State Troops
State Troops also known as State Regiments are the standing armies (State Armies) of the provinces of The Empire. Their courage and discipline is renowned through the Old World.[1a][2a]
The provincial State Troop armies are raised and commanded by the Elector Counts, while in the case of city-states the responsibility goes to the Burgomeisters. Yet often command is delegated to a trusted General.[2a][2b][2c][3c][3d]
Overview
State troops are professional full-time soldiers equipped at the expense of the province or city-state to which they answer. State troops are divided by the weaponry they carry, of which there are five common varieties: Halberdiers, Swordsmen, Spearmen, Handgunners and Crossbowmen.[2b][3a]
By Imperial law, each Elector Count is required to keep a standing force of Halberdiers. The other groupings vary from state to state according to the tactics employed and the financial possibilities.[2b]
State troops form the mainstay of the Armies of the Empire, but they are often reinforced with militia regiments made out of mercenaries and peasant levies. Empire Archers, Free Company Militia and Mercenary Crossbowmen are examples of such forces.[2b][3b]
Most bravest and distinguished soldiers of the state regiments can be promoted to Greatsword regiments. Brave acts are not uncommon, but survival of such events are much rarer. It is the dream of almost every soldier to serve in the Greatswords, but only few men have the courage and skill for such promotion.[3e]
Warfare
The state regiments have evolved a highly effective style of fighting, although each regiment is a independant entity but they can also from smaller detachments to support other regiments, flanking the main formation. These detachments are often handgunners or swordsmen who can chase away skirmishers or shooting more serious threats. Detachments can also form reserves and attack enemy flanks or rear or even move off to another part of the battlefield. [1a][1b][3a]
Duties
Most of the time these soldiers spend their days drilling and training.[3a]
Additionally state troops serve as the fire watch, police force and town or city guards whilst in time of war they march out to defend their province or to join the main Imperial army under their Elector Count. [1a][2b][3a]
Recruitment
Recruitment parties travel through the provinces, promising lifetime of adventure and glory to those who sign up. Many are drawn by the love of their homeland or the promise of three meals a day.[2b]
Weapons and Equipment
The soldiers are equipped by each province or city from its own armouries and therefore the quality and condition of the weapons and equipment can vary greatly. It is rare for troopers within a given regiment to be armoured in the same way - some might have mail, others breastplates or simple leather, whilst others may have no armour at all. [1a]
Most soldiers wear a doublet and a hose with a colourful undershirt. Other regiments wear plain tabards with coats of arms.[2b]
Uniform Colours
Provinces and City-states have their own uniform which features a single colour or two constrasting colours - these may be displayed in different ways, often changing with new uniforms or if a particular cloth in a colour is in short supply. [1a][3c]
There is no strict rules how the colours and accessories work, so great variations is common eveng among regiments that are from same town. Most soldiers display the colours of their homeland, but there is notable examples such as Carroburg Greatswords and Death's Heads that maintaint their own distinctive colours. [2b][3a]
- Averland: Yellow and Black. [1a]
- Hochland: Green and Red. [1a]
- Middenland: Blue. [1a]
- Nordland: Blue and Yellow. [1a]
- Ostermark: Purple and Yellow or Purple and White. [1a]
- Ostland: Black and White. [1a]
- Reikland: White. [1a]
- Stirland: Green and Yellow. [1a]
- Talabecland: Red and Yellow. [1a]
- Wissenland: Grey and White. [1a]
City-state Colours
Gallery
Altdorf Bowman
Reikland Bowman
Stirland Bowman
Wissenland Bowman
Crossbowmen of Altdorf
Crossbowmen of Ostermark
Halberdiers of Nuln
Halberdier of Ostermark
Halberdiers of Stirland
Ostland Spearman
Spearman of Ostermark
Spearmen of Stirland
Spearmen of Talabecland
Swordsman of Averland
Swordsmen of Hochland
Swordsman of Middenheim
Swordsmen of Middenland
Swordsmen of Nordland
Swordsman of Nuln
Swordsman of Reikland
Sources
- 1: White Dwarf 146 (UK)
- 2: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition)
- 3: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (8th Edition)