Greatswords
Encyclopedia
"Greatswords" are soldiers existing within the fantasy world of Warhammer, a product of Games Workshop
.
Greatswords are available to armies of the Empire, the largest human nation in the world of Warhammer, and are among the finest Imperial warriors available. Unlike the aristocratic members of the knightly orders, a greatsword is a man plucked from the ranks due to some extraordinary feat of arms and bravery. Many men have died attempting to achieve the respected position of Greatsword.
Their prowess is indicated by their primary weapon and namesake, a massive sword requiring two hands to wield. Charged with protecting the lord who raised them to Greatsword, they form a bodyguard of stubborn and resolute men protected by dwarf-forged plate armour. The history of the Empire is full of tales of a final stand by the Greatswords of the Empire. Especially heroic Greatswords are at times knighted by their Elector Count.
, Early modern period
mercenary
footsoldiers and pikemen, particularly the Doppelsöldner
s, who often wielded zweihanders.
Games Workshop
Games Workshop Group plc is a British game production and retailing company. Games Workshop has published the tabletop wargames Warhammer Fantasy Battle and Warhammer 40,000...
.
Greatswords are available to armies of the Empire, the largest human nation in the world of Warhammer, and are among the finest Imperial warriors available. Unlike the aristocratic members of the knightly orders, a greatsword is a man plucked from the ranks due to some extraordinary feat of arms and bravery. Many men have died attempting to achieve the respected position of Greatsword.
Their prowess is indicated by their primary weapon and namesake, a massive sword requiring two hands to wield. Charged with protecting the lord who raised them to Greatsword, they form a bodyguard of stubborn and resolute men protected by dwarf-forged plate armour. The history of the Empire is full of tales of a final stand by the Greatswords of the Empire. Especially heroic Greatswords are at times knighted by their Elector Count.
Model
The models for Empire Greatswords are based heavily on the LandsknechtLandsknecht
Landsknechte were European, predominantly German mercenary pikemen and supporting foot soldiers from the late 15th to the late 16th century, and achieved the reputation for being the universal mercenary of Early modern Europe.-Etymology:The term is from German, Land "land, country" + Knecht...
, Early modern period
Early modern period
In history, the early modern period of modern history follows the late Middle Ages. Although the chronological limits of the period are open to debate, the timeframe spans the period after the late portion of the Middle Ages through the beginning of the Age of Revolutions...
mercenary
Mercenary
A mercenary, is a person who takes part in an armed conflict based on the promise of material compensation rather than having a direct interest in, or a legal obligation to, the conflict itself. A non-conscript professional member of a regular army is not considered to be a mercenary although he...
footsoldiers and pikemen, particularly the Doppelsöldner
Doppelsöldner
Doppelsöldner were Landsknechts in 16th-century Germany who were prepared to fight in the front line, taking an extra risk, in exchange for double payment. The stated ratio was that one Landsknecht in four would be a Doppelsöldner...
s, who often wielded zweihanders.