Seems only right that we start the thread off with the baseline everything else is measured by.
Imperial State Troops
"Mama! Papa! When I grow up, I want to be a soldier, like cousin Hanz, and go on adventures, and get rich, and fight monsters, and…"
- Gerhardt, enthusiastic son of Averland farmers.
"Dey is puny, but gutsy. Got's some shots from humie arrer boys roight 'ere, and some others' got me good here wiff dere pointy choppas. Before I krumpt dem real good, dat is."
- Big boss Borgu 'Ard head.
"Cowards, the lot of them. Their "discipline" is naught more than cowardice masquerading as virtue. True warriors fight for themselves the enemy is upon them, they don't huddle together like frightened children."
- Thora the Mariner, Aspiring Champion of the Dark Gods.
The foundations of any imperial military response, the State Troops are the foundation around which all armies of the Empire are formed. Through the empires history, it has ever been the humble infantryman who formed the bulk of every defense and offence. Raised and maintained by all the Empires constituent provinces, the regiments are as varied as the lands and people that encompass Sigmars realm.
The State Troops origin can be traced to the early centuries of the Empires founding. As wealth grew and mankind's eternal enemies began to reemerge in the centuries following Sigmars ascension, townships and nobles saw the need for fulltime warriors beyond the nobility's retinues. The predecessors of the regiments were organized and based out of the major townships to protect the surrounding lands from incursions, the term for such soldiers being dietsmen. The Era of the Three Emperors saw a transition of control over the regiments fully into the hands of the elector counts under the justification to more effectively protect their lands from both their fellow man and the ever-present ancestral enemies.
While overall control over each provinces regiments is in the Elector counts hands, each regiment is still a distinct entity whose identity is formed from the region it is quartered and its history. It may be raised and funded by a city or noble family for it's own, on the condition that it be placed under the Elector Counts disposal when asked, funded directly by the counts themselves. Prestigious regiments like Aldorfs Company of Hounor, the Middenheim 3rd halberdiers "Fangs of Ulric" and the Taalbastion Guard are generously funded. A fact displayed by bright uniforms, banners and richly furnished barracks reserved exclusively for the regiment. In contrast the poorly funded regiments, such as Rhedens 1st "Cutters", the Langweise Spears and Varrels Spear regiment all suffer from barely sufficient funding. Often taking extra work when not mobilized, marching with muted or even uncolored uniforms, and quartered in whatever housing can be arranged with the township, usually to the local tavern keepers annoyance.
Regardless of a unit's prestige, even the most ill disciplined will stand their ground when faced with the greenskin, the beast or the evil from the north, because running will mean death by foes who know no quarter.
Spearmen
"Don't get me wrong, a sword would be nice, but would rather have my spear in my hand if I se an ork coming my way"
- Abert, soldier of Hergigs 3rd Spear Regiment.
In the teachings of the Cult of Taal, the spear is spoken of along side fire as mankind's first weapon against the darkness. Its ease of training and production has made the spear the most widespread weapon of State Troops even into the reign of Karl Franz. A wall of shields protruding with spears has long been the default formation for infantry to hold at bay the brutish Ork and Gor, and the swarming Goblin and Skaven. Even against monstrous foes like Minotaur's and Trolls, many stories abound of the spears reach making the difference between a heroic slaying and a tragic end.
The spearman is the true workhorse of the provincial armies, often outshone by their peers. It is behind the shield wall that archers and gunners retreat behind when the enemy approaches, who clashes with the enemy to give swordsmen and knights the chance to strike the flank and who must make way on the march when the Greatswords move up. All this and more belay the truth that it is most often the humble spearmen who enable the deeds of others, frequently portrayed in plays and romances as simple men who do whatever is asked without question. Despite the introduction of pikes and halberds into the Empires arsenal during the Reign of the Three Emperors, the spear still remains the weapon of choice.
Notable Regiments
The Sigfriedhof 1st
Founded after the First Vampire War to guard the lands surrounding Sigfriedhof, their command transferred officially to the Grand High Seeker of the Raven when Count Martin of Stierland granted the town and the surrounding region to the Knights Raven. The regiment has since the Sigfriedhof Grant served alongside the Raven knights and their allies in containing the undead influence that radiate from Sylvania, having passed down the methods of combating the walking dead the most regiments elsewhere have forgotten. Its association with the Knights Raven has led to most of the regiment's membership to worship Morr as their patron.
The Obelheim 2nd "Shepherd's Boys"
Based in Obelheim, Talabecland, the regiments primary charge when not called away by the Count is patrolling keeping the stretch of the Great Forrest Road that passes by and branches towards Obelheim clear of greenskins and beastmen. The regiment gets its moniker from its membership being largely made up from young shepherd's sons from the region seduced by the allure of adventure and pay. Said sons familiarity with the landscape means the regiment moves faster and coordinates more efficiently in the nearby Farlic Hills then newly arrived beastmen and greenskin tribes expect.
Archers
"A good bow will never fail you. Made this one myself, and its never failed me once. I've sent 5 goblins, 6 beastmen and a really big beastman since I mede this one."
-Ella Ernsdotter, trooper in the Kutenholz archery regiment
Whilst the Empires south have largely abandoned the bow as a State Troop armament in favor of the crossbow and handgun, it is still retained as a mainstay in the north. The strictures of Ulric and Taal and ancient martial (some claimed to predate the ur-emperor) tradition are obvious ideological motivators to retain archer regiments, the near monopoly on black powder weaponry held by Nuln also hinders widespread adoption of the newest weapons. And even Middenland employs such weaponry in its armies despite stigma and logistical troubles.
While detractors decry the time it takes to fully train a skilled bowman and its alleged primitiveness, there is still much that makes the bow viable well into the 2500s. A skilled bowman can loose 10-12 arrows in one minute to the handguns 2-3; better to fight swarming goblins in the words of the bows proponents. It relies not expensive powder that fowls so easily when wet, when a string can be easily stored, and arrows can be recovered when the battle ends (and allows competitive soldiers to know what they killed). Archer regiments also pride themselves of arcing volleys, a feat difficult of crossbows and impossible for handguns.
Debates continue between the bows supporters and detractors, but wise generals know to value the bows strengths as a ranged weapon and that an arrow to the eye can kill a Warboss or Beastlord as well as a bolt or shot can.
Notable regiments
The Streissen Skirmishers
One of the last holdouts of Averland archery traditions, the regiments bows are fashioned from yew harvested from the Averwald, whose outskirts border the town the regiment is based in. The Averwald houses the last yew groves in the province, making them fiercely protected by the Cult of Taal, who also harvest the wood used for the regiments bows. Amongst a ranged contingent usually known for crossbows and handguns, the Streissen Skirmishers made a standout sight in Averlands order of battle.
Bergendorfs 4th "Howlers"
A wolfs howl that woke much of the regiments just in time to save them from a massacre by a goblin night attack after the regiments founding during the Reign of the Three Emperors has defined the Howlers character to the present day. Ulric has been the regiments patron ever since, which the men honour with long hair and beards and strict observance of the Winter Kings rites. The regiment gets its moniker from its tradition of howling like wolves when facing the enemy, a sound that has been known to echo through the thick Hochland forests.
Crossbowmen
"Sure, we might not be making them ourselves, but I don't see the White Wolves smithing their own armor. And we are using our own strength to pull the strings. You have any idea how heavy those are?"
-Holst, Crossbowman in Salzenmunds 3rd archery regiment
An early edition to the imperial armory after its unification, its history and usage has remained divisive for almost the entire length of the Empires history. Among scholars concerned with such matters there is no agreement to its source, weather it was emulated from the dwarves own crossbows or if it was imported from Tilea. Since its introduction somewhere between the Empires founding and the reign of Sigismund the Conqueror the crossbow has been the staple of the ranged State Troops of the south.
Controversy however rages in the north about the weapons compatibility with Ulrican and Taalite principals. Whilst debates among the faithful continue, it has not prevented Ulrican dominated Middenland or Taalite dominated Taalabecland from raising crossbow regiments of their own. The debate has largely shifted to decrying the handgun, and most of the old gods adherents find the crossbow far more palatable.
Its supporters laud the crossbow as a weapon that delivers powerful shots that don't require the extended training required of an archer. Its opponents decry its slow reload rate. The engineers of Altdorf have long sought a solution to this problem through various mechanisms, none of which have been viable for even province wide proliferation.
Notable regiments
Vandengarts Shootists
The pride of Vandengart, the men of the regiment prides themselves in maintaining good accuracy even after downing two glasses of kvas. The alcohol consumption stereotypically associated with Ostlanders has led to outrageous hazing rituals for new membership and frequent complaints of rowdiness when encamped near foreign regiments. These issues persist despite efforts by new officers to enforce discipline. Proximity to Kislev means many members have Kislevite heritage, explaining the regiments taste in kvas.
Kreutzhofens Hounor Company
Perhaps the southernmost city of the Empire, Kreutzhof sits on the crossroad of major trade routes that reach into Brettonia, Tilea, the Boarder Princes and the dwarf holds of the Vaults. It is through contact with the latter that the city claims to have been the site where mankind first mastered the crossbow, to the consternation of their Tilean neighbors, who claim the honor inventing the first manmade crossbow. The Dwarfs refuse to comment. The company allows only the best to join its ranks in honor of its perceived history.
Pikemen
"Loosen up you sheep! Get too tight and there will be no room when you need to maneuver. TOO LOOSE! Now the piccole merde verdi can run straight through and Fuck the whole thing up!"
-Iolanda Caponera, veteran tilean trainer of Nulner pikemen.
Little known by mankind, the pike was first utilized by the throngs of the Everlasting Realm. Its use ceased during the Age of Woe, as the pike was unsuited for underground warfare. The first humans known to have utilized the pike were the soldiers of the future goddess Myrmidia. Myrmidian texts proclaim that the master tactician lengthened the spears of her soldiers to gain an advantage over rival phalanxes common in Tilea at the time.
While the Pike remains the undisputed soldiers weapon in Tilea, in the Empire the pikes usage is largely relegated to Averland, Wissenland and Reikland. Attempts to raise pike regiments in the north are often short lived, with only a few currently active in areas conductive to their tactics.
In the open terrain of Averland and Wissenland make the most ideal battlefields for pikemen. When deployed in favorable circumstances, the phalanx provides a spiked hedge that can ward off infantry and monsters alike. Even opponents' berserk enough to push through is forced to endure debilitating injuries from three layers of spear tips before they can strike the men of the phalanx. Where its strengths shine the most has been in the defense of mountain passes, particularly in the Gray Mountains against the Brettonians and the Black Mountains against the Greenskins.
The less open and more forested terrain in the north in contrast to the south severely inhibits the phalanx. Hard won experience show that in rough terrain the formation breaks up, enabling nimble opponents such as goblins, beast hounds and Ungors to breach the formation through the gaps. The phalanx is also criticized for being slow to maneuver, making it more vulnerable then most formations to flanking.
Notable Regiments
The Grimminhagen Long Fangs
Whilst Middenland by and large looks down on the pike as an unwieldy weapon, its usage is not unknown amidst its state forces. Based in a region relatively clear of the otherwise all-encompassing Drakwald, the hills situated between the Long Fangs home city and the neighboring settlements leave more room the large deployments required for the pike wall to be used to its full potential. Its employment of shorter pikes to enable fighting in denser terrain has some calling its designation as pike men into question.
The Averland Stripes
Named after the yellow and black striped pikes, this name refers to pike units part of the counts main army, being barracked in Averheim itself. This and other regiments of its kind represent the extent of Tilean influence on the provinces military development.
Halberdiers
"See, we have a game we like to play. If you can hook beastmans horn on your halberds beak, drag a goblin off his spider or make one of those armored pagans from the north trip over with witnesses, you get a drink on the regiment"
-Jurgen, soldier in the 1st Halberdiers of the Talabheim army.
Another import from Tilea, the halberd was of marginal interest to soldiers and generals of the Empire, before the Reign of The Three Emperors. When armies of the former Empire were pitched against each other, a new weapon that could counter armored infantry and knights each prospective emperor fielded. The halberds usage as a result rapidly proliferated among all belligerents, making regiments armed with such a staple into Karl Franz's reign.
The halberd would also prove its worth against the Empires external enemies, particularly in the Great War against Chaos. Out of the Empires melee focused foot troops it was the halberdiers who proved the most effective in combating the dark metal-clad core of Asavar's host. By collaborating to drag or trip one of the armored brutes to the ground multiple men can then prod their opponent for a gap, similar to tactics used against Grave Guard and Black Knights in the Vampire Wars.
Notable regiments
Hochland Blueblods
A unit barracked in Hergig and funded directly from the Grand Barons coffers, the regiment takes its name from the fact that command is almost always given to a scion of Hochlands reigning Count. This has at times led the unit to near ruin due to poor leadership, such as the time when Bartolt Ludenhof led the men in an il-advised stand in the way of the Brass Bull in IC 2423. The regiment's current captain, Margelein Ludenhof, has fortunately for this generation, proven a shrewd and steadfast leader in her 10 years in command.
Swordsmen
"Come men! Into the breach we go! DEATH OR GLORY!
-Franziska von Schoenauer, Captain of the Bogenhafen swords detachment.
Of the State Troops, swordsmen enjoy an elevated status among their peers. The training required to become truly proficient with a sword makes its usage makes the sword a mark of prestige across the Old World. Regiments consisting wholly of swordsmen are as a rule smaller than others, further enforced by requiring new prospective members to pay an entry fee for their equipment.
The entry requirements mean that the Swordsmen's ranks are constituted primarily of impoverished nobility, children of burghers and others who find themselves with enough wealth and daring to sign on. Without the reach of pole arms swordsmen must rely on the speed of their sword arms to strike at gaps in the defense of Orks, Gors and marauders with the courage to close with the Empiers enemies. This courage is further bolstered by the fact that members of sword wielding units are the most commonly scouted for recruitment into the vaunted Greatswords.
This leads to swordsmen across the Empire to carry a reputation for reckless courage and valor. The courage it takes to face mankind's many inhuman foes has cultivated an aura of dashing heroism among the common people, and one of foolhardy arrogance among other soldiers. In the battle line the swordsmen serve as true assault troops, surpassed in foot only by the Greatswords. They will impatiently wait for the command to leap on the enemies flank, and will be the first to volunteer to take a breach in enemy defenses.
Notable regiments
Manannsheims Swirling Swords
Based in the island bound city of Manannsheim, this unit is often known for frequent service as marines for the Nordland fleet when not marching at the Grand Barons call. The regiments crowning moment took place in IC 2385 in the destruction of a hidden druchi anchorage off Nordlands coast. Alongside the Sons of Manann the swordsmen led the surprise amphibious assault on the harbor, matching blades with the feared corsairs. The helmet and skull of the pirates lead captain crowns the regiments standard to this day.
Handgunners
"As much as I would wish it, we can't afford more than a few detachments. We can barely afford powder for those we have and the cannons."
-Siverdt von Humel, Marshal of the Fennonhugel March, based in Fort Bracher.
The ever since its introduction during the Reign of Three Emperors, the handheld black powder guns have remained contentious despite its proven effectiveness. A single volley from a line of handgunners can stop a charge dead in its track, with all but the toughest or magically forged armor proven useless against explosion driven shot. Despite devastating results widespread adoption has proven difficult to implement.
Whilst the southern empire enthusiastically adopted the new weapon, only the Empire black powder capital Nuln is capable of fully outfitting its ranged contingent with handguns, as even its massive gun smiting output cant provide for all the south, much less the whole Empires demand. Even as independent gunsmiths have been established over the centuries the handgun is still a relatively rare weapon, often giving regiments and detachments armed with them standing above others due to being entrusted with them.
In the north both the ideological objections of the cults of Taal and Ulric weigh heavier then objections to the crossbow. Despite this and economical hindrances the counts and generals of the north recognize the handguns usefulness. Even the Ulrican heartland of Middenland and its capitol employs handgunners raised in detachments, primarily manned by non-Ulricans and non-devout.
Notable Regiments
The Bechafaen Gunnery Company
One of the few fully manned handgunner regiments of Ostermark, this unit is the latest edition to the provinces Chancellery Army. Despite issues with acquiring black powder, the unit has proven effective against the myriad threats that assail the province.
Middenheims Powder Barks
One would not expect the center of Ulrics faithful to raise units with a weapon declared incompatible with their tenants. Despite this resistance the Graf's of Middenland has long realized their usefulness and the need to remain militarily competitive with the south. The handgunners of Middenheim largely recruits amoung Sigmarites, Myrmidians and others with no compunctions about wielding black powder weaponry.
And that is the first post. I wanted to emphasis how different parts of the Empire takes to different weapons, based on cultural, religious and economical factors. The exclusive use of the sword on the battle field being something in particular I thought would make sense as a status thing, considering more training is needed to use it effectively compared to a spear. Feel free to speak of if anything is unclear, if you notice somethings off, or if there is anything in particular you like to see covered in the future.
And some extras:
The term "Dietsman" for infantry around Sigismunds era is one i took from Gaius Marius' excellent Knightly Order Quest on SpaceBattles.
The Elector count of Stirland being Martin around the Battle of Hel Fen is something I took from the Empire at War book. Excellent book, thou it does have some continuity errors and often omits the magical stuff.
Every town I mentioned is one you can find on the settings map, depending on what map you are using.
