The origins of the Brotherhood of the Blade, sometimes known as the knights of the black cross, date to the reign of the Magnus the Pious. Despite the Emperor’s reputation and his proclamations to the contrary, outbreaks of violence between the many bands of witch hunters and the fledging wizards of the eight colleges were frequent and deadly. In his wisdom, Magnus felt that both walked too near to Chaos in their own ways. Thus to balance each, Magnus formed the order of knights, based on his own ideals and the model of the Swordmasters of the White Tower. The first blade brothers were trained by Magnus himself, and were given the right to dispense his justice. The Brotherhood flourished during Magnus’ reign and were regarded almost as highly as their founder. Seeing this success, Magnus instituted a hierarchy among the knights that still remains and established the tradition by which each state is required to train one unit of troops to serve under the knights whenever required. One of Magnus’ last acts as Emperor was to present Mannfred Frei, regarded as the most just of the knights, with the Blade of Judgement. It is from this device that Order takes its symbol- the crosses they wear are stylized representations of the sword.
Today, they are
devoted and pious followers of all the gods of the Empire and include a relatively
large number of battle priests within their ranks. They have retained their
role as instruments of the Emperor’s justice, and will judge cases when asked.
However, their judgements are harsh, and their punishments severe. Further,
they regard their mission as a divine one and will ignore the Emperor’s orders
if they feel them to be unjust. In fact, they have been known to oppose and
even dispose corrupt Electors and Emperors.
They seem
fanatical, but are much more disciplined than the witch hunters. In fact,
they bridge the gap between the witch hunters and the mages of the Empire.
Whereas the hatred between the mages and the witch hunters is deep and unending,
the Brotherhood hates neither, but mistrusts both. The feeling is mutual.
Thus, each keeps the others in check and strengthens the Empire as a whole.
The only mages that the Brotherhood tolerates and will ally with are the Life
and Beast mages. The former because they are more Priests of Taal than traditional
mages, and the latter because they lack the desire and subtly to hide any
taint of Chaos they might posses.
ORGANIZATION-
The Brotherhood maintains a single stronghold in the city of Wulfenberg.
It is a small order capable of fielding only a single large field army. The
leader is given the title of Blademaster, while the Knights of the Inner
Circle are known as Judges. Battle Priests are given the title Blade-father
and the bulk of the order are Blade-brothers. All of the knights are clothed
in white and the only device they bear is a black cross, with the Judges
being allowed to add a set of scales to the their cross. The Brotherhood
maintains a small stable of Pegasi. Brothers of exceptional purity and justness
are given the title ‘Hand of Justice’ and are the only ones allowed to ride
these animals. They often travel individually throughout the Empire and are
the members of the order best known among the common people.
There is
a separate group of the order known as the Guardians of the Blade who fight
on foot and are led by the knight who bears the Blade of Judgement. They
bear a white cross on a field of red and are selected from the Blade-brothers
on the basis of bravery. Further, they include in their ranks any survivors
of the Verloren Haufe, or Lost Company. Legend states that the Guardians
have never abandoned a battlefield and wear red so that they will not see
nor acknowledge any wounds they might suffer.
There are
two types of applicants to the Brotherhood. The first are those who come
to the Order’s stronghold and seek admission as acolytes. Each of these acolytes
fight as swordsmen in detachments to the Brotherhood's state troops so that
they may learn humility. Further, each acolyte is responsible for finding
a condemned criminal willing to undergo a divine trial. These criminals are
then accepted into the Verloren Haufe and it is acolyte’s responsibility
to see that they do not escape or commit further crimes. The acolytes are
also expected to preach the glory of Sigmar in an attempt to convert the
criminals. Given that the lost company is constantly placed in the positions
of greatest danger, it is believed that only by the grace of Sigmar can one
survive his time in the company. Those who do survive are absolved of all
crimes, invited to join the Guardians of the Blade, and are often celebrated
in story and song.
The Brotherhood of
the Blade
Armies of
the Brotherhood strongly resemble the Cult of Ulric in their preference for
close combat. The Bladebrothers use the rules for the Knights of the White
Wolf though they are armed with swords rather than hammers. Alternatively,
any number of units of Blade-brothers may be armed with Greatswords (2 handed
weapons) for +2 points per model (27 total). Wizards are uncommon (only Life
and Beast [Jade and Amber] mages are allowed) and artillery is unknown. The
army can only be lead by the Blademaster (grand master), a blade-father (battle
priest) or a blade brother (captain).
CORE UNITS-
Swordsmen
, Spearmen, Any number of units of Blade-Brothers (KoWW), 0-1
units of Judges (Inner Circle White Wolf Knights),
Halberdiers (only as detachments- acolytes) and Free Companies (only as detachments- Verloren Haufe)- for every halberdier used as a detachment, there must be 1 Free Companion. Further, the Halberdiers should be modelled with swords rather than axes (they are training to be Bladebrothers). I use the old style Greatswords.
Crossbows, Archers (and 0-1 Huntsmen)
SPECIAL UNITS-
0-1 Greatswords
(Guardians of the Blade), Other Knightly Orders
RARE UNITS-
Flagellants
(usually failed acolytes or knights),
DoW (due
to their headquarters being in the northern part of the Empire, the Brotherhood
is more likely to employ Kislevites, and Norsemen than other types of mercenaries).