- Reiksguard
In the "Warhammer Fantasy" setting of
Games Workshop s games, the Reiksguard (mock German "Imperial Guard") forms the personal bodyguard of theEmperor of the The Empire.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 andOstermark . The heirs of many of the most wealthy and powerful families can be found amongst its ranks, including sons ofElector 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 ICFact|date=April 2008).
Reiksguard Knights
The knights wear full plate armour, ride barded warhorses and carry a
lance &shield .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
shield s, but carrysword s instead oflance s.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 .ources
[http://uk.games-workshop.com/empire/knights%2Dchapters/7/ Games Workshop (UK)]
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