Reiksgaurd Knights


 * Reiksguard.jpgguard Knights, your Emperor is calling! Death or glory await us, but if we die, we will die as warriors, with swords in hand, and there can be better death then that.
 * -Kurt Helborg

The Reiksguard Knights are the personal army of the Emperor. As an Elector Count, the Emperor also has direct command of his own provincial army — which in the case of Karl Franz are the regiments of Altdorf and the Reikland — but it is the knights of the Reiksguard that form the symbol of his military strength. The Reiksguard forms an elite core of highly trained, expensively-equipped troops who are loyal to the Emperor in person. As the best troops available to the Emperor, the Reiksguard Knights form the core of the Imperial household guard, both on the field of battle as well as at other, more stately, functions. The Reiksguard accompanies the Emperor on campaign and during diplomatic and political tours throughout the Empire and abroad. However, it is not uncommon for the Emperor to attach a unit of these renowned warriors peror to fight alongside another Elector Count's army. In doing so, the Emperor is effectively lending the count his personal support for the upcoming struggle. The Reiksguard Knights form the bodyguard of the Emperor. The Order was first founded during the reign mperor. of Wilhelm, the first Emperor of the lineage of the Princes of Altdorf. Devout Templars of Sigmar, Reiksguard Knights swear to give their lives to protect the Emperor, who is the living incarnation of Sigmar.

The Reiksguard are much loved throughout the Empire. When a dashing young Reiksguard returns to his home town on leave he is greeted by cheering citizens, and riotous celebrations carry on long into the night. When they accompany the Emperor on his many ceremonial processions they add to the splendour and magnificence of the occasion by dint of their awesome appearance and fabulously expensive armour. During the annual Imperial tournament the Reiksguard compete against each other for the honour of being closest to the Emperor. These events are a major highlight of the year attracting citizens from all over the Empire and beyond.