mNo edit summary
 
(49 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
<quote>“We are the thunder on the earth, we are the steel tide that drowns the foe.”</quote>
{{CaptionedImage|file=The People of Highguard.jpg|title=Demons run when good people go to war|caption=Guardians, cataphracts, and unconquered fight together to protect their nation, and to safeguard human destiny.|width=500|align=right}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=CantiarchToWar.jpg|width=600|align=right|caption=Cantiarch's Hold marching to war; one day soon they will reclaim [[Reikos]] from the [[Druj]].|title=Most Highborn return to their chapter after leaving the army.}}
==Overview==
Highguard has a military heritage of which it is justly proud. Most Highborn serve with one of the three Highborn armies as part of their “coming-of-age”. This service is considered necessary to the formation of Highborn character, and maintains the connection between the people of today and their warrior ancestry. Most skills can be put to use in a military context, although those serving as medics, quartermasters and ancillary troops do not earn as much respect as their more warlike colleagues.
Highguard has a military heritage of which it is justly proud. Most Highborn serve with one of the three Highborn armies as part of their “coming-of-age”. This service is considered necessary to the formation of Highborn character and maintains the connection between the people of today and their warrior ancestry. Most skills can be put to use in a military context, although those serving as medics, quartermasters and ancillary troops do not earn as much respect as their more warlike colleagues.
 
==Guardians==
Most Highborn return to their [[chapter]] after leaving the army. The most skilled soldiers become part of the elite guards that protect the chapter against barbarians and other threats. These warriors, called guardians, train daily with their comrades learning to fight as a unit in close formation. Chapters outfit their guardians with weapons and armour and most provide a surcoat adorned with the chapter’s heraldic device, usually in black and white or similarly contrasting colours. Some groups of guardians choose to specialise, training to become cataphracts or unconquered, in line with the oldest martial traditions of the Highborn.
Most Highborn return to their [[chapter]] after leaving the army. The most skilled soldiers become part of the elite guards that protect the chapter against barbarians and other threats. These warriors, called guardians, train daily with their comrades learning to fight as a unit in close formation. Chapters outfit their guardians with weapons and armour and most provide a surcoat adorned with the chapter’s heraldic device, usually in black and white or similarly contrasting colours. Some groups of guardians choose to specialise, training to become cataphracts or unconquered, in line with the oldest martial traditions of the Highborn.
 
==Cataphracts==
In the earliest days of Highguard, the cataphracts rode into battle on mighty warhorses, devastating their enemies with shield and lance. Today the horses are gone, but the cataphracts remain, embodying a warrior tradition that embraces the highest virtues of the Imperial Faith. Heavily armoured, they serve as living standards, encouraging and supporting those who fight alongside them with their commitment to achieving victory. The best of them burn with fervour, filling them with righteous fury when they face the enemies of the Empire in close combat. Likewise, when an army must fall back, it is the cataphracts who guard the retreat.
In the earliest days of Highguard, the cataphracts rode into battle on mighty war horses, devastating their enemies with shield and lance. Today the horses are gone, but the cataphracts remain, embodying a warrior tradition that embraces the highest virtues of the Imperial Faith. Heavily armoured, they serve as living standards, encouraging and supporting those who fight alongside them with their commitment to achieving victory. The best of them burn with fervour, filling them with righteous fury when they face the enemies of the Empire in close combat. Likewise, when an army must fall back, it is the cataphracts who guard the retreat.
{{CaptionedImage|file=GoodMenGoToWar.jpg|title=Demons run when good people go to war|caption=The Silent Tide and the Shattered Tower going to war|width=450|align=left}}
__TOC__
==Unconquered==
The counterpart to the cataphracts are the [[unconquered]]. These skilled warriors undertake scouting missions, employ sabotage and terror as weapons to weaken their foes, and seek out specific targets on a battlefield. In contrast to the archers and skirmishers of many other nations, the unconquered favour medium armour and short bows, and are not shy about engaging in close combat with hand weapons if the tides of battle make retreat-and-fire an unappealing option.
The counterpart to the cataphracts are the [[unconquered]]. These skilled warriors undertake scouting missions, employ sabotage and terror as weapons to weaken their foes, and seek out specific targets on a battlefield. In contrast to the archers and skirmishers of many other nations, the unconquered favour medium armour and short bows, and are not shy about engaging in close combat with hand weapons if the tides of battle make retreat-and-fire an unappealing option.
 
{{CaptionedImage|file=BurntForehead.jpg|align=left|width=270}}
The unconquered are used to operating with a high level of autonomy, often behind enemy lines or in unknown territory. Despite this independence, the best of them know that they operate as one part of a larger plan, that their duty is to ensure that the forces they accompany achieve victory. Unconquered who arrogantly assume they can win the day all by themselves generally meet unpleasant ends.
The unconquered are used to operating with a high level of autonomy, often behind enemy lines or in unknown territory. Despite this independence, the best of them know that they operate as one part of a larger plan, that their duty is to ensure that the forces they accompany achieve victory. Unconquered who arrogantly assume they can win the day all by themselves generally meet unpleasant ends.
 
==The Vigilant War==
Highborn generals and soldiers alike embrace the concept of a vigilant war. This principle teaches that strong defences and pre-emptive strikes are the most effective way to curtail an enemy’s ability to be an aggressor, minimising the impact on civilians, and making it the most practical and moral solution to the matter of war. On the battlefield their troops work together to utterly overwhelm their enemies as quickly as possible, cataphracts driving them from the field while the unconquered deny them any chance to regroup and counter-attack.
Highborn generals and soldiers alike embrace the concept of a vigilant war. This principle teaches that strong defences and preemptive strikes are the most effective way to curtail an enemy’s ability to be an aggressor, minimising the impact on civilians, and making it the most practical and moral solution to the matter of war. On the battlefield their troops work together to utterly overwhelm their enemies as quickly as possible, cataphracts driving them from the field while the unconquered deny them any chance to regroup and counter-attack.


==Imperial Armies==
==Imperial Armies==
Highguard fields three [[imperial armies]]; the ''Granite Pillar'', the ''Seventh Wave'', and the recently created ''Valiant Pegasus''.
Highguard fields three [[Imperial armies]]; the ''Granite Pillar'', the ''Seventh Wave'', and the recently created ''Valiant Pegasus''. Each Imperial army has their own unique quality, but all Highborn armies benefit from being [[Army_qualities#Highborn|Highguard]], allowing them to attack in a crusading storm, directly assaulting the enemy troops, attacking with total Ambition and unwavering Courage to demonstrate the righteous virtue of the Empire.
{{CaptionedImage|file=GranitePillar.jpg|align=left|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GranitePillar.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
===The Granite Pillar===
===The Granite Pillar===
The champions of the Granite Pillar are usually arrayed in heavy armour with shield and sword, supported by cataphracts and martially inclined [[magister|magisters]]. They practice tactics designed to emphasise their [[Keywords#Disciplined|discipline]], and are always accompanied by military chaplains who dedicate themselves to supporting and blessing the soldiers, helping them to remain focused on the battlefield and highlighting the virtues of [[Loyalty]], [[Courage]] and [[Pride]].  
The guardians of the [[Granite Pillar]] are usually arrayed in heavy armour with shield and sword, supported by cataphracts and martially inclined [[magister|magisters]]. They practice tactics designed to emphasise their [[Army qualities#Disciplined|discipline]], and are always accompanied by military chaplains who dedicate themselves to supporting and blessing the soldiers, helping them to remain focused on the battlefield and highlighting the virtues of [[Loyalty]], [[Courage]] and [[Pride]].  


The first Highborn General leads the Granite Pillar army, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Summer solstice each year.
The first Highborn General leads the Granite Pillar army, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Summer Solstice each year.
{{CaptionedImage|file=SeventhWave.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=SeventhWave.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
===The Seventh Wave===
===The Seventh Wave===
While the core of the Seventh Wave is heavily armoured champions, it is supported by a number of unconquered, scouts, skirmishers and magicians. The army makes great use of mixed-arms tactics, supporting shield-and-sword with bow, or bow with pole-arm and pike. They are adept [[Keywords#Scouting|scouts]], capable of quickly sizing up their enemies and giving clear reports on all elements of the military campaigns in which they are involved.  
While the core of the [[Seventh Wave]] is heavily armoured guardians, it is supported by a number of unconquered, scouts, skirmishers and magicians. The army makes great use of mixed-arms tactics, supporting shield-and-sword with bow, or bow with polearm and pike. They are adept [[Army qualities#Scouting|scouts]], capable of quickly sizing up their enemies and giving clear reports on all elements of the military campaigns in which they are involved. Shortly before the Summer Solstice 383YE, the Seventh Wave [[Enlargement_of_the_Seventh_Wave|became a large army]].
 
The second Highborn General leads the Seventh Wave, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Autumn Equinox each year.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ValiantPegasus.png|align=right|width=100}}


The second Highborn General leads the Seventh Wave, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Autumn equinox each year.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ValiantPegasus.jpg|align=left|width=100}}
===The Valiant Pegasus===
===The Valiant Pegasus===
The Valiant Pegasus is a relatively new army; recruitment was only completed in 378YE. The force incorporates some of the finest Highborn [[Keywords#Siege|siege]] architects, and is well prepared both to take advantage of Imperial [[fortifications]] and bring down barbarian strongholds. As a new army, it has yet to establish a particular identity or reputation for itself.
The [[Valiant Pegasus]] is a relatively new army; recruitment was only completed in 378YE. Initially, the force incorporated some of the finest Highborn siege architects, and was well prepared both to take advantage of Imperial [[fortifications]] and bring down barbarian strongholds. Following the [[Iron_and_wine#Opportunity: The Quality of Mercy|opportunity]] offered by the celebration of [[Empress Lisabetta]], the Valiant Pegasus refocused its efforts to the [[Army_qualities#Physick|preservation of life]] on the battlefield, supported by many apothecaries. As a new army, it has yet to establish a particular identity or reputation for itself.
 
The third Highborn General leads the Valiant Pegasus, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Spring Equinox each year.
<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote>“We are the thunder on the earth, we are the steel tide that drowns the foe.”</quote></div>
 
===The Thundering Tide (Defunct)===
The venerable Thundering Tide was composed of the descendants of the old Highborn light cavalry units. They adapted their mounted tactics as best they could, becoming experts in [[Army_qualities#Skirmishing|maneuverable]], fluid tactics designed to outflank their opponents. Many soldiers of the Thundering Tide were trained to fight with [[Weapons_%26_armour#Polearms|pole-arms]] - an echo of the lances they once used to ride down the enemies of Highguard.


The third Highborn General leads the Valiant Pegasus, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Winter solstice each year.
The army was disbanded by [[Empress Mariika]] as part of the sweeping changes she made in pursuit of saving the Empire from bankruptcy. The last general of the Thundering Tide, Abishai of Judah's Evasion, took his own life after. Many of the unconquered and cataphracts that used to belong to this army would go on to join the Seventh Wave.


{{Highguard Links}}


[[Category:Highguard]]
[[Category:Highguard]]
[[Category:Nations]]
[[Category:Archetype]]

Latest revision as of 23:11, 13 April 2024

Demons run when good people go to war
Guardians, cataphracts, and unconquered fight together to protect their nation, and to safeguard human destiny.

Overview

Highguard has a military heritage of which it is justly proud. Most Highborn serve with one of the three Highborn armies as part of their “coming-of-age”. This service is considered necessary to the formation of Highborn character and maintains the connection between the people of today and their warrior ancestry. Most skills can be put to use in a military context, although those serving as medics, quartermasters and ancillary troops do not earn as much respect as their more warlike colleagues.

Guardians

Most Highborn return to their chapter after leaving the army. The most skilled soldiers become part of the elite guards that protect the chapter against barbarians and other threats. These warriors, called guardians, train daily with their comrades learning to fight as a unit in close formation. Chapters outfit their guardians with weapons and armour and most provide a surcoat adorned with the chapter’s heraldic device, usually in black and white or similarly contrasting colours. Some groups of guardians choose to specialise, training to become cataphracts or unconquered, in line with the oldest martial traditions of the Highborn.

Cataphracts

In the earliest days of Highguard, the cataphracts rode into battle on mighty war horses, devastating their enemies with shield and lance. Today the horses are gone, but the cataphracts remain, embodying a warrior tradition that embraces the highest virtues of the Imperial Faith. Heavily armoured, they serve as living standards, encouraging and supporting those who fight alongside them with their commitment to achieving victory. The best of them burn with fervour, filling them with righteous fury when they face the enemies of the Empire in close combat. Likewise, when an army must fall back, it is the cataphracts who guard the retreat.

Unconquered

The counterpart to the cataphracts are the unconquered. These skilled warriors undertake scouting missions, employ sabotage and terror as weapons to weaken their foes, and seek out specific targets on a battlefield. In contrast to the archers and skirmishers of many other nations, the unconquered favour medium armour and short bows, and are not shy about engaging in close combat with hand weapons if the tides of battle make retreat-and-fire an unappealing option.

BurntForehead.jpg

The unconquered are used to operating with a high level of autonomy, often behind enemy lines or in unknown territory. Despite this independence, the best of them know that they operate as one part of a larger plan, that their duty is to ensure that the forces they accompany achieve victory. Unconquered who arrogantly assume they can win the day all by themselves generally meet unpleasant ends.

The Vigilant War

Highborn generals and soldiers alike embrace the concept of a vigilant war. This principle teaches that strong defences and preemptive strikes are the most effective way to curtail an enemy’s ability to be an aggressor, minimising the impact on civilians, and making it the most practical and moral solution to the matter of war. On the battlefield their troops work together to utterly overwhelm their enemies as quickly as possible, cataphracts driving them from the field while the unconquered deny them any chance to regroup and counter-attack.

Imperial Armies

Highguard fields three Imperial armies; the Granite Pillar, the Seventh Wave, and the recently created Valiant Pegasus. Each Imperial army has their own unique quality, but all Highborn armies benefit from being Highguard, allowing them to attack in a crusading storm, directly assaulting the enemy troops, attacking with total Ambition and unwavering Courage to demonstrate the righteous virtue of the Empire.

GranitePillar.jpg

The Granite Pillar

The guardians of the Granite Pillar are usually arrayed in heavy armour with shield and sword, supported by cataphracts and martially inclined magisters. They practice tactics designed to emphasise their discipline, and are always accompanied by military chaplains who dedicate themselves to supporting and blessing the soldiers, helping them to remain focused on the battlefield and highlighting the virtues of Loyalty, Courage and Pride.

The first Highborn General leads the Granite Pillar army, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Summer Solstice each year.

SeventhWave.jpg

The Seventh Wave

While the core of the Seventh Wave is heavily armoured guardians, it is supported by a number of unconquered, scouts, skirmishers and magicians. The army makes great use of mixed-arms tactics, supporting shield-and-sword with bow, or bow with polearm and pike. They are adept scouts, capable of quickly sizing up their enemies and giving clear reports on all elements of the military campaigns in which they are involved. Shortly before the Summer Solstice 383YE, the Seventh Wave became a large army.

The second Highborn General leads the Seventh Wave, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Autumn Equinox each year.

ValiantPegasus.png

The Valiant Pegasus

The Valiant Pegasus is a relatively new army; recruitment was only completed in 378YE. Initially, the force incorporated some of the finest Highborn siege architects, and was well prepared both to take advantage of Imperial fortifications and bring down barbarian strongholds. Following the opportunity offered by the celebration of Empress Lisabetta, the Valiant Pegasus refocused its efforts to the preservation of life on the battlefield, supported by many apothecaries. As a new army, it has yet to establish a particular identity or reputation for itself.

The third Highborn General leads the Valiant Pegasus, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Spring Equinox each year.

“We are the thunder on the earth, we are the steel tide that drowns the foe.”

The Thundering Tide (Defunct)

The venerable Thundering Tide was composed of the descendants of the old Highborn light cavalry units. They adapted their mounted tactics as best they could, becoming experts in maneuverable, fluid tactics designed to outflank their opponents. Many soldiers of the Thundering Tide were trained to fight with pole-arms - an echo of the lances they once used to ride down the enemies of Highguard.

The army was disbanded by Empress Mariika as part of the sweeping changes she made in pursuit of saving the Empire from bankruptcy. The last general of the Thundering Tide, Abishai of Judah's Evasion, took his own life after. Many of the unconquered and cataphracts that used to belong to this army would go on to join the Seventh Wave.

Further Reading

Core Brief

Additional Information