Winged Lancer
Winged Lancers are elite cavalry forming part of the army of Kislev. [1][4a]
In the white, limestone caves of Zamak Spayenya are many primitive paintings which depict hunting scenes with stylised animals, the prey including Bear, Deer, Elk and Horses. The hunters are great, winged Centaurs but some some Kislevite scholars believe these are actually the Scythians who once inhabited the oblast, but equally others argue that the Scythians were actually Humans who used centaurs as a metaphor to show man and horse were inseparable.[2c]
They are Gospodar warrior noblemen and can trace their lineage back to the original Gospodar knights who rode across the Worlds Edge Mountains from the east. They wear characteristically exotically decorated armour and carry tall lances. They are named after the wings they wear on their back which give them their distinctive and impressive appearance, and which emit a terrifying shriek when they charge into battle.[1][3a]
They form the bulk of the Kislev cavalry, being midway between the light Ungol Horse Archers and the heavier Gryphon Legion. Winged Lancers are fielded in regiments called "Rotas", which are made up of Gospodar soldiers from a single village/area, and most villages maintain at least one rota for defence and to aid others when called. Winged Lancers from local villages are not full time paid professional soldiers, nevertheless they still form the bulk of the Kislevite military and are renouned across the Old World. While lances are used on the charge, swords are also carried for close quarter combat. [2b]
History
In 1244 IC, [6a] lancers rode with a detachment of horse archers to the aid of the Elector Count of Nordland, Einrich Moltke who had been trying to clear the road from Middenheim to Erengrad., Although he had cleared the Orcs and Beastmen, he had been ambushed by Dieter Helsnicht and was holed up in a small village. [5a] Although delayed by a skirmish with the Doomlords cavalry, they arrived in time to turn the tide of the Battle of Beeckerhoven. [5b]
Riders of the Dead
Every year in the Spring, each Gospodar settlement raises a rota of winged lancers where eager young men muster alongside veterans and to the sound of weeping womenfolk, they ride out with their winged banners fluttering behind them. Until their return, they are known as the “Riders of the Dead,” mourned as if already deceased. Every rota has a different character, some are like Imperial knights with colourful pennants, intricately decorated armour, and great animal pelts whilst lancers from beyond the Lynsk are more akin to Ungol nomads with heavy moustaches, top-knots, and fur-lined charms to ward against evil. [2c]
Weapons and Equipment
- 3rd Edition: Heavy Armour, Horse, Lance, Shield, Sword. Champion, may have Musician, Standard Bearer. [4a]
- 4th Edition: Lance, Light Armour, Shield, Sword, Warhorse, may have a Magic Standard. [1]
- 6th Edition: Hand Weapon, Heavy Armour, Lance, Shield, Warhorse. May have Musician, Rotamaster, Standard Bearer. [3b]
Gallery
Winged Lancer
Winged Lancer
Winged Lancers
Gryphon Legion
Miniaturesy
Winged Lancers
Winged Lancer Champion
Winged Lancer Standard Bearer
Quotes
| Aye, I fought the grobi in the high pass with some of those horsemen with the feathered wings on their backs. Even though they looked as fancy as Elves, they’re good fighters, them boys. Noisy as a Mannish steam engine when they charge, but you ought ta seen the grobi keck their loincloths when they heard them coming! |
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: The Empire, 4th Edition (1993), pgs. 52-53
- 2: Realm of the Ice Queen (2007),
- 3: Warhammer Armies: Kislev (6th Edition) (2003),
- 4: White Dwarf 147 (UK)
- 4a: Empire Army List, pg. 29
- 5: White Dwarf 174 (UK)
- 6: Warhammer Armies: Undead (4th Edition)
- 6a: Revenge of the Doomlord, pg. 45-49