Longbeard

A Longbeard.

Dwarf Longbeards are the oldest and most battle-hardened warriors within a Dwarf army. ^[4a][6a]

Highly prestigious individuals, these Longbeards garner great respect within a Dwarf stronghold, and are often chosen to be the leaders and advisers of many domestic issues and military campaigns. Only a Dwarf who has reached the age of 120 years, or has a beard that is touching the very floor will he be readily considered a Longbeard. This ensures that they receive the proper respect from other Dwarfs, who have been taught at an early age to always respect their elders and listen to their well-earned wisdom. ^[4a][5a][6a]

Overview

Indeed, for it is true that the Longbeards have fought in more wars, beaten more foes, and endured greater hardships than any young Dwarf could possibly imagine. They constantly grumble about how today's Goblins are far smaller and weaker than they used to be, and how nothing is as well made as it was in their day. No young Dwarf would dare argue with them, for they indeed have the experience and the beard to prove it. ^[3a][6a]

Should the Kingdom of the Dwarfs come under siege by their most hated of enemies, the Longbeards would be one of the first to take command. Equipped with some of the most well-crafted Dwarfen armour and weapons within their Clan, these Longbeards muster into their own regiment of crack heavy infantry, forming a unbreakable wall of shield and muscle that few can ever hope to crack. In battle, Longbeards are able to demonstrate their time-won skills, showing little regards for even the smallest shifts in fortune that would throw less experienced warriors into confusion, and enduring punishments that could break the mighty resolve of even a Dwarf. Such is their inspiring presence on the battlefield that the Longbeards provides the army a reliable anchor from which holds the rest of the army together. With the stern gaze of the Longbeards upon them, Dwarf Warriors are far less keen to falter against the enemy onslaught, and fight ever harder to prove their worth in the eyes of their elders.^[3a][6a]

Weapons and Equipment

• 3rd Edition: Hand Weapon, Heavy Armour, Shield. May have Double Handed Weapon. May have Musician, Standard Bearer. One unit may have Flail, Magic Instrument, Magic Standard. ^[1a]
• 6th Edition: Hand Weapon, Great Weapon, Heavy Armour, Shield. May have Greatbeard, Musician, Standard Bearer. May have Runic Standard. ^[2a]
• 6th Revised Edition: Hand Weapon, Heavy Armour. May have Great Weapon, Shield. May have Veteran, Musician, Standard Bearer. May have Runic Standard. ^[2a]
• 8th Edition: Hand Weapon, Heavy Armour. May have Great Weapon, Shield. May have Old Guard, Musician, Standard Bearer. May have Runic Standard. ^[3b]
• W:TOW: Gromril Hand Weapon, Heavy Armour. May have Great Weapon, Shield. May have Elder, Musician, Standard Bearer. May have Dwarf Runes. ^[4a]

Gallery

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  Stoneplaits

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  A Longbeard

• 

  Longbeards in Total War Warhammer II

Miniatures

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  Longbeards (6th edition)

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  Longbeards with Great Weapons

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  Longbeards

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  Longbeard Command

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  Longbeard Command

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  Longbeards

Quotes

What you want in life, beardling, is a proper vocation. What are you here for other than to produce, at the end of the day? Work hard and earn your rewards. Put food on the table, gold in the trove, and ale in your belly. Don’t faff about like some feckless Elgi, wasting your long life on frippery, nor dash about all slipshod like a lickspittle manling. Ah, I hardly blame the Umgi really, they don’t live long enough to get good at anything. ~ Grognibald Oldhammer.[5b]

Sources

• 1: Warhammer Armies (3rd Edition)
  • 1a: Dwarf Army List, pg. 105
• 2: Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs (6th Edition)
  • 2a: Forces of the Dwarfs, pg. 30
• 3: Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs (8th Edition)
  • 3a: Longbeards, pg. 40
  • 3b: Dwarf Army List, pg. 91
• 4: Forces of Fantasy (TOW)
  • 4a: Longbeards, pg. 20
• 5: Dwarf Players Guide
  • 5a: Stages of Life, pgs. 31-32
  • 5b: Careers, pg. 54
• 6: Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs (Revised 6th Edition)
  • 6a: Longbeards, pg. 32
  • 6b: Core Units, pg. 52

1. Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs (4th Edition)^{Needs Citation}