Knights Panther
The Knights Panther is a famous Knightly Order of The Empire.[3]
Overview
The Knights Panther are a secular knightly order,[6] among the oldest and most revered in The Empire.[2] Established in the wake of the wars against Araby, the knights notoriously seize any opportunity to campaign against that land’s despotic rulers. Members of the order are distinguished by the exotic striped and spotted furs adorning their armor, and the fabled Araby spotted panther displayed as their heraldry.[6]
As a secular order, the loyalty of the Knights Panther is towards The Empire itself above any deity, their primary duty the protection of its people and lands. However, two of the order's primary home cities of Middenheim and Talabheim are traditional holdfasts of Ulric-worship. A fiercely competitive rivalry exists between the secular Knights Panther and the staunchly Ulrican Knights of the White Wolf, with each vying to display their superiority in battle.[6]
The Knights Panther still frequently find themselves at war in Araby, fanatically opposed opposed to the distant land's despotic overlords. [6]
Advantages
As a Legendary Order, they have the Wealthy Advantage. [6]
Edicts
Emblems and imgaery
Knights Panther are distinguished from other knights by their tall helmet crests topped by the image of a Beastman head, a new tradition that replaced the sigil of the Panther some few years ago. This is a change from the spotted great cat of their past, though they retain the distinctive pattern in their saddle cloths and cloaks wherever possible. These knights would often wear armour of dark blue and silver, the traditional standard colour scheme of their Order.
History
The Order dates back to the lasting years of the Great Crusade some 2,000 years ago. From what was told, once the armies of Jaffar and the Sultans of Araby were defeated by the crusading Knights, and their cities plundered of all their belongings, the Knights of the Great Crusade brought home much plunder from the Sultans' Palaces, including gold and silver, precious gems, silks, furs, and many exotic animals the like of which had never been seen before in the Old World. [5]
Some of the most bizarre and beautiful of these creatures were the panthers, liberated from the pleasure gardens of Al-haikk. They created such a lasting impression to the jubilant crowds cheering the return of the crusaders, that some Knights took up their exotic appearance as well, eventually making these Knights form into the Order that it is today. In time the creatures died of natural causes but their fur would be used for saddle cloths or trimming for fur cloaks, reinforcing the new Order's unique character and reminding everyone of their victories in Araby.[5]
Today the original panthers and even their hides have eroded from history, but the memory of the Arabyan wars is maintained by wearing these exotic animal furs in their armour and clothing, symbolising the beasts' distinctive appearance to all that see it.[5]
After Grand Master Einricsson fell at the Battle of the Midden Moors, it was Harald Gemunsen who became the obvious choice as the successor having connections to such notables as Ar-Ulric,Count Sigismund of Middenheim and the Sea Empress Elspeth Magritta VI of Marienburg. Many hoped he would be a unifying presence who was immune to the turbulent political strife that mired the Empire at that time. [8]
Over the last century, two Imperial Decrees have been issued to prevent the Knights Panther from campaigning in Araby - ultimately, these decrees were rescinded, the Imperial court wary of offending such a potent military force as the order.[6]
Locations
The Knights Panther are headquartered in a stout fortress built in the modern style, just a few miles from the city of Carroburg. From here, Grand Master Baron Heinrich von Torlichhelm oversees a dozen or more chapter houses scattered mainly across Reikland and Middenland. The second largest chapter house is located in Talabheim. Its knights report to Carroburg as a formality, but they serve under the employ of Countess Elise Krieglitz-Untern. The third largest Knights Panther chapter house represents the Graf’s personal bodyguard in Middenheim, a position that often collides with their brothers of the White Wolf.
The banquet halls of the Knights Panther chapter houses are adorned with the helms of its members from generations to generation. Since the Order dates as far back as the Arabyan crusades of the 15th century, many of the panther head coverings on these memorial helms have turned to leather in order to preserve its quality for all the newer generations. Each chapter house also mounts a splendidly crafted standard behind the head of its banquet table. The Order’s magical battle standard is kept by the Carroburg chapter house, but any chapter may requisition it for conflicts against powerful Chaos Sorcerers.
Known Members
- Veiran Thugenheim: First Knight of the Knights Panther of Middenheim.[4]
- Werner von Kriegstadt, former Grand Master who slew Azhag the Slaughterer at the Battle of Osterwald.
Weapons and Equipment
- 3rd Edition: Heavy Armour, Lance, Shield, Sword. Barded Warhorse. Champion, may have Musician and Standard Bearer. May carry the Battle Standard of the Order. [7]
- 4th Edition: Heavy Armour, Lance, Shield, Sword and ride a Barded Warhorse, may carry a Magical Standard. [2]
- Battle Standard of the Order: Made by the Light Order as part payment for property, it protects knights from hostile magic. [7]
Gallery
Banner of the Knights Panther
A Knight Panther
A Knight Panther
Knights Panther
Veiran Thugenheim
Demigryph Knights of the Knights Panther
Knight Panther
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Miniatures
Grand Master Harald Gemunsen[8]
Knights Panther
Knight Panther
Quotes
| People see the Empire, its shining armies, its fleets, its fortunes, its technological marvels, and they think it is strong. But it is riven with division, sown through with Chaos, and beset on every side by terrible foes. The Empire is weak, Mistof, which is why we must be strong.
~ First Knight Matilda of Talabecland.[5] |
See also
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (8th Edition)
- 2: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (4th Edition): Regiments, pg. 59
- 3: Altdorf: Crown of the Empire: Six Famed Knightly Orders of Altdorf, pg. 75
- 4: Empire in Ruins (4th Edition): Introduction, pg. 31
- 5: Up in Arms: Knight Panther, pg. 36-37
- 6: White Dwarf 310 (UK): Knightly Orders of the Empire, pg. 118
- 7: White Dwarf 310 (UK): Empire Army List, pg. 28
- 8: Warhammer Community