Like many of the best mercenary bands, the Schwarzreiter
were originally formed by the Emperor. Unlike most groups of pistoliers,
the Black Riders were all commoners. They were landless men, wanderers mostly,
who few would miss if the experiment failed and the unit was destroyed.
At first the unit was a huge succees. Given purpose and direction,
the men responded well and rose to the challenge. In training, they were
more willing and able than most of the noble pistoliers. In their first
two seasons of campaigns, they fought a number of battles for the Emperor
and were never defeated.
Then, as it always seems to, disaster struck. Yet, this disaster
came slowly and unnoticed. The leader of the Riders named Hagen and many
of the others became dissatisfied with the respect, not to the mention
the pay, or lack therefore, that they received in the Empire. Hagen forged
a set of orders from the Emperor and lead his men from the Empire. In the
lands of Tilea and the Border Princes, he found the delights he thought
to be missing in the Empire. Yet, there were good men in the ranks who
disagreed. Somehow they found fighting against goblin tribes, or the men
of the Tilean city states was unsatisfying though the pay was better. Eventually
Hagens greed led him too far down paths better left untread. He resolved
to return to the Empire and take what was due him by force. He was so blinded
that he did not see within his own ranks those who still believed in the
ideals of Sigmar. In the very first battle against the Empire, all those
who believed, as Hagen did, in only money, were killed, and Hagen was slain
by his own captain, Folkwin.
Folkwin sought the Emperors forgiveness, by Karl Franz was
so outraged at the original defection he could not give it. With much sadness,
Folkwin led the remaining Riders from the Empire, vowing to regain the
respect of the Emperor.
Captain - Folkwin Simnel
Motto - If the first shot wasnt enough, shoot again.
Battle-Cry - Fire and Steel! (this was the original war-cry. Under
Hagen, it changed to Fire and Steal! though no one noticed at first.)
Appearance - The riders wear three-quarter armour (counts as light),
blackened against rust. It is this armour which gives them their name.
Each carries a pair of pistols in holsters on his saddle bow. Some carry
additional pistols at their belts, or thrust into their boots for extended
combats. The longer serving members of the company often wear plumes or
feathers in their helmets, but overall, their appearance is much more subdued
than is usual from troops originating in the Empire.
For Hire- As the Riders which to re-join the Empire, they wil not
fight for the traditional enemies of that state. They can be hired by any
army save Chaos, O&Gs, Skaven, and Vampire Counts (or Old Undead).
Points: Folkwin, and 4 riders (including std and musician), cost
227 points. This is the minimum unit you may hire. Additional riders (up
to 20) may be added for an additional 27 points each.
Profile M WS BS S T
W I A Ld
Folkwin 4 5 5 4
4 2 5 3(+1) 8
Troops 4 3 3
3 3 1 3 1(+1) 7
Horse 8 3
0 3 3 1 3 0
5
Weapons/Armour: Each rider carries his pistols and wears a suit of three-quarter armour. He also carries a some type of hand weapon for emergencies.
Amour Save: 5+ (light armour, mount)
Special Rules:
Quick Loaders - (5 points) The Riders have used their pistols for
so long that they are able to re-load faster than anyone else. In the same
space of a time that a normal man could re-load a pistol, it is said, that
a Rider can re-load both his pistols and have a drink besides. They fire
so quickly that a Tilean seeing them battle for the first time was said
to have remarked a man looking at their ranks could see nothing but fire
and steelE This has two effects. Firstly, in the shooting phase, the riders
can fire in two ranks. Note that this ability can not be used in a stand
and shoot reaction as the leading riders would not have time to peel away.
Secondly, in HtH, if the riders have a rank bonus, they can
fight in two ranks (each with 2 pistol attacks per round), as each rank
will fire their pistols then peel off to the flank and rear to reload.
This method of fighting is known as the caracole. If their rank bonus is
lost, they make 1 str 3 and 1 str 4 attack each round (note that only the
front rank may fight) as they are forced to rely on swords and clubbed
pistols. Note that Folkwin never files off and always remains in combat.
Devotion to the Empire- Despite their unjust treatment by the Emperor, the Riders remain loyal to the Empire. When asked to fight against an Empire army, they simply refuse and instead join some of their mates in a bout of drinking and storytelling. You may nominate a single unit of Empire troops whose total value (with included characters) does not exceed that of the Black Riders. Neither the nominated troops nor the Riders will participate in the battle. Note that you cannot nominate a unit of Flagellants as they are too consumed in their own visions to enjoy drinking with the boys.
Hagens Lightning Pistols- (25 points) Hagen commissioned these
pistols from a Tilean wizard and Folkwin claimed them upon Hagens death.
The pistols never need to be re-loaded but instead magically load themselves.
In HtH, the character is allowed to make his full quota of attacks (plus
one for the additional pistol). All these attacks are magical, Str. 4 and
give a -2 armour save modifier. Further, they allow the character to fire
twice in the shooting phase, or in a stand and shoot charge reaction.