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'''This page details people, events, and organisations from [[the /tg/ Heresy]], a fan re-working of the Warhammer 40,000 Universe.'''
{{/tg/-Heresy-Head}}


The Imperial Army, or ''Excertus Imperialis'', was an immense body of ordinary fighting men and women.  It was formed to supplement the mighty [[Legiones Astartes (Hektor Heresy)|Legiones Astartes]] of the Great Crusade, initially as a reserve force but becoming more important as the Space Marines were stretched ever-thinner across the Galaxy.
The '''Imperial Army''' was a large naval, air and ground force in the service of the Imperium of Mankind from the period of the [[Great Crusade (Hektor Heresy)|Great Crusade]] until it was disbanded in the Imperial Reformation.


=Notable Imperial Army Units=
=History=
[[File:Colors collection old man by terribleart-d575hox.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Lord Commander Gufarnus Altmakar, the father of the Army]]
The Imperial Army grew out of the ordinary human soldiers who had fought for the Emperor during the [[Unification Wars (Hektor Heresy)|Unification Wars]] and their leaders such as the famous Lord Commander [[Gufarnus Altmakar]].  Although the [[Legiones Astartes (Hektor Heresy)|Legiones Astartes]] were seen as the primary means for unifying the [[Galaxy (Hektor Heresy)|Galaxy]], it was quickly apparent that additional manpower would be needed to garrison newly-won worlds.  At first, regiments were raised from the planets and stations of the Solar System - the famous ''Solar Pattern'' of Auxilia.  But as the conquering Legions pushed on, the worlds of humanity's cradle could not supply enough men.  New forces were levied or ''tithed'' from Compliant worlds to provide new Imperial Army forces.  [[The Carlisian Shock Troops]] were the first Imperial Army forces raised from outside of the Solar System, and they were soon joined by regiments of the [[Ardito Highwatch]], [[Haeltoth Starguard]], and [[the Kondrus Aeroguard]], among others.


==The Auron Infantries==
In later decades, the Imperial Army would be deployed as counter-insurgency forces, then alongside crusading Space Marines.  Famous forces such as the [[Ciban Chasseurs]], [[Fischetti Numeri]] and [[the Markian Corps]] came into being to strength the Emperor's Legions.  During the second century of the Great Crusade, the Imperial Army would come to be deployed in independent [[Expedition Fleets (Hektor Heresy)|Expedition Fleets]].  The spirited [[the Auron Infantries|Auron Infantries]] and implacable [[Motroit Enforcers]] were raised at about this time and both, in their own way, express the new attitudes forming in the Army.  Regardless, the Imperial Army was considered an auxiliary force - hence their High Gothic name, the ''Imperialis Auxilia'' - and ultimately answered to Space Marine commanders.  Many armymen saw themselves as members of their Legion first and the Imperium second.
[[File:AuronInfantryPoster.jpg|200px|thumb]]


{{Main|The Auron Infantries}}
The personal, almost feudal organisation of the Great Crusade proved disastrous in the [[Hektor Heresy]].  Imperial Army commanders typically aligned themselves with the Legions to whom they had been subordinate, immediately providing the Traitors with a powerful auxiliary force.  Others went rogue in the anarchic conditions of the civil war, seizing control of planets or whole sub-sectors for themselves.  These renegades would have to be subdued in the Scouring, costing an already ravaged Imperium even more lives and resources.


[The flavor is ,predominantly, a mix between WWI and WWII Aus and NZ soldiers (them Slouch hats, brownish cloths, sometimes pouches across chests), but obviously worked into the future-soldier look, with a sprinkle of Catachan (singlets, bandannas, muscles, knives, etc). Mostly Australian themed. Will subtly incorporate NZ flavors in there in future.]
To prevent such a catastrophe ever happening again, the Imperial Reformation broke up Imperial Army.  Land forces were reconstituted as the Imperial Guard, while a separate Imperial Navy would be responsible for the Imperium's warships.  Air assets were largely put at the disposal of the Imperial Navy, although the Imperial Guard retained VTOL and VSTOL vehicles for use in planetary campaigns. This division sought to guarantee that no rebel officer would have both land forces and shipping at his disposal.


The Auron Infantries are an Imperial Army force, focusing on light infantry, founded in late M30 on the planet Auron. Auron Infantrymen have been known to internally refer to one another as 'Aurries'.
=Notable Imperial Army Units=
 
{|align=center border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"
As their title implies, the Auron Infantries are mainly comprised of light infantry, with little use of little heavy weapons or vehicles. They have secondary elements of jungle fighting and mounted infantry teams.
|colspan=8 align=center style=background:#FFFFF align=center|'''Notable Imperial Army formations of the Great Crusade'''
 
|-
Auron Infantryman behavior is characterized by their casual, jokey attitude and outlook towards life and war. They usually follow orders loosely and casually, except in deathly situations, in which an Auron Infantryman can be called upon to enact orders with grim determination and adherence. Each Infantryman has a unique bond with his fellow Aurrie, known internally as 'mateship'. Often, it is mateship that keeps squads and companies together, rather than the efforts of the discipline officers.  
|style=background:#FFFFF align=center|'''Name'''
 
|style=background:#FFFFF align=center|'''Homeworld'''
It is the looseness and amiability of the Auron Infantrymen that earns them scorn and underestimation from commanders of other IAs, but also fondness and benevolence from rank-and-file soldiers of other IAs.
|style=background:#FFFFF align=center|'''Entered service'''
 
|style=background:#FFFFF align=center|'''Summary'''
The Auron foot soldiers seem more at home in harsher, wild environments than the average soldier, especially in hot climates, as they are used to such conditions on Auron, especially the rural areas.
|-
 
|[[Ardito Highwatch]]
Living on Auron has also let Aurries develop certain habits and rituals, like checking your boots EVERY time you put them on, NOT leaving clothing on the ground, and the old tried and tested assuming EVERYTHING that moves is a danger. Such practices further add to the Auron Infantry’s resilience to harsh environments.
|Ardito
 
|833.M30
Select companies of the Auron Infantry have found niches in the theatre of war, specifically jungle fighting and mounted infantry, in which the natural habits of the Aurries are extremely useful (like bushland tracking and farmland horse-handling), although these specialist fighters remain as merely an element of the Auron Infantry.
|Hailing from a world of ravines and soaring peaks, the Ardito are born mountaineers and light infantrymen. The thin air of their homeworld selects only the hardiest specimens to survive to adulthood.
 
|-
==Chelob Hammerers==
|[[The Auron Infantries|Auron Infantries]]
{{Main|Chelob Hammerers}}
|Auron
[[File:Squat_cyclops_closeup.jpg|thumb|200px]]
|885.M30
Following the [[Core Worlds Campaign|conquest of the Core Worlds Confederation]] by the [[Children of Armok]] and [[Void Angels|Winged Victory]], a heavy tithe of troops was imposed on the defeated planets.  As the most populous Core World, Chelob Hold was required to raise one hundred and twenty regiments each year.  The warlords of the Imperium were well-pleased by the results.  These sturdy men, clad in their ''Grummel'' powered armour suits, made outstanding heavy infantry.  Their technical nous made them excellent artillerists, though the officers of Hammerer regiments lacked the audacious streak necessary to make good use of their heavy and super-heavy vehicles in open country.
|The "Aurries" are a light infantry force founded in late M30 on the planet Auron. They are famous for their wisecracking and survival skills.
 
|-
==Ciban Chasseurs==
|[[The Carlisian Shock Troops|Carlisian Shock Troops]]
 
|Carlisar IV
The [[Void Angels|Fifth Legion's]] homeworld of [[Ciban IV]] has maintained large numbers of troops for the Imperium ever since its Pacification. Typically equipped as mechanized troops, Ciban Chasseurs were present for almost every one of the Fifth's battles until the Imperial Reformation at the end of the Great Scouring.
|809.M30
 
|Carlisian army regiments focus on a solid core of footslogging and mechanised infantry supported by some tanks, and a very large number of aircraft. Carlisar soldiers tend to be boisterous and outgoing in their relations with other Imperial Army units, and have a dogged determination and disdain for fear that make them truly fierce combatants. Many a foe has fallen to the onslaught of their shining blue battle tanks, disciplined regimented infantry, and coordinated drop strikes.
==The Dolsene Rifles==
|-
 
|[[Chelob Hammerers]]
Dolsene is a world perpetually under Siege. Located on the very doorstep of the Halo Stars, it has been raided, ravaged and assaulted by all manner of xenos horrors down the years. Over the years this has bred a highly militaristic and egalitarian population, where universal service is the norm, the mandatory conscription of women in times of need and levies of reserve troops which make up the bulk of the population must give one month every year for training and ongoing defence activities as well as being called up when war threatens.
|Chelob Hold
These features, coupled with a strict training program and advanced equipment breeds some of the best troops in the Imperial Army and later Guard. Though Dolsene Regiments only rarely leave their embattled homeworld, when they do they are praised for their methods of war, their defensive genius and offensive shock.
|999.M30
 
|Following the conquest of the Core Worlds Confederation by the Imperium, sturdy heavy infantry regiments, backed up by artillery and massive vehicles, were raised from the defeated worlds.
Dolsene itself is a strategically vital world. As the hub of an entire fortified sector and the first world to meet invasion when it comes from the Halo Stars, it is heavily fortified with two Class One Star-forts as the primary orbital defence. Even these cannot keep all foes from the planet’s surface, so the ground cities are well fortified with walls, shield generators and antimissile systems in case of enemy bombardment. Dolsene has a much smaller population then similar worlds such as Cadia, and so needs to conserve troops as well as defeat the enemy, which has led to its unique combat doctrine.
|-
 
|[[Ciban Chasseurs]]
Due to the constant assaults from beyond the stars and need to maintain a flexible defence, the Dolsene Rifles use a highly unusual method of ‘offensive defence’. Regiments are assigned a point to anchor their defences upon. From these strongpoints the division would launch spoiling attacks against the foe, putting them on the back foot and forcing them to react and defend instead of assaulting in their full strength. When on the offensive the Dolsene Regiments attack from multiple vectors at once, using speed and surprise to force the enemy back, close in firefights being preferred over the dangers of close combat.
|[[Ciban IV]]
 
|853.M30
Their stubbornness and refusal to back down in the face of adversity is reflected in their battle cry: ‘We are the Line!’
|The Fifth Legion's homeworld of Ciban IV has raised many regiments for the Imperium every year since its Pacification. The patronage of the Primarch Gaspard Lumey led to these soldiers being among the best-equipped in the Imperial Army. Typically deployed as mechanized troops, Ciban Chasseurs were present for almost all of the Fifth's battles until the Legion was broken up in the Imperial Reformation.
 
|-
==The Exiran Armored Brigades==
|[[Dolsene Rifles]]
[[File:ExirusGuardsman.jpg|200px|thumb]]
|Dolsene
{{Main|Exirans}}
|005.M31
So named for the perponderance of tanks and other armored equipment in their divisions, the Exirans are among the most widespread of Imperial Guard units, with Princes fighting on almost every side of every conflict.  Hailing from the eponymous sector, Exiran units feature some of the best individual fighting forces in the Imperium. Exirus is home to countless factories spanning entire continents, and based on a tradition of ritualized warfare between local nobles Exiran units have developed a stong tradition of integrated armor/infantry/artillery operations. While the various Princes have since embraced naval and space combat as well, the wargame traditions have often time blinded them to wider strategic considerations.
|Many regiments of the Imperial Army (and its successor, the Imperial Guard) claim to be the best of the best. Inevitably such discussions involve a comparison with the Dolsene Rifles, natives of a distant world besieged by Xenos. Although they rarely depart their native soil, the Rifles have left a legacy of success across the galaxy.
 
|-
If left to their own devices an Exiran brigade may quickly run out of fuel, run out of food, run out of ammo in protracted battles.  This is not indicative of any sort of wastefulness on the part of Exirus soldiers but a testament to the Kriegspiel traditions of their commanding officers, when a single battle might have dictated the fate of an entire nation.  Exiran infantry may require greater resupply but they are well trained professional soldiers rather than the mass conscripts of other parts of the Imperium.  Squads train with nearly every weapon available to them.  A commanding officer couldn't ask for a better fighting force, but Imperial Commissars often butt heads with them. As such, one will often find Princes of Exirus leading a brigade from the front in the Commissar's stead.
|[[Elsinor Favored Sons]]
 
|Elsinor Secundus
==The Kondrus Aeroguard==
|
{{Main|The Kondrus Aeroguard}}
|Drawn from the planetary nobility, the Favored Sons are elite infantry specializing in stealth missions.
 
|-
(Note: Whereas the Elysian Drop Troops are more of a Paratrooper themed unit in the vein of the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division and 75th Rangers, the Kondrus Aeroguard are an Air Assualt centric force built around the close joint maneuver of VTOL's and infantry inspired by Afghanistan War era VDV and European air mobile units.)
|[[Exirans|Exiran Armored Mercenaries]]
 
|Exirus
Hailing from the former Hive World Kondrus in the Solar Segmentus, the foreboding shadows of Kondrus Aeroguard gunships and their hooded drop troops have graced many a recalcitrant world's surface. An Air Assualt formation, the Kondrus Aeroguard make extensive use of VTOL gunships which serve as organic transport and fire support for squads of Light and Medium infantry. Light infantry (in search of a better name) serve as infiltrators and guerrillas, drawn from the bands of young scavengers and treasure seekers that scour the lichen jungle covered industrial ruins that surround the Hives of Kondrus. Medium Infantry possess semi-powered armor, allowing them to carry stubbers as primary weapons. These squadrons are also host to Hardsuits, bipdel walkers which carry a host of heavy weapons and advanced sensor systems. The Aeroguard also makes use of elite, air mobile armored formations of light tanks and self propelled artillery for the rapid exploitation of enemy weaknesses and strikes against enemy command and control nodes. Rarely seen though often prized are Kondrus Aeroguard GravLancers, large yet fast skimmers that possess Grubhead Demolition rockets. Flying low and hugging the terrain, GravLancers and their devastating ordinance are used to break stubborn enemy fortifications.
|
 
|The Exirans are Industrial World oddity among the multitude of regiments that occupy the Imperial Army. Born out of an ambitious middle class, the Exirans act with a cavalier attitude while on the battlefield. Most men being actively paid while on service by their suzerain lords who command them on behalf of the Exiran Kaiser.
Kondrus Aerguard forces are known for keeping to themselves when deployed with other formations, preferring the company of their own gunship bound squadmates where they often can be found bartering and playing music on instruments designed to emulate the sound of the wind whistling through the carcasses of dead Hives and the constant clanking of the manufactorium jungles that dot the world's floor. They also make heavy use of mimic and stealth cloaks, hoods, and pressurized helmets which allow them to fight in a variety of environments. Aeroguard forces will not hesitate to scavenge battlefields for useful components and even souvenirs, though their compliment of high powered stalker guns, bullpup autoguns and above average sensor gear are usually sufficient for their tasks. Kondrus Aeroguard also utilize a variety of launchers, such as Flamer rockets and rad munitions. While tactically and strategically nimble, Aeroguard regiments lack the capability to provide a knockout blow in a head to head fight, under performing when not augmenting a more heavy hitting or numerous force. Also, their lack of initiative in cooperating tactically with other Imperial Army troops can result in battlefield friction.
|-
 
|[[Fischetti Numeri]]
==The Markian Corps==
|Fischetti
{{Main|The Markian Pact}}
|862.M30
 
|The Fischetti Numeri are specialists in garrison and pacification operations, but they have been called up for front-line duties on some occasions. Men of the Numeri are notorious for getting rich while in garrison, while the officers who lead their combat regiments generally look to buy their way into prestigious Imperial positions as soon as possible.
Bound in servitude to the [[Void Angels|Fifth Legion]] is the Markian Pact, a military alliance of five planets(and a forgeworld) to the galactic southeast of Ciban. The regiments of Karmia, Atashia, Kouralia, Lemartia, and Thenar are insignificant individually; what the Markian regiments derive their power from is combined arms and unit cohesion, utilizing versatility to attain victory. Instead of going their separate ways, the regiments raised in the Markian Pact unify into a Grand Corps consisting of artillery, infantry, armor, and light elements combined to assault a single stubborn foe. This oddity of unity is accomplished with the approval of their Astartes benefactors, who see the versatility and close ties of the Grand Corps as advantageous in planetary-scale warfare.
|-
|[[Imperial Regiments of Gethsemane|Gethsemane Regiments]]
|Gethsemane
|
|The Regiments of Gethsemane are divided into two large fighting forces: The 1st through 166th "Noble Guard," who were a large Mechanised force and pledged fealty to the Emperor and the 167th and onwards "Gethsemane Rifles," who were light infantry units that sided with Hektor during the Heresy.
|-
|[[Glasgan Fatalis]]
|Glasgan
|
|The Glasgan Fatalis Regiment is a very fatalistic army, with death regarded as common and superfluous. Their rate of maturity is artificially accelerated, so that they live, get married, have children, etc. all before the age of 15. From then on until death they fight in the regiment, with a minimal fear of death as their life is largely over. The few survivors that do make it return as elders, and teach the next few generations before dying of old age.
|-
|[[Haeltoth Starguard]]
|Haeltoth Stations
|819.M30
|The Starguard are few but better-known than many more numerous formations. If their doctrine and tactical prowess does not astound, their sleek powered armour and advanced energy weaponry always leaves an impression.
|-
|[[Jeolian Siege/Tunnel Army]]
|Jeolia
|
|Raised from the mountainous bastion world of Jeolia, the Jeolian Tunnel/Siege army originate form a planet constantly under attack from orks inhabiting the mines and warrens of the plant. The planet is a hive world with cities burrowed into the very mountains and a member of the PDF will learn to lay siege to the settlements and fortresses of the orks.
|-
|[[The Kondrus Aeroguard|Kondrus Aeroguard]]
|Kondrus
|812.M30
|The Kondrus Aeroguard are a nimble airmobile force, known as much for their masks and gypsy ways as their tactical prowess.
|-
|[[The Markian Corps|Markian Corps]]
|[[The Markian Pact|Markian Pact]]
|854.M30
|Bound in servitude to the Fifth Legion is the Markian Corps, the united military forces of the Markian Pact. The regiments of Karmia, Atashia, Kouralia, Lemartia, and Thenar are insignificant individually; what the Markian regiments derive their power from is combined arms, unit cohesion, and specialist equipment, utilizing versatility to attain victory.
|-
|[[Motroit Enforcers]]
|Motroit
|896.M30
|Motroit, one of the Imperium's great centres of cybernetics, put forward a unique solution to the Emperor's demand for tithed troops. Rather than conscript or ask for volunteers, the Enforcers take those whose bodies have been badly damaged in accidents or by disease and rebuild them into cyber-soldiers.
|-
|[[The Narakan Corps]]
|Naraka
|
|Reviled as savages and blackguards throughout the Imperial Army the Narakan Corps, or "Scumdogs" as they are known informally, are nevertheless a brutally effective fighting force.  Due to their brutal and toxic homeworld, the Narakans possess unnatural physiques and specialize in urban warfare, guerilla warfare, and routing dug in resistance.
|-
|[[Rosskan Strelky]]
|Kuzgetan Sphere
|
|Drawn from the numerous worlds of the Kuzgetan Sphere, the Rosskan Strelky serve as the mortal arm of the [[Silver Cataphracts|Fifteenth Legion]]. Created for the purpose of being an unbreakable wave of specialized fighters, they fight as they are - men and women with nothing to lose.
|-
|[[Skoptsi Redeemers]]
|Skoptsi Prime
|
|The Redeemers are a series of regiments hailing from Skoptsi Prime, a planet brought into the Imperial fold late in the Great Crusade. The regiments are composed entirely of a secretive religious sect from that world, whose leader prophesied that those who joined the Crusade would eventually have their long-awaited hopes and dreams fulfilled in 'the divine realm'. Fanatics all, the Redeemers charge the enemy, heedless of the cost in lives that result from such tactics.
|-
|[[23rd Vaartes Fated|Vaartes Fated]]
|Vaartes
|
|The regiments of the planet Vaartes are vat-grown and tithed to the Imperium. Outside of the society which created them, the Vaartesian troopers often find themselves questioning their programming and choosing to shift that 'built-in' loyalty to a chosen cause-- the Imperial Army, the Emperor, or the Imperial Creed. Mechanized infantry who are fanatical and loyal to a fault, the 'Fated' nevertheless gain the respect of those allies they fight alongside.
|-
|[[Vulpis Canem]]
|Vulpis
|
|The Vulpis Canem are an all-purpose fighting force armed with among the best weapons and armor given to the Imperial Army. Their soldiery are raised from birth to fight in any terrain, using any tactics, and defeat all xenos they encounter.
|}


The Markian regiments field a variety of distinctive equipment, some of which seems to go against their intended role. From the sniper mantlet used on the frontline in siege battles, to the light but powerful mountain gun artillery in service with light infantry, Markia's forces do not take the phrase "intended role" seriously. In general, besides their specialist weapons and regiments, the Markians are Jack of all trades, master of none: their infantry, while disciplined and professional, are not trained to excel in a specific situation; their artillery gets the job done, but don't expect perfection; their armor is sufficient, but is hardly a match for dedicated tank forces; their drop regiments are simply that, without much renown, their primary feature being the airships they possess; and their mechanized regiments are good enough, but far from the best. Their specialist regiments, however, are the opposite: the mountain infantry and roughrider regiments, while rather heavily armed for their supposed role, are out of their element anywhere besides mountains and open ground; air-mobile artillery regiments are fast, but lack the fortress-busting firepower of heavy artillery; L'Infentarie de Marine regiments' vessels are useless without so much as a lake; and sapper regiments are slow and of questionable utility outside of trench warfare and sieges.
=Gallery=
<center>
<gallery>
File:Cyborgs by klen70.jpg|Propaganda poster issued to the Motroit Enforcers.  These sinister images were intended to help cow newly-subdued worlds without the need for bloodshed.
File:AuronInfantryPoster.jpg|Auron Infantry recruiting poster
File:Aurries-bushfire.jpg|Auron Infantry recruiting poster, produced after the Imperium's narrow victory at [[Pacification of the Harakien Sector|Destino]]
File:HD_4308_b_Hot_SuperEarth.png|Artist's impression of the Death World Auron
File:Terra Space Station HD 1080p by TKingArt.jpg|One of the Haeltoth stations, home to the Starguard.
File:Sci_fi_factory_by_incineratedmortality-d4cet7q.jpg|A scene from the Aeroguard's ruined homeworld, Kondrus.
File:EarthlikePlanet-590.jpg|Artist's impression of [[Ciban IV]], home to the Chasseurs.
File:Imperial guard Valkyrie by Gunboy.jpg|Carlisian Shock Troops gunship in close-up
File:Squat_cyclops_closeup.jpg|A super-heavy vehicle used by the Chelob Hammerers
File:War_vehicle.jpg|Dolsene Rifles rover
File:Sniper by nicola montefusco-d6lr20b.jpg|A sniper from the 88th Aeroguard.  Note the intimidating ''Mortis''-pattern Targeter-Surveyor Rebreather underneath the hood of the soldier's camo-cloak.
File:1455334247210.jpg|Kondrus Aeroguardsman on sentry duty
File:1452287242424.jpg|Sargent Gond yr Akna of the "Scumdogs"
File:1451725114856.png|Haeltoth Starguard Elma Wilkins, the Ace of Mattogolvo
File:1455598432951.jpg|Corporal Stewie Parker, Carlisian Shock Troops
File:1459868317099.jpg|Force Commander Rani Stolarz, Ciban Chasseurs
File:Space_marine_by_badluckart-d5hcblm.jpg|Then-Captain Jeanne d'Orléans during the Harakien War
File:The free nations soldiers by neolupetrooper9893.jpg|Troopers from the Fischetti Numeri
File:ExirusGuardsman.jpg|Sketch of an Exiran infantryman
File:French soldier by bidass-d4btv32.jpg|Sketch of a soldier from the 5th Ciban Chasseurs, "The flower of Orléans".
File:Sergaent in the snow late january 1943 by fritzvicari.jpg|Sketch of soldiers of the Ardito Highwatch
</gallery>
</center>


[[Category:The /tg/ Heresy]]
{{/tg/-Heresy-IA}}

Latest revision as of 10:31, 21 June 2023

This page details people, events, and organisations from the /tg/ Heresy, a fan re-working of the Warhammer 40,000 Universe. See the /tg/ Heresy Timeline and Galaxy pages for more information on the Alternate Universe.

The Imperial Army was a large naval, air and ground force in the service of the Imperium of Mankind from the period of the Great Crusade until it was disbanded in the Imperial Reformation.

History[edit]

Lord Commander Gufarnus Altmakar, the father of the Army

The Imperial Army grew out of the ordinary human soldiers who had fought for the Emperor during the Unification Wars and their leaders such as the famous Lord Commander Gufarnus Altmakar. Although the Legiones Astartes were seen as the primary means for unifying the Galaxy, it was quickly apparent that additional manpower would be needed to garrison newly-won worlds. At first, regiments were raised from the planets and stations of the Solar System - the famous Solar Pattern of Auxilia. But as the conquering Legions pushed on, the worlds of humanity's cradle could not supply enough men. New forces were levied or tithed from Compliant worlds to provide new Imperial Army forces. The Carlisian Shock Troops were the first Imperial Army forces raised from outside of the Solar System, and they were soon joined by regiments of the Ardito Highwatch, Haeltoth Starguard, and the Kondrus Aeroguard, among others.

In later decades, the Imperial Army would be deployed as counter-insurgency forces, then alongside crusading Space Marines. Famous forces such as the Ciban Chasseurs, Fischetti Numeri and the Markian Corps came into being to strength the Emperor's Legions. During the second century of the Great Crusade, the Imperial Army would come to be deployed in independent Expedition Fleets. The spirited Auron Infantries and implacable Motroit Enforcers were raised at about this time and both, in their own way, express the new attitudes forming in the Army. Regardless, the Imperial Army was considered an auxiliary force - hence their High Gothic name, the Imperialis Auxilia - and ultimately answered to Space Marine commanders. Many armymen saw themselves as members of their Legion first and the Imperium second.

The personal, almost feudal organisation of the Great Crusade proved disastrous in the Hektor Heresy. Imperial Army commanders typically aligned themselves with the Legions to whom they had been subordinate, immediately providing the Traitors with a powerful auxiliary force. Others went rogue in the anarchic conditions of the civil war, seizing control of planets or whole sub-sectors for themselves. These renegades would have to be subdued in the Scouring, costing an already ravaged Imperium even more lives and resources.

To prevent such a catastrophe ever happening again, the Imperial Reformation broke up Imperial Army. Land forces were reconstituted as the Imperial Guard, while a separate Imperial Navy would be responsible for the Imperium's warships. Air assets were largely put at the disposal of the Imperial Navy, although the Imperial Guard retained VTOL and VSTOL vehicles for use in planetary campaigns. This division sought to guarantee that no rebel officer would have both land forces and shipping at his disposal.

Notable Imperial Army Units[edit]

Notable Imperial Army formations of the Great Crusade
Name Homeworld Entered service Summary
Ardito Highwatch Ardito 833.M30 Hailing from a world of ravines and soaring peaks, the Ardito are born mountaineers and light infantrymen. The thin air of their homeworld selects only the hardiest specimens to survive to adulthood.
Auron Infantries Auron 885.M30 The "Aurries" are a light infantry force founded in late M30 on the planet Auron. They are famous for their wisecracking and survival skills.
Carlisian Shock Troops Carlisar IV 809.M30 Carlisian army regiments focus on a solid core of footslogging and mechanised infantry supported by some tanks, and a very large number of aircraft. Carlisar soldiers tend to be boisterous and outgoing in their relations with other Imperial Army units, and have a dogged determination and disdain for fear that make them truly fierce combatants. Many a foe has fallen to the onslaught of their shining blue battle tanks, disciplined regimented infantry, and coordinated drop strikes.
Chelob Hammerers Chelob Hold 999.M30 Following the conquest of the Core Worlds Confederation by the Imperium, sturdy heavy infantry regiments, backed up by artillery and massive vehicles, were raised from the defeated worlds.
Ciban Chasseurs Ciban IV 853.M30 The Fifth Legion's homeworld of Ciban IV has raised many regiments for the Imperium every year since its Pacification. The patronage of the Primarch Gaspard Lumey led to these soldiers being among the best-equipped in the Imperial Army. Typically deployed as mechanized troops, Ciban Chasseurs were present for almost all of the Fifth's battles until the Legion was broken up in the Imperial Reformation.
Dolsene Rifles Dolsene 005.M31 Many regiments of the Imperial Army (and its successor, the Imperial Guard) claim to be the best of the best. Inevitably such discussions involve a comparison with the Dolsene Rifles, natives of a distant world besieged by Xenos. Although they rarely depart their native soil, the Rifles have left a legacy of success across the galaxy.
Elsinor Favored Sons Elsinor Secundus Drawn from the planetary nobility, the Favored Sons are elite infantry specializing in stealth missions.
Exiran Armored Mercenaries Exirus The Exirans are Industrial World oddity among the multitude of regiments that occupy the Imperial Army. Born out of an ambitious middle class, the Exirans act with a cavalier attitude while on the battlefield. Most men being actively paid while on service by their suzerain lords who command them on behalf of the Exiran Kaiser.
Fischetti Numeri Fischetti 862.M30 The Fischetti Numeri are specialists in garrison and pacification operations, but they have been called up for front-line duties on some occasions. Men of the Numeri are notorious for getting rich while in garrison, while the officers who lead their combat regiments generally look to buy their way into prestigious Imperial positions as soon as possible.
Gethsemane Regiments Gethsemane The Regiments of Gethsemane are divided into two large fighting forces: The 1st through 166th "Noble Guard," who were a large Mechanised force and pledged fealty to the Emperor and the 167th and onwards "Gethsemane Rifles," who were light infantry units that sided with Hektor during the Heresy.
Glasgan Fatalis Glasgan The Glasgan Fatalis Regiment is a very fatalistic army, with death regarded as common and superfluous. Their rate of maturity is artificially accelerated, so that they live, get married, have children, etc. all before the age of 15. From then on until death they fight in the regiment, with a minimal fear of death as their life is largely over. The few survivors that do make it return as elders, and teach the next few generations before dying of old age.
Haeltoth Starguard Haeltoth Stations 819.M30 The Starguard are few but better-known than many more numerous formations. If their doctrine and tactical prowess does not astound, their sleek powered armour and advanced energy weaponry always leaves an impression.
Jeolian Siege/Tunnel Army Jeolia Raised from the mountainous bastion world of Jeolia, the Jeolian Tunnel/Siege army originate form a planet constantly under attack from orks inhabiting the mines and warrens of the plant. The planet is a hive world with cities burrowed into the very mountains and a member of the PDF will learn to lay siege to the settlements and fortresses of the orks.
Kondrus Aeroguard Kondrus 812.M30 The Kondrus Aeroguard are a nimble airmobile force, known as much for their masks and gypsy ways as their tactical prowess.
Markian Corps Markian Pact 854.M30 Bound in servitude to the Fifth Legion is the Markian Corps, the united military forces of the Markian Pact. The regiments of Karmia, Atashia, Kouralia, Lemartia, and Thenar are insignificant individually; what the Markian regiments derive their power from is combined arms, unit cohesion, and specialist equipment, utilizing versatility to attain victory.
Motroit Enforcers Motroit 896.M30 Motroit, one of the Imperium's great centres of cybernetics, put forward a unique solution to the Emperor's demand for tithed troops. Rather than conscript or ask for volunteers, the Enforcers take those whose bodies have been badly damaged in accidents or by disease and rebuild them into cyber-soldiers.
The Narakan Corps Naraka Reviled as savages and blackguards throughout the Imperial Army the Narakan Corps, or "Scumdogs" as they are known informally, are nevertheless a brutally effective fighting force. Due to their brutal and toxic homeworld, the Narakans possess unnatural physiques and specialize in urban warfare, guerilla warfare, and routing dug in resistance.
Rosskan Strelky Kuzgetan Sphere Drawn from the numerous worlds of the Kuzgetan Sphere, the Rosskan Strelky serve as the mortal arm of the Fifteenth Legion. Created for the purpose of being an unbreakable wave of specialized fighters, they fight as they are - men and women with nothing to lose.
Skoptsi Redeemers Skoptsi Prime The Redeemers are a series of regiments hailing from Skoptsi Prime, a planet brought into the Imperial fold late in the Great Crusade. The regiments are composed entirely of a secretive religious sect from that world, whose leader prophesied that those who joined the Crusade would eventually have their long-awaited hopes and dreams fulfilled in 'the divine realm'. Fanatics all, the Redeemers charge the enemy, heedless of the cost in lives that result from such tactics.
Vaartes Fated Vaartes The regiments of the planet Vaartes are vat-grown and tithed to the Imperium. Outside of the society which created them, the Vaartesian troopers often find themselves questioning their programming and choosing to shift that 'built-in' loyalty to a chosen cause-- the Imperial Army, the Emperor, or the Imperial Creed. Mechanized infantry who are fanatical and loyal to a fault, the 'Fated' nevertheless gain the respect of those allies they fight alongside.
Vulpis Canem Vulpis The Vulpis Canem are an all-purpose fighting force armed with among the best weapons and armor given to the Imperial Army. Their soldiery are raised from birth to fight in any terrain, using any tactics, and defeat all xenos they encounter.

Gallery[edit]

  • Propaganda poster issued to the Motroit Enforcers. These sinister images were intended to help cow newly-subdued worlds without the need for bloodshed.

    Propaganda poster issued to the Motroit Enforcers. These sinister images were intended to help cow newly-subdued worlds without the need for bloodshed.

  • Auron Infantry recruiting poster

    Auron Infantry recruiting poster

  • Auron Infantry recruiting poster, produced after the Imperium's narrow victory at Destino

    Auron Infantry recruiting poster, produced after the Imperium's narrow victory at Destino

  • Artist's impression of the Death World Auron

    Artist's impression of the Death World Auron

  • One of the Haeltoth stations, home to the Starguard.

    One of the Haeltoth stations, home to the Starguard.

  • A scene from the Aeroguard's ruined homeworld, Kondrus.

    A scene from the Aeroguard's ruined homeworld, Kondrus.

  • Artist's impression of Ciban IV, home to the Chasseurs.

    Artist's impression of Ciban IV, home to the Chasseurs.

  • Carlisian Shock Troops gunship in close-up

    Carlisian Shock Troops gunship in close-up

  • A super-heavy vehicle used by the Chelob Hammerers

    A super-heavy vehicle used by the Chelob Hammerers

  • Dolsene Rifles rover

    Dolsene Rifles rover

  • A sniper from the 88th Aeroguard. Note the intimidating Mortis-pattern Targeter-Surveyor Rebreather underneath the hood of the soldier's camo-cloak.

    A sniper from the 88th Aeroguard. Note the intimidating Mortis-pattern Targeter-Surveyor Rebreather underneath the hood of the soldier's camo-cloak.

  • Kondrus Aeroguardsman on sentry duty

    Kondrus Aeroguardsman on sentry duty

  • Sargent Gond yr Akna of the "Scumdogs"

    Sargent Gond yr Akna of the "Scumdogs"

  • Haeltoth Starguard Elma Wilkins, the Ace of Mattogolvo

    Haeltoth Starguard Elma Wilkins, the Ace of Mattogolvo

  • Corporal Stewie Parker, Carlisian Shock Troops

    Corporal Stewie Parker, Carlisian Shock Troops

  • Force Commander Rani Stolarz, Ciban Chasseurs

    Force Commander Rani Stolarz, Ciban Chasseurs

  • Then-Captain Jeanne d'Orléans during the Harakien War

    Then-Captain Jeanne d'Orléans during the Harakien War

  • Troopers from the Fischetti Numeri

    Troopers from the Fischetti Numeri

  • Sketch of an Exiran infantryman

    Sketch of an Exiran infantryman

  • Sketch of a soldier from the 5th Ciban Chasseurs, "The flower of Orléans".

    Sketch of a soldier from the 5th Ciban Chasseurs, "The flower of Orléans".

  • Sketch of soldiers of the Ardito Highwatch

    Sketch of soldiers of the Ardito Highwatch

Imperial Army Formations of the /tg/ Heresy
Ardito Highwatch - Auron Infantries - Carlisian Shock Troops - Chelob Hammerers
Ciban Chasseurs - Dolsene Rifles - Elsinor Favored Sons - Exirans - Fischetti Numeri
Gethsemane Regiments - Glasgan Fatalis - Haeltoth Starguard - Kondrus Aeroguard
Markian Corps - Motroit Enforcers - Narakan "Scumdogs" - Rosskan Strelky
Skoptsi Redeemers - Vaartes Fated
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