having broken the siege almost single-handedly. The marskmen stormed through the breach and captured the demoralised defenders. Captain Damark led the charge himself and was slightly wounded in the action.[1a]
Appearance[]
The Marksmen are typical of veteran mercenary companies and wear a variety of clothing, armour, and equipment gleaned from the four corners of the Warhammer World. Many of the Marksmen wear a badge in their caps or hats, consisting of a tall feather and a pierced gold ducat. The feather represents the swift flight of the crossbow bolt (and it looks very fine too!). The pierced ducat is the very coin that the trooper must strike from 300 paces as a test of marksmanship before he is allowed to join the Marksmen.[1a]
Miniatures[]
The Marksmen of Miragliano were sculpted by Alan and Michael Perry. Their aesthetic was based on Italian 16th century infantry and Italian clothes of the time.[4]
Sources[]
- 1: Warhammer Armies: Dogs of War (5th Edition)
- 1a: pg. 48
- 2: White Dwarf 225
- 2a: pg. 11
- 3: Warhammer Chronicles 2004 (6th Edition)
- 3a: pg. 63
- 4: A Tavern in Tilea: Michael and Alan Perry on Dogs of War