Empire Greatsword

A Greatsword of the Empire.

Greatswords are elite infantry troops of Imperial armies. They are the bodyguard of Elector Counts and other Empire Generals. Greatswords are named for their great swords (massive two-handed swords) and wear full plate armour.^[7b]

Overview

They are among the finest Imperial warriors available. Unlike the aristocratic members of the knightly orders, a Greatsword is a man plucked from the ranks due to some extraordinary feat of arms and bravery. That being said, an especially heroic Greatsword may be knighted by their Elector.^[7b] Many men have died attempting to achieve the respected position of Greatsword. On one occasion during the Battle of Blood Ridge, Albrecht Hoefner the last survivor of von Menscher's Black Helms received a promotion after defending his regiment's colours for an entire day against attack from tribesmen and Beastmen.

Their prowess is indicated by their primary weapon and namesake, a massive sword requiring two hands to wield. Charged with protecting the lord who raised them to Greatsword, they form a bodyguard of stubborn, resolute men of the finest character, protected by Dwarf-forged plate armour. The history of the Empire is full of tales of a final stand by the Greatswords of the Empire.^[7b]

Notable

• Dieter Schaeffer leads a unit of Greatswords in red livery with enamelled black plate.^[1]
• Hans Vogal was the Sergeant of a Greatsword regiment from Averland, who led a group of survivors from an Imperial army.^[2] When he returned home he found his village had been overcome by chaos and joined the Witch Hunter Magnus Gault on his quest to destroy Chaos^[3]. In his time he fought against the forces of Tzeentch, Nurgle and Skaven.
• The Carroburg Greatswords fight in the city's own livery of red and white with black lacquered armour, instead of the provincial uniform of Reikland.
• One regiment in Averland is said to have an Ogre in its ranks fighting in oversized half plate with a great sword.
• Wolframs Guard are the personal bodyguard of the Elector Count of Ostermark.^[4]
• Ulrich leads a regiment of Pious Greatswords that are foot templars of Morr. They march into battle in red robes and cowls, and their banner depicts the reaper with scythe and hourglass. Ulrich himself wears black robes marking him as an ordained priest of Morr.^[5]

Weapons and Equipment

• 4th Edition: Double handed Sword, Hand Weapon, may have Light Armour. ^[6a]
• 6th Edition: Full Plate Armour, Hand Weapon, Two Handed Sword. May have Count's Champion, Musician, Standard Bearer. May have Magic Standard. ^[7c]

Gallery

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  Empire Greatsword

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  Empire Greatsword

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  Empire Greatswords

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  Greatsword of the Reikland

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  Greatword of Talabheim

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  Carroburg Greatswords

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  Wolfenburg Twice-Bolds

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  Greatsword

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  the Weissburg Greatswords defending the base of the Carroburg Peaks

Miniatures

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  Greatswords

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  Greatswords

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  Greatswords

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  Greatswords

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  Greatswords

Quotes

The greatswords form your bodyguard and garrison of your castle. They are your best soldiers, stern veterans who had sworn to give their lives to protect you. They are equipped with the best weapons and armour we can afford, specially commissioned from the Guild of Dwarf Smiths. ~ Erasmus von Nuln to Konrad Ludenhof.[7a]

Notes

Imperial Greatswords are based heavily on the Landsknecht, Renaissance-era mercenary footsoldiers and pikemen, particularly the Doppelsöldners, who often wielded two-handed swords.

Sources

• 1: Warhammer: Dark Omen
• 2: Forge of War (novel) by Dan Abnett and Ian Edginton
• 3: Condemned by Fire (novel), by Dan Abnett and Ian Edginton
• 4: GW Website, ^{Needs Citation}
• 5: Warhammer: Empire, ^{Needs Citation}
• 6: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (4th Edition)
  • 6a: Regiments, pg. 62
• 7: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (6th Edition)
  • 7a: Lessons on the Empire, pg. 4
  • 7b: The Elite State Troops, pg. 10
  • 7c: Armies of the Empire, pg. 31

Uncited

• Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition), ^{Needs Citation}