Lothern Sea Guard
The Lothern Sea Guard are a elite fighting force of the High Elf kingdom of Eataine as a standing part of their military, serving in both their army and navy. [1a][2a][5a]
Although known as the Lothern Sea Guard, other regiments raised in Eataine and beyond and friction remains between them over who is the eldest regiment and, therefore, should be entitled to better resources. Regiments in the other kingdoms are often less well equipped and argue that Eataine’s favour with the Phoenix Court deprives them of essential provisions. [10]
Recruits for the Guard are drawn from the citizen levy and are then forged into warriors through rigorous training often forming a bond that lasts long after they have retired from active service. They are prepared for a variety of actions and have to master both archery and close combat with service including duties guarding the coastline as well as being stationed on the warships of the High Elf Fleets. Much of the Sea Guard are stationed amongst the colonies and High Elf Outposts.[10]
With much of their time spend aboard warships and training in salty waters has meant that many of the Sea Guard have a fixation with hygiene, so much so that other Elves consider it to be obsessional. They also use maritime slang and and often appear undisciplined compared to the archer and spear regiments of the militia. A member of the Guard may even be granted leave for their posting to explore remote locations and some will continue seeking adventure when they leave service, whilst a few begin a new path of service to Mathlann, the God of Storms. [10]
Contents
Capabilities
When the armies of Ulthuan make war it is often the ships of Lothern that carry them and any beachheads are seized by the Sea Guard. [1a] They are highly skilled at advancing from their ships, moving through the foam in formation onto shore with spears raised and bows ready. [5a]
The Lothern Sea Guard are capable of fighting as effectively on land as on sea, and are equally resolute defending the walls of Lothern as battling across the decks of Elven warships. Armed with both spears and bows, the Sea Guard are a formidable, well-drilled fighting force - combining the best aspects of Elf Spearmen and Archers.[2a]
Locations
- Barracks: Large well equipped barracks are found in Lothern, elegant but functional buildings but easily defended with their Eagle Claw Bolt Throwers in towers and mounted on the roof. [5a]
Notable
- Storm Riders: A renowned company who have gained a reputation for ruthless boarding actions. [1b]
Rotation
Each regiment normally spends three seasons a year at sea and on season at home training, recruiting and patrolling the city - this duty is especially important as it is the only part of Ulthuan that non elves are permitted. [5a]
120 Sea Guard are posted to the Sapherian Embassy in Altdorf under Captain Ophelion, most serve aboard diplomatic vessels, leaving 20 for bodyguard duty as the ambassadors are prime targets for Dark Elf assassins. [7a]
Traditions
Dating back to the time of Aenarion, the Guard are permitted to remain seated in the presence of royalty, to conserve energy for combat. A newer tradition is that only those blooded in battle can wear a red ribbon upon their belts which is symbolic of the blood of enemies that they have shed. [10]
Weapons and Equipment
- 3rd Edition: Merchant Company: Hand Weapon, Light Armour. Half are equipped with Longbow, half with Halberd or Spear. May have Magical Instrument, Magical Standard. [8a]
- 4th Edition: Light Armour, Shield, Spear, may have Bows. May swap Spear for Halberd. [2a]
- 5th Edition: Bow, Light Armour, Shield, Spear. May have Heavy Armour, Magic Standard, may swap Bow for Long Bow. [3a]
- 6th Edition: Bow, Light Armour, Spear. May have Shield. May have Champion, Musician, Standard Bearer. [3a]
- 7th Edition: Bow, Hand Weapon, Light Armour, Spear. May have Shield. May have Sea Master, Musician, Standard Bearer. [3a]
- 8th Edition: Bow, Light Armour, Spear. May have Shield. May have Sea Master, Musician, Standard Bearer. [6a]
- W:TOW: , Hand Weapon, Light Armour, Thrusting Spear, Warbow. May have Shield. May have Sea Master, Musician, Standard Bearer. Sea Master may have Magic Items. May have Magic Standard. [9]
Gallery
Storm Riders
Merchant Company
Merchant Company
Lothern Sea Guard
Lothern Sea Guard
Lothern Sea Guard in Total War: Warhammer
High Elf ship
Miniatures
A Lothern Sea Guard regiment
Sea Guard
Sea Helm
Shields
Quotes
| We are the best of the best. Many try to join our esteemed ranks, but the selection is rigorous, and only the best can meet our standards and join our ranks.
~ Aeliana Keengaze, Sea Helm.[10] |
Sources
- 1: Uniforms & Heraldry of the High Elves
- 2:Warhammer Armies: High Elves (4th Edition)
- 2a: High Elf Army List, pg. 68
- 3:Warhammer Armies: High Elves (5th Edition)
- 3a: High Elf Army List, pg. 77
- 4:Warhammer Armies: High Elves (6th Edition)
- 4a: Defenders of Ulthuan, pg. 27
- 5:Warhammer Armies: High Elves (7th Edition)
- 6:Warhammer Armies: High Elves (7th Edition)
- 6a: High Elf Army List, pg. 92
- 7:Patrons of the Old World
- 7a: Farforian Whiteshore, pg. 7
- 8: Warhammer Armies (3rd Edition)
- 8a: High Elf Army list, pg. 49
- 9: Forces of Fantasy (TOW): The High Elf Realms, pg. 162
- 10: High Elf Players Guide: Sea Guard, pg. 64-65
