Reiksguard

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In the Warhammer Fantasy setting of Games Workshops games, the Reiksguard (mock German "Imperial Guard") forms the personal bodyguard of the Emperor of the The Empire.

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[edit] Overview

The Reiksguard are an elite group of highly disciplined troops. In battle, the Reiksguard favour fighting in large regiments, the better to defeat the enemy with the full splendor of their mirrored armor and crimson plumes. Imperial history is full of references to great battles won by a decisive charge by the Reiksguard Knights or a stalwart defense by the Reiksguard foot. Despite the potential power and influence that such a reputation offers, the Reiksguard has always stayed apolitical and loyal first, last, and always to the reigning Emperor — a stance that has in the past set them at odds with other, more transient Orders.

It is traditional also for the Grand Master of the Reiksguard to serve as the 'Reiksmarshal', second only in authority to the Emperor himself in matters of war.

Reiksguard are recruited from all over the Empire from the oldest sons of the Empire's nobility regardless of where they live within the Empire. Thus the Reiksguard includes men from all the provinces from as far a field as Ostland and Nordland, Wissenland and Ostermark. The heirs of many of the most wealthy and powerful families can be found amongst its ranks, including sons of Elector Counts. It is a considerable honour for a family for its oldest son to serve in the Reiksguard.

When not on the battlefield the majority of the Reiksguard is barracked in the comparative comfort of Altdorf the capital of the Empire. The Reiksguard was founded during the reign of Wilhelm, the first Emperor of the lineage of the Princes of Altdorf (ascended the throne around 2430 IC[citation needed]).

[edit] Reiksguard Knights

The knights wear full plate armour, ride barded warhorses and carry a lance & shield.

[edit] Reiksguard Foot

Unlike other Knightly Orders, the Reiksguard is divided into warriors who fight on foot and on horseback. The former of these is known as the 'Reiksguard Foot'. Like the knights they wear full plate armour and shields, but carry swords instead of lances.

[edit] Appearance

Regardless of how they fight, the Knights' weapons are of the highest quality, and their armour is polished to a mirror-like finish and topped with crests that carry the colors of reigning Emperor Karl Franz.

[edit] Sources

Games Workshop (UK)