Phoenix Guard
The Phoenix Guard are the protectors of the Shrine of Asuryan, a great pyramid seen as the foremost temple to Asuryan, the elven creator-deity. [1b]
Within the chamber the past and future of the Phoenix Kings is written on its walls in flaming letters, and any who see it are granted knowledge of both future and past and of the moment of their own death.[1b] All who see the writing are bound by a magical oath of silence from which they are never released, meaning that Phoenix Guard cannot communicate with any other living creature. [2a]
Aside from protecting the Shrine of Asuryan, the Phoenix Guard will always appear when the current Phoenix King dies to bear his body away to the White Ship that will carry it to its final resting place. It is also their duty to attend to the candidate of the new Phoenix King before and immediately after he passes through the flames.[1b]
The oath of silence and service to Asuryan grants the Phoenix Guard a measure of direct protection from their god, causing enemy blows and missiles to be turned aside and the air around them to throb with divine power. This is a terrifying experience for any who stand against them. [1b][4b]
Only the Phoenix King himself can command the Guard and when they take to the field of battle, they are see is the instrument of the kings will. [5a]
Contents
Composition
Since the days of Aenarion, the Phoenix Guard have always number 10,000 - something that has led to speculation that they are either immortal or at elast able to raised from the dead. [4b]
History
Following the death of Bel Shanaar, the captain of the Phoenix Guard and the High Priest of the Shrine were part of the council that choose his successor, Caledor I. [1a]
In 2384 IC, Moraelir willingly stood aside as captain of the gaurd in favour of Caradryan seeing it as Asuryan's will. [4a]
End Times
During the End Times, the Black Guard and the Phoenix Guard were united to form Malekith's personal elite regiment, the Shadowfire Guard.
Weapons and Equipment
They wear cloaks of embroidered fire, echoing the sacred fire of their god. [3a]
- 4th Edition: Halberd, Light Armour, may have Heavy Armour and a Magic Standard. [1c]
- 5th Edition: Halberd, Light Armour, may have Heavy Armour and a Magic Standard. [2b]
- 6th Edition: Halberd, Hand Weapon, Heavy Armour, may have a Magic Standard, May have a Keeper of the Flame, Musician and Standard Bearer. [3b]
- 7th Edition: Halberd, Hand Weapon, Heavy Armour, may have a Magic Standard, May have a Keeper of the Flame, Musician and Standard Bearer who may have a Magic Banner. [4d]
- 8th Edition: Halberd, Heavy Armour, may have a Magic Standard, May have a Keeper of the Flame who may have a Magic Weapon, Musician and Standard Bearer who may have a Magic Banner. [5b]
- W:TOW: Ceremonial Halberd, Full Plate Armour, Hand Weapon. May have a Magic Standard, May have a Keeper of the Flame who may have Magic Items. Musician and Standard Bearer who may have a Magic Banner. [6]
Notable
Captains
- Kor-Baelan for whom the magical Phoenix Blade was made. [4c]
- Moraelir (- IC 2384)
- Caradryan (IC 2384-)
Quotes
| Until one has witnessed the Phoenix Guard upoon the field of battle, one cannot comprehend the power they possess. Ranks of highly trained warriors all utterly silent. Around them the very air shimmers. The are not just the guardians of a temple, they are the chosen warriors of a mighty Elven god.
~ Herwig Algnar, from A Man among Elves. [1] |
Images
Phoenix Guard Keeper of the Flame
Phoenix Guard
Cloaks of the Phoenix Guard
Miniatures
4th Edition Phoenix Guard
4th Edition Phoenix Guard
6th Edition Phoenix Guard
Phoenix Guard regiment
Phoenix Guard Command
Phoenix Guard drummer
Phoenix Guard Standard
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: High Elves (4th Edition)
- 2: Warhammer Armies: High Elves (5th Edition)
- 3: Warhammer Armies: High Elves (6th Edition)
- 4: Warhammer Armies: High Elves (7th Edition)
- 5: Warhammer Armies: High Elves (8th Edition)
- 6: Forces of Fantasy (TOW): The High Elf Realms, pg. 165
- Warhammer: Khaine, pg. 121
