JamesP's Reiksgard unit (251 Pts)

The Sons of Solland were formed by a collection of second sons and offspring of minor nobility. Knowing it was unlikely they would inherit, they set out to make their own fortune. With a strong sense of loyalty to Solland and each other the Sons have collected like-minded soldiers from across the province to form the core of the army. Their leader is Dieter von Krueger with his long-time friend Volker Holdermann acting as the army standard bearer. Each of the Sons have raised a fighting unit from their own funds reflecting their unique fighting styles. Since their forming, the Sons have taken part in many campaigns and have travelled as far as Tilea and Estalia.

The Reiksgard is currently lead by Archibald von Krueger. Archie and his cousins, Dieter and Siegfried, were raised as brothers in Kreutzhofen. At the age of 14, Archie begged his father’s permission to accompany Dieter on his quest for glory and riches. His father agreed on the condition they both look after each other and return safely. Archie was assigned to the first unit raised by The Sons; The Reiksgard, where he was to be trained. The unit took him in and became very fond of him due to his unshakable optimism and joking manner. Even the dour Captain of The Reiksgard took a liking to Archie and upon the discovery of Archie’s musical talent made him the unit musician.  Archie was a fast study and in two short years he was easily the equal of the rest of the unit, and better than most.

The battle of low water was the turning point for Archie. The Sons were hired to guard a river crossing on the main forces flank against a hoard of undead while the knights lead the attack. It was not going well for the Sons when the undead broke through and pushed them back. Archie looked down to see the Reiksgard banner laying next to the bloody remains of the standard bearer, his hand still clutching the pole. The Captain noticed this at the same time and retrieved the banner only to be speared through the shoulder by a skeleton. Archie cut the abomination down and helped the Captain to his feet. The Captain growled “Summon the men to the banner or all will be lost”. Archie sounded his horn and called the Reiksgard to stand firm while defending the Captain from the enemy. Wave after wave of putrid flesh and rattling bones broke against the wall of iron the Reiksgard had become. Archie dashed up and down the line shouting encouragement, sounding his horn and taking part where the fighting was most fierce.

The next night at a feast hosted by their benefactor the captain spoke. “I am stepping down as leader of the Reiksgard. I have spoken to the general and we both agree that Archie should lead the unit.” Everyone looked to Archie in silence as the captain continued. “I will remain as the unit standard bearer to support Archie and to smack him about the head to keep him straight.” The crowd cheered their approval calling for a speech from Archie. Again, the soldiers grew silent as Archie stood. “This is unexpected…I didn’t even kill anyone in the battle.” After the laughter died down Archie turned to his cousin and said “I swear by the Sun and by Sigmar I will do my best to uphold the reputation of the company. If I am half the leader as my successor, I will be twice the man that stands before you tonight. It is my honour to lead men of such iron resolve.” The crowd cheered their approval until the general raised his tankard calling for quiet. “From this night forth The Reiksgard’s title shall be The Ironclads!”

15 Reiksgard – (champion, musician and standard) 217 Pts

Double-Handed Weapon, Heavy Armour

Level 5 hero 34 Pts

Heavy Armour, Shield