"Where march you, men of Reikland, where carry you halberd and sword...
We march to war for our Emperor, and Sigmar our savior and lord...
Tomorrow we go to war, to face the hordes of Chaos...
Tomorrow we will be buried, in cold graves that await us...
And when the fighting is done, and the sun goes down at night...
Hear my prayers, save my soul, and take me to Sigmar's Light..."
- —Old soldier's song from Reikland[4a]
The valiant soldiers of the Imperial Army's State Regiments are the primary defenders of Sigmar's realm.
The State Troops[2a][3a][4a], also called State Regiments[1a], are the official, standing army of the Empire of Man and its constituent Electoral Provinces.[1a] State Troops are paid to serve as full-time, professional soldiers, ready in their barracks at all times to drive back and battle the enemies of Mankind. Most of the time these soldiers spend their days drilling and training with various weapons to the barked instructions of grim-faced sergeants and veteran marksmen.[2a][4a]
State Regiments also serve as the Empire's town guards, the fire watch and its police force, as well as forming a standing army ready at a minute's notice to repel enemy invasions.[4a] State Regiments are mostly infantry, and may be equipped in a variety of different ways with different types of armour and weapons.[4a]
For all the pageantry, chivalry, and glorious tales of battle told in the Old World, when it comes down to it, the Empire's wars are won by the rank-and-file, the footslogger. Of all the stories of dashing cavalry, noble charges, and swift manoeuvres, battles usually hinge on the humble infantryman refusing to give, standing staunchly in the blood and guts of their fellows, dying for another’s cause, on the orders of their betters.[5a]
History[]
"I swear to Sigmar that I shall fight with fire in my heart.
I swear to my Emperor that I shall stand against his enemies.
I swear to the Reikland that I shall protect her people.
I swear to my fellow Halbeerdiers that I shall not flee the field."
- —Oath of the Bögenhafen Halberdiers[5b]
Imperial State Troops
Since the time of Sigmar, the Empire has maintained armies of professional soldiers who defend the Emperor's lands. Recruiting parties travel through the provinces, beating their drums and promising a life of adventure and glory for those who sign up to join the Emperor's armies. Drawn by love of their homeland or the promise of three meals a day, there are many men willing to risk life and limb in the State Regiments of the Empire.[3a]
State Troops form the mainstay of the Empire's armies, though armies are often bulked out by ad hoc militia regiments recruited to fight as and when required (who will often be made up of mercenaries or local peasants levied from the surrounding lands).[3a]
Thus, every province and each city-state in the Empire has its own army which is equipped and maintained at its own expense.[4a] In the case of the provinces these forces fall under the command of the Elector Count, and in the case of the city-states they are under the control of the city's Burgomeister.[3a] Regardless of whether they are provincial troops or city-state troops, these forces are known as the State Regiments[1a] or State Troops.[2a][4a]
Probably the most common weapon is the halberd which is wielded with both hands.[1a][2a][3a] Other favoured weapons include handguns[1a][2a][3a], swords[1a][2a][3a], and (in the northern provinces especially) bows[1a] and spears.[1a][2a][3a] The crossbow is not a popular weapon amongst men from the Empire, but there are always foreigners eager to be recruited into the Empire armies so it is quite common to find Crossbowmen amongst the State Regiments.[1a]
Among the State Troops there will usually be at least two regiments of elite troops. These comprise Pistoliers, who are light cavalry recruited from the young sons of the landed nobility of the state, and Greatswords. These grizzled fighters, promoted from ordinary soldiers who have distinguished themselves on the field of battle, are the Count's bodyguard and the garrison of his castle.[2a] Also included among State Troops is the artillery. These cannons and mortars are made to order in Nuln at the expense of a Count or Burgomeister.[2a]
Organisation[]
A company of Empire Halberdiers fighting against Beastmen.
The foot soldier makes up the bulk of Imperial forces. Without the nobility of knightly orders, the flamboyance of the pistolier, and the hard science of the artillery, the infantry are usually recruited from the lower rungs of society. For peasants the army might be their only chance to leave their local area, for a desperate street thug their only course away from a life of crime, for a respectable farmer a genuine chance to see the world. Standard regiments — halberdiers, handgunners, sword, pike, and spear — usually recruit those without talent for anything else. These troops can be trained quickly, especially in emergencies, and can replace casualties without upheaval. More exclusive regiments, such as archers and Greatswords, might already possess their specialist equipment and abilities when recruited.[5a]
Raising an Army[]
The armies of the Empire are raised on behalf of the provinces and great cities. This does not always happen directly, however. Any number of nobles, towns, cults, and other interests have good reason to raise regiments if they can afford it; after all, despite the Empire’s pretensions to progress, political power usually derives from the exercise of military might. Many established great noble families have maintained a regiment for generations. Though this brings prestige and power, it is very expensive. Aspiring nobles often found regiments to help announce their credentials as major players at court. This has caused the ruin of many an overambitious noble over the years.[5b]
City charters are sometimes granted on the condition that a regiment must be maintained and placed at the disposal of the province. Other cities raise them anyway, to ensure their influence and independence. Regiments may be raised directly by the head of a Grand Province, and these are effectively the personal guard of the Elector Count. Some are raised by one of the Imperial cults, ostensibly to defend the Empire, but actually to advance that cult’s political power — the rival Cults of Sigmar and Ulric are especially fond of sponsoring soldiers. Because of the expense, only the wealthiest and most ambitious nobles or the largest cities can keep a regiment together permanently. Many regiments do not pay their troops over the winter, requiring the soldiers to fend for themselves. Other regiments are raised in emergencies and disbanded once the crisis in question is over. In times of peace, troops are paid a small retainer and are expected to train in their own time, meet up a few times each year to drill, and be ready to mobilise at short notice. This is a perfect arrangement for an adventurer.[5b]
Loyalties[]
Recruits are required to make an oath upon entering their regiment. The wording varies greatly across the Empire but is usually dedicated to a selection of the gods, the Emperor, the province and its Elector, the regiment, and their fellow soldiers. Regiments attempt to instil a certain pride among their ranks, but this rarely gets by the cynicism of the average soldier. Despite such cynicism, all soldiers know that when the fighting starts their best chance of survival is to stand fast next to their comrades-in-arms. The history of a regiment is key to its prestige.[5b]
Many regiments credit themselves with convoluted and dubious histories going back even to the time of Sigmar, and new regiments often borrow the history of old, famous regiments from the same area. Battle honours, a list of all the battles a regiment has fought, are memorised by its soldiers and often displayed on its standard. The occasion when fierce loyalty to the regiment is most on display is when soldiers are confronted by those of a rival regiment. This inter-regimental rivalry is sometimes focused on tournaments like archery contests, wrestling, and Middenball, but sometimes it spills over into less formal pursuits. When carousing soldiers of different regiments meet it almost always ends in a bloody brawl. Fortunately, soldiers are apt to follow the unwritten rules and are usually too shrewd to draw their weapons.[5b]
Uniforms[]
Many recruits begin their military careers relatively well equipped. Regiments supply a recruit’s needs, or lends them the money to buy equipment, on the understanding that it will come out of their future wages — with interest. Often this equipment is poor quality, taken from dead comrades or looted from the enemy. Of course, it is in no one’s interest to equip soldiers with weapons that might break, but many everyday items are likely to be of shoddy quality. Most uniforms supplied to new recruits may have seen better days.[5c]
Generals want to win wars. They may be corrupt, or prone to cutting corners, but it is in their interests to command effective fighting forces. For this reason, soldiers are always on the lookout for opportunities to acquire better equipment or make money back. No self-respecting soldier would steal from their comrades, but this rarely extends to soldiers of rival regiments or the possessions of the dead. Selling liberated equipment to the quartermaster is common. Throughout their career, soldiers progressively upgrade their belongings. They realise that the quality of their gear can make all the difference on campaign.[5c]
State Colors[]
It is also common for regiments to have different coloured cuffs, sleeves, or other minor details whilst retaining the overall colour of their state. For example, though the uniform colour of Nuln is black, regiments have differently coloured sleeves, cuffs, collars, and sometimes trousers and hats, which identify them.[1a] There are exceptions to this, of course, such as the Carroburg Greatswords (an infamously hard-bitten regiment who wear blood red uniforms despite hailing from the Reikland)[1a][3a], the Death's Heads of the Ostermark[1a][3a], the Scarlet Guard of Stirland[1a][3a], or the Hochland Blackshields.[4a]
The provinces have their own colours, so an army might be expected to look uniform. However, if a noble sponsors a regiment, they make sure that their troops can be distinguished, using sashes, feathers, and other devices in their heraldic colours. Cities outfit their troops in the city colours. Whilst the troops of the Reikland tend to wear off-white clothing, the troops of Altdorf wear blue and red uniforms, and the merchants of Bögenhafen pay for expensive purple fabrics. A regiment might have an official colour scheme and even restrictions on the cut and design of its uniforms. Inconsistency and availability of certain dyes, the personal choice of an individual, items looted from the enemy, scarcity of other equipment, all serve to make a regiment a hodgepodge of shades and designs. Officers are not required to wear the uniform and are famous for dressing in colours that starkly contrast with the regiment’s colours, as a show of bravery.[5c]
Detachments[]
The Empire foot soldiers have developed a very effective method of fighting which has won many a battle: the detachment system.[1a] They train every day to fight with these specialised tactics, which rely on their legendary discipline.[3a] Just like any other body of troops, a regiment can fight as a totally independent unit under the command of its own leader, but the Empire troops are also trained to fight in a slightly different way. While the majority of the army are armed and equipped as normal, some of its troopers are armed with different weapons and formed into a separate unit called a detachment.[1a]
The detachment forms up close to the main unit where it can offer support, either by using long range weapons such as bows or handguns, or by employing hand-to-hand weapons to threaten an advancing enemy's exposed flanks. A particularly favoured combination is to have two detachments supporting a main body of Halberdiers, one of Handgunners and another of Swordsmen.[1a][3a][4a]
The Handgunners deploy to one side of the Halberdiers while the Swordsmen deploy to the other. As the enemy advances the Handgunners use their ability to change ranks as they fire so that they creep closer to the enemy. Should the enemy charge the Handgunners will flee, and the attackers are either drawn onto the Halberdiers or left struggling in front of the main body of the regiment ready to be charged in return.[1a][3a] Meanwhile the Swordsmen move round to attack the enemy in the sides or to protect the Halberdiers against a flanking attack. The Handgunners hopefully rally to rejoin the fray or continue to shoot at the approaching enemy. Obviously there are many variations on this tactic, but all rely upon the principle of mutually supporting units.[1a]
Auxiliary Regiments[]
The Empire is arguably the greatest military power in the Old World. The emperor can assemble the individual provincial and city-state armies into a unified force supported by the excellently trained and equipped Reiksguard, an artillery train, battle wizards from the Colleges of Magic, war machines from the Imperial Engineers School, and allies from distant regions like Tilea, Kislev, Bretonnia and even Norsca.[6a]
Over the centuries, the Empire's diplomats have constructed a complex network of treaties and obligations. These treaties promise military support to almost every Human nation in the Old World against nearly every other nation. Additionally, these agreements allow the emperor to request aid from other nations. In practice, these written promises often carry little weight, but they provide a pretext for the nations of the Old World to forge and dissolve alliances as they see fit, supporting first one nation and then another. It has been known for entire nations to switch sides midway through a war, using their convoluted treaty agreements as an excuse to join the winning side.[6a]
In extreme cases, this can even lead to two Imperial forces clashing with each other, as occurred during the Battle of Remasalia, when a combined force of Tileans and allied Imperial troops found themselves fighting an invading Bretonnian army that was accompanied by a considerable allied Imperial army, more Tileans, and Wood Elves. Needless to say, both sides upheld tradition and fought valiantly against foes and fellow countrymen alike.[6a]
Tileans[]
Tileans are common soldiers in the armies of the Empire. They are expert crossbowmen and doughty warriors, and so their services are always in demand. This Tilean carries the crossbow which is his hallmark, and wears the blue and yellow uniform of Nordland's State Army.[6a]
Tileans are renowned as mercenary soldiers throughout the Old World. Professional bands of fighters are always available for hire, and many of the states within the Empire are more than willing to employ them.[6b]
Hiring Tileans saves the local rulers the cost of recruiting and training their own troops and is more convenient than maintaining a large standing army. Mercenaries can also be dismissed once their services are no longer needed, avoiding the risk of creating a group of unemployed soldiers who might turn to banditry.[6b]
Tilean mercenaries are typically issued State Army uniforms to clearly indicate their allegiance, though some prefer to wear their own distinctive uniforms or individual attire. The weapon most closely associated with Tileans is the crossbow. In the Empire, crossbows are not typically used as weapons of war, so all crossbow-armed troops in the employ of the Empire are Tileans. When a provincial army joins forces with others to form a fully Imperial army, these Tilean crossbowmen accompany them, providing the Empire with skilled crossbowmen.[6b]
Dwarfs[]
Dwarfs living in the Empire, the Imperial Dwarfs, are not typically recruited into the standing State Army regiments, but each city, village, or other Dwarf community is prepared to send warriors when needed. These blacksmiths, wheelwrights, jewelers, and other skilled craftsmen can be called upon to provide troops for provincial defence or to fight in the Empire's army.[6b]
While some Dwarfs wear State Army uniforms, not all provinces provide these, so many Dwarf regiments wear their own clothes or uniforms they have created themselves. These Dwarf uniforms are often influenced by the clothing styles of the Empire, resulting in bright and colorful attire, which contrasts with the more subdued clothing typically associated with the mountain-dwelling Dwarfs of the Worlds Edge Mountains and the Karaz Ankor.[6b]
Halflings[]
Halflings have resided in the rural areas of the Empire for as long as anyone can remember. Fifteen hundred years ago, they were granted their own province, known as the Mootland, by Emperor Ludwig the Fat.[6b]
Like all provinces in the Empire, the Mootland contributes troops to the Empire's army. Although not particularly warlike, Halfling state regiments are composed mostly of local watchmen and game wardens. They are willing fighters and skilled bowmen. Their natural ability to navigate woods and move swiftly through dense undergrowth allows them to perform tasks that would be difficult for Humans.[6b]
Halflings do not always wear uniforms, but sometimes a community will purchase a particularly bright bolt of cloth to make new uniforms. These costumes, sewn by the Halfling troops' wives and sisters, often vary in design, featuring different coloured trims and flamboyant styles, each showcasing the seamstress' skills and outshining their neighbors' handiwork.[6b]
Kislevites[]
Tzarina Katarin Bokha is feared by all her enemies and is known among the nomad tribes of the Eastern Steppes as the "Ice Queen." Her strong will and determination to make Kislev more powerful are well-known, although her ambitions have so far been limited to the eastern lands. She sends forces to support the emperor's campaigns, and has occasionally led armies herself, marching the wild horsemen of Kislev through Imperial territory, often causing concern among the local populace. While infantry do not usually accompany these armies, the tzarina does utilise available foot troops when fighting in the east.[6b]
Kislev's forces primarily consist of two types of cavalry. The core of the army is made up of Winged Lancers, noble warriors who wear exotically decorated plate armour and carry tall lances. They are named for the distinctive back banners adorned with feathers they wear, which are designed to make them appear more fearsome. During a charge, these feathers catch the wind, producing a loud, terrifying shrieking noise, reminiscent of a pipe's reed.[6b]
The second type of horsemen are the wild horse archers recruited from the nomadic tribes of the Kislev steppe. These expert riders are virtually born in the saddle, and their prowess with bow and sabre is legendary among the Old Worlders. Popular myth holds that these horsemen drink blood, eat raw flesh, and use the skulls of their enemies as drinking cups -- stories that are partially true. Many of these tribesmen tattoo their bodies or style their hair and beards in wild shapes, making them appear extremely intimidating. Often, their fearsome reputation alone is enough to secure victory in battle.[6b]
Life of a Soldier[]
When not on campaign, army life varies depending on the role of the regiment. Many armies, especially those raised by cities, are used as garrisons and to patrol the streets. These are available at short notice to face whatever danger or disorder should occur. These troops are fed by the regiment and might only get one day per week or perhaps a week in every eight, off duty. These troops tend to be better trained, as there is little else to do. Many garrison forces never leave their home cities. Getting married is a sign of responsibility and maturity, so when they do marry, these troops are often given a pay rise and allowed to live away from the barracks.[5c]
When not on campaign the soldiers of certain regiments, especially those raised by rural nobles or smaller towns, simply live their normal lives. The regiment meets up just once per week for training and then the soldiers return to their farms. They are given a small retainer for this duty but are expected to earn their living elsewhere. This suits the sponsors of the regiment who can honestly claim to have a thousand soldiers at their disposal, while not paying a penny. This can also suit soldiers who might be better off working other jobs while waiting to be mobilised.[5c]
On Campaign[]
On campaign, life is tough. Armies must travel hundreds of miles with little indication of when or even how they might be getting home. The footsloggers must cover every inch under their own steam, carry all their kit, and even forage for their own food. Long forced marches, makeshift camps, unsanitary conditions, rampant disease, hostile territory, aloof officers, a terrifying foe, any number of factors can make waging war a disconcerting as well as dangerous experience. Soldiers develop a cynical attitude and sardonic humour all their own and it is this sort of experience that enables them to relate to other soldiers, sometimes even deadly enemies, better than they can relate to civilians.[5c]
Desertion[]
Though Imperial soldiers swear to serve unwaveringly for the duration of their term, desertion is not uncommon. Deserters can live well, using whatever money they have saved to set themselves up in some quiet corner of the Old World, or beyond. Some live to regret their decision, however, ending up as outlaws or criminals or joining ragtag mercenary companies, unable to escape the life of a soldier. Some, of course, become adventurers. Received wisdom within the regiment is that deserters will be hounded to the ends of the world. News often spreads through the ranks of a deserter being caught in some exotic locale and strung up from the nearest convenient tree, but this is more often a fabrication to encourage the others to abide by their oath. Practically, the regiment has better things to do than hunt down deserters. Provided they keep their head down, and are sensible about it, there is little chance of a deserter being caught, short of having the bad luck to bump into erstwhile colleagues in a tavern or similarly unlucky coincidence.[5d]
State Troop Types[]
There are a great many types of Imperial troopers, each trained to wield and master a particular weapon in battle. Though their status and weapons may differ, they all share one thing in common. They are all simple men, whom have taken upon themselves to fight in the name of the Empire and its people. Those listed below are official types of State Troopers.
Melee Infantry[]
- Empire Swordsmen - State Troops armed with sword and shield. They are trained to be fast and excellent duellists, providing strong offensive capabilities to Imperial armies.
- Empire Spearmen - State Troops armed with long spears and a shield. They are trained to hold the line within a thicket of spear-points, providing strong defensive capabilities to Imperial armies.
- Empire Halberdier - State Troops armed with the fearsome halberd. One of the most common types of infantry within the Empire, the Halbediers have proven time and again the effectiveness of their weapon, giving the Empire both offensive and defensive capabilities.
- Empire Greatswords - These elite State Troopers are armed with the mighty, two-handed greatsword. Raised from the common soldiery, Empire Greatswords are trained as powerful shock troops, able to deliver a brutal assault against an enemy line or to protect the army's general as an elite honour guard.
Missile Infantry[]
- Empire Archers - These State Troopers are armed with the common bow. They are typically trained to be fast skirmishers, able to dart forward of the Imperial ranks to disrupt advancing enemy regiments with a hail of arrows.
- Empire Crossbowmen - State Troopers armed with the exotic crossbow. Far less common than Empire Handgunners and Empire Archers, the establishment of units of Empire Crossbowmen was influenced largely by the Tileans, where the weapon is often used by their mercenary companies, and thus are far more common in the south of the Empire.
- Empire Handgunners - These State Troopers are armed with the fearsome handgun. Making use of the rarest and most powerful weapon within the Imperial arsenal, Empire Handgunners are the most recent type of infantrymen to enter Imperial service. Their volley-fire is able to tear apart even the most heavily armored enemy regiments.
Sources[]
- 1: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (4th Edition)
- 1a: pp. 51-52
- 2: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (6th Edition)
- 2a: pg. 6
- 3: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition)
- 3a: pp. 36-38
- 4: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (8th Edition)
- 4a: pp. 26-38
- 5: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition: Up in Arms (RPG)
- 6: White Dwarf 146