imperial army The Imperial Guard | The Reiksguard

[Irishmanmichael 504]

 

Issued and averred by the office of the

LORD MARSHAL

 

FORMATION OF THE GUARD

 

♜ On the Imperial Host of Man

Be it known to all good men and true: the Imperial Guard stand as the unyielding pillar and eternal aegis of the Empire of Man. Within its vaunted ranks dwell the finest sons of the realm—soldiers of iron will and peerless discipline—whose steadfast hearts shield mankind from the malice of Iblees and the ceaseless threats of mortal adversaries. This host, glorious and resolute, was not fashioned by fortune's whim, but born of the very essence of the Empire’s founding—an heirloom of battle, refined through loyalty, and tempered by the burden of vigilance.

 

The Empire, born in the fires of great tribulation, may not endure save through the ever-burning flame of watchfulness. Thus it is decreed: whosoever should take up the mantle of an Imperial Soldier must sign a contract of fealty to the Empire and Imperial Guard. From that solemn hour, he is bound to uphold Imperial Peace, to execute the Emperor’s will without hesitation, and to serve both as sentinel within the walls of civilisation and scourge to those who dare assail it from without.

 

Unlike its noble predecessor, the Royal Burgundian Army—born of necessity and conflict—the Imperial Guard was not summoned by calamity, but by vision.

 

In the fullness of his wisdom and sovereign will, His Imperial Majesty, Tiberius the First, first of that name and Founder of the Restored Empire of Man, beheld a future greater than any single kingdom might contain. No longer would His Majesty's host be a mere royal levy of Burgundy, but a force of empire: unified, exalted, and eternal.

 

By Imperial Decree, the honorable Ser Manfred von Berkhoven, First of the Marshal’s was raised to the honourable title of Reiksmarshal of the Empire, and under his command, the Royal Army was Elevated. Thus was born the Imperial Guard—a host not of haste and patchwork, but of order, discipline, and enduring strength.

 

Its soldiers, henceforth styled the Imperial Guard(Reiksguard), stand as the mailed fist of Imperial law, guardians of peace and justice throughout all the Emperor’s dominions. Side by side with the Imperial State Troops of the Empires vassals, they maintain the harmony of the realm, swift to answer the call of war, yet steadfast in the preservation of order.

By Faith, Steel, and Gunpowder we serve!

 

ON THE RANKS OF THE IMPERIAL GUARD

The army is built upon a foundation of clear order and noble purpose, each rank a step along the ladder of honour and service.

 

♟ Freeman (Gefreiter): 

A volunteer in His Majesty’s service, armed and armored by the Crown. These men are expected to drill and train with fervor until such time as their worth is proven, and they may be elevated to the ranks of the full soldiery.

 

♟ Guardsman (Trabant):

The steadfast bulk of the army, having mastered the basic arts of war and discipline. They stand ready for most duties, so long as a guiding hand remaineth near.

 

♟ Young Guard (Jung Garde):

A veteran of tested mettle, skilled in campaign and garrison alike. Such a man is self-reliant and capable, able to resolve matters without need of command. From this rank, worthy men may be chosen to bear the mantle of officer.

 

♟ Forlorn Hope (Unternehmen):

First into the breach, and last to quit the field — thus is writ the cruel covenant of the Imperial Vanguard, the Forlorn Hope of The Empire. These are men once numbered amongst the proud Footmen of the Imperial Guard, hardened by the rigours of war. Few seek their company, for joy and mirth are strangers to their countenance. They speak not of idle fancies, nor dally in camply cheer — for theirs is a trade of thunder and fury, and their reward is survival, naught more.

 

♟ Old Guard (Alte Garde):

These are soldiers of unmatched loyalty and service, who have either declined the path of command or lived in days where none such were available. Though they are not knights, these men are revered as heroes of the realm, and may, if need be, stand in place of the Emperor’s own Guard. At this rank, special duties—scribes, runners, heralds—may also be assigned. In recognition of their honour, they are granted a personal sigil and a small farming estate, both reward and legacy.

 

 

ON THE JUNIOR OFFICERS OF THE ARMY

The command of the army is borne by officers, whose authority groweth with experience and merit, and who guide the host with both might and mind.

 

♞ Corporal (Korporal): 

The first of the officer class. These are men proven in duty and judgment, granted command o’er a troupe of three to five. They patrol, they guard, and they ensure order across the realm.

 

♞ Staff Officer (Stabsoffizier): 

Often drawn from the ranks of Corporals, these officers have talents not solely martial. They assist in administration and coordination, working closely with higher command, though they too may command troupes as needed.

 

 

ON THE SENIOR OFFICERS OF COMMAND

The senior command of the army is raised by militant leadership who will take over the general larger day-to-day runnings and wartime efforts, most being in direct contact with the higher government bodies such as the privy council in order to prepare for decisions that rely on summoning the royal host.

 

♝ Captain  (Hauptmann): 

This title is often borne by knights and seasoned commanders, for it demanded wisdom, leadership, and mastery of arms. These officers lead men in battle, orchestrate maneuvers, and oversee complex operations. They may command all troupes gathered by their own hand but may not summon the army in full without leave from the Lord Marshal. At times, they are also tasked with overseeing great labours—mining, land-clearing, or the provisioning of the host.

 

♝ Colonel (Oberst): 

Masters of warfare and stewards of the army’s soul. These officers may summon the army to arms without prior leave, and are entrusted with the training, development, and preservation of the host in times of peace and war. Appointment to this honour is conferred only with the consent of both His Majesty and the Lord Chancellor, or the Emperor himself.

 

 

ON THE MASTER ROLES

♜ Quartermaster (Quartiermeister):

A steward of war and keeper of the host’s lifeblood, the Quartermaster serves not with sword, but with scale and scroll. By the hand of the Quartermaster provisions are weighed, arms distributed. Though often behind the line, this wisdom sustains the march as surely as steel wins the field.

 

♜ Master Scribe (Meisterschreiber):

Bearer of quill and keeper of memory, the Master Scribe records the deeds of the Guard in ink. At the side of command, he transcribes the will of the Reiksmarshal and ensures that no order, honours or glories are missed.

♜ Master Herald (Meisterherold):

Both artist and orator, the Master Herald is chosen for mastery of brush and parchment. The Master is Entrusted the honour of repaying the army’s debt to its veterans—by crafting for them noble sigils and colours, that their deeds may be borne by their house and remembered through the ages.

 

♜ Master of Beasts (Meister der Bestien):

Keeper of hoof and horn, the Master of Beasts is steward to the Empire’s herds and steeds. The Master tendeth pastures, guardes the cattle, and ensure a steady bounty of mount, meat, and hide.

 

♜ Master of Musters  (Meister des Musterung):
Warden of the ranks, the Master of Musters oversees all matters of recruitment. Keeping the lifeblood of the Guard sustained, ensuring a steady levy of men to fill the lines. As well the master furnishes the Master Scribe and Quartermaster with names and records, that no sword be uncounted, nor contract unsigned.

 

 

ON THE SUPREME COMMAND

The highest military authority across the realm, hosting a seat in the privy council and undertaking the core roles of both a governor, councillor and military leader.

 

⚔︎ Marshal of The Empire of Man (Reiksmarshal): 

The singular commander of all The Empire of Man's forces, and the only soul empowered by the Emperor to summon the Provincial State Troops of the nation's vassals, in times of great peril. It is his solemn charge to maintain the army’s readiness, to keep it fed and armed, to oversee its training and discipline, and to ensure the Imperial State Troops of the realm are kept in strength and honour befitting the Crown.

 

 

A CALL TO HONOUR

To all who seek glory upon the field, to those who would shield the faithful and uphold the unity of mankind, let it be known: the Imperial Guard calls thee to arms. Make thyself known to any soldier of the Host, and thou shalt be brought before an officer. Or send a bird to Manfred von Berkhoven (Irishmanmichael), Jürgen von Rhoswald (Petsch2k), or Richard von Rhoswald (Ketof).

 

Let thy faith be proven in action. In His Majesty’s Name, rise—defend the people, protect humanity, and carve thy name into the everlasting stone of honour.

 

OOC: To Join the Army, you can join this discord: https://discord.gg/TMWGWdVuEz.

 

Any officer can help you get on the right track, or contact the Lord Marshal directly!

 

AVE IMPERIUM!

 

---

 

H V M A N I T A S    I N V I C T A

“Für Gott und Kaiser,”

 

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Tiberias I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, 

Emperor of Man, Holy Imperator, King of Burgundy, Seventis, Salvus, Renatus & Oren, 

Duke of Middelan, Helena, Lorraine, Sunholdt and Reutov, Baron of Pestilles, Protector of Grense, Protector of the Heartlanders, Patriarch of House Horen & the Tiberian Dynasty, 

Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith.

BVRGVNDIA IMPERIVM

 

HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Manfred von Berkhhoven, Reiksmarshal of the Imperial Guard,

 

Edited June 18, 2025 by Irishmanmichael