Glade Rider
Glade Riders are among the greatest horse-warriors of all the world, their Elven reflexes allowing them to perform an incredible variety of seemingly reckless acts that are far beyond the abilities of other lesser races. [3a]
Whether firing backwards while riding full pelt through deep woods, or darting through the ranks of surprised enemy outriders, Glade Riders routinely survive their escapades unscathed through a formidable combination of graceful skill and unflappable confidence.[3a]
Unlike most cavalrymen, Glade Riders do not view their horses as property or subservient beasts. Instead, over a period that can last many years, a deep connection is formed between rider and steed. This bond goes beyond friendship and beyond family, so that horse and rider act as one being, communicating on a level that is impossible for an onlooker to detect. Where another would have to command his steed upon the path he needs it to follow, it is as though the Glade Rider need only think the command and the horse responds.[3a]
When their steeds are not needed for battle, Glade Riders pasture them deep within Athel Loren. This is not because they fear that their horses will stray but is done for the protection of the steeds. Only a very determined and lucky horse thief could find his way so deep into Athel Loren safely, and few have ever made it back out again. Those rare outsiders who catch a glimpse of a Wood Elf steed at play often refuse to believe that it is truly a mortal creature, assuming instead that some strange fey beast has crossed their path. In truth, there is little more magical about the steeds of Athel Loren than any other inhabitant of the wood, merely the boundless joy of a creature born into freedom, rather than into bondage. [3a]
In times of war, the riders of Wood Elf Settlements band together as a mounted force but in normal times they patrol the woodland and act as messengers. Favoured retainers aslo often accompany their Lord on warhorses with plaited mains and bejewelled bridles. [2a]
History
The Kindred of Equos originally migrated from the coastal colonies of the elves and after the War of the Beard concluded were the only ones to keep and breed horses. They made their home in the meadow glades and heaths of the forest, becoming the guardians of the borderlands. [4a]
Kindreds
Many noble Glade Riders will be from a Kindred of Sehenlu, also known as the Kindred of Equos, the Horse-Masters, ridderkin or the Saddle-born. Sehenlu derives from Senlui which can mean accuracy or swiftness. [3b]
Weapons & Equipment
- 2nd Edition: Elf Bow, Hand Weapon. May have Shield. [1a]
- 3rd Edition: Elven Lords: Hand Weapon, Lance, Light Armour, Shield, Warhorse. Leader, May have Barding, Magic Instrument, Magic Standard. May have Musician, Standard Bearer. [2a]
- 3rd Edition: Wood Rider: Hand Weapon, Horse, Shield, Spear. Leader, May have Javelins, Longbow. May have Musician, Standard Bearer. [2a]
- 4th Edition: [4a]
- 6th Edition: Elven Steed, Longbow, Spear. May have Horsemaster, Musician, Standard Bearer. [3c]
Gallery
Glade Riders
Glade Riders
Glade Riders
Elven Lord
Wood Rider
Miniatures
4th Ed Hornblower
Glade Riders
Glade Riders
Sources
- 1: Ravening Hordes (2nd Edition)
- 1a: Wood Elf Armies, pg. 63
- 2: Warhammer Armies (3rd Edition)
- 2a: Wood Elves, pg. 40
- 3: Warhammer Armies: Wood Elves (6th Edition)
- 4: White Dwarf 199 (UK)
- 4a: Swift Death, pg. 79
1: Warhammer Armies: Wood Elves (8th Edition)
