A militiaman of the Old World
A militiaman is a member of a militia, a part-time local military force intended to serve solely defensive purposes, formed largely from the rural peasantry of the Old World. Members of a militia agree to spend a certain amount of time each year -- usually seven days -- practicing together on common land. Even this small amount of military training can be the difference between life and death on the blood-soaked battlefields of the Old World.[1a]
An Estalian guardsman in full plate armour.
Militia captains are either civil leaders or retired military types. Some militias must provide their own equipment and weapons, while the local nobility equips others. This means that while some militia units appear for duty in smart uniforms with well-maintained equipment, others have little more than their patchwork clothes and hunting bows.[1a]
Garrisons and militia in Tilean settlements tend to be rather larger than their Imperial equivalents, due to a tradition of each settlement being expected to look after itself and because it is wise to keep the land's many mercenaries gainfully employed.[2a]
The northern tribes of Men in Norsca and the Chaos Wastes are not by nature a defensive bunch, but understand the importance of vigilance. In a harsh land of constant dangers and vicious predators, the Northmen have a need to keep watch. No Northman likes to be left behind during a raid, but sometimes it is necessary to protect the warband's possessions. Since raids are often carried out in batches, as soon as some loot is acquired someone needs to watch it when subsequent forays are underway.[3a][3b][3c]
Needless to say, the warriors chosen do the task do it begrudgingly –- after all, Norscans live to raid, not to guard assets. As such the militia forced to protect their camps tend to be angrier, more bloodthirsty, and hell-bent on having their day. More often than not, the members of the militia are being punished for some minor transgression or another against the tribe, or maybe the chieftain just doesn't like them.[3c]
Notable Militias[]
Sources[]
- 1: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 2nd Edition: Core Rulebook (RPG)
- 1a: pg. 45
- 2: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition: Up in Arms (RPG)
- 2a: pp. 52
- 3: Total War: Warhammer (PC Game)