Battle reports, tactics, and general banter about Warhammer 40k, D&D 3.5/Pathfinder, Malifaux, and Warhammer Fantasy!

Friday 16 October 2015

The 247th Mordian Iron Guard

Hey everyone! After a long absence, I'm back, with an exciting announcement. I have taken the first steps towards starting an Imperial Guard army. However, I have decided that I don't want just any guard army, as I find the Cadians a little boring. Instead, I have gotten myself some Tannenberg Fusiliers from Victoria Miniatures to be my Mordian Iron Guard force! This army is going to be very fluff-centric, using units, weapons, and even tactics used by the Mordian Iron Guard during battle. So far the army is small. Only 40 guardsmen, but I will be looking to expand it as much as possible over the coming months. Anyways, in the mean time, I'd like to outline the background behind this burgeoning army.


Founded in 748.M41 to respond to the ever increasing threat of Chaos, the Mordian 247th is primarily an infantry regiment that makes use of armoured support. The Mordian Iron Guard have always been known for their unwavering discipline and courage, and the 247th is certainly no exception to this rule. While many other guard regiments might turn and flee in the face of overwhelming resistance, the 247th will hold position indefinitely, unless orders from command dictate that they make a retreat. While many of the more prudent guard regiments, such as the Catachans or Tanith First and Only find this way of waging war to be foolish at best, the Mordians' faith in their commanders and the Emperor is strong enough for them to weather both the firepower of the enemy, and the jeers of their fellows. In truth, many of these claims stem from jealousy, as the Mordian 247th is renowned throughout the galaxy as one of the most effective and deadly guard regiments around. 

Currently, the regiment is led by Colonel Benedict Lockridge. A grizzled commander who has seen hundreds of different warzones, and survived them all.  While most Mordian commanders hold the Navy in contempt, Col. Lockridge greatly values the support that they can provide his forces on the ground, and as such, often goes into battle with Lieutenant-Commander Jedrik Baros, an Officer of the Fleet. 

The Mordian 247th Iron Guard specialize in urban warfare, and as such, the make use primarily of foot soldiers, who are less impeded by blocked avenues, collapsed buildings, and narrow alleyways. The Chimera APCs that they do use are generally reserved for their officers and veteran squads, allowing them to redeploy quickly, and offer a wider range of command. While most guard regiments make ample use of the ubiquitous Leman Russ Battle Tank, the 247th prefer the shorter range, but much more destructive Leman Russ Demolisher, the devastating Leman Russ Punisher, and the cover-destroying Leman Russ Eradicator. 



As an infantry regiment, the 247th prefers to rely on mid-sized platoons to do much of the army's heavy lifting. These platoons usually feature at least one Vox operator, a Commissar, and often a Primaris Psyker. Though most infantrymen have an innate distrust of psykers, the 247th trains extensively with them in their squads, and the presence of an ever-watchful Commissar makes them more accepting of them than most other regiments. Indeed the presence of a Primaris Psyker has often proven valuable to the men of the 247th, allowing them insight into future events, as well as protecting them from the cursed machinations of enemy witches. Along with their specialist additions, each platoon boasts several special and heavy weapons. Amongst common guardsmen, the Grenade Launcher and Meltagun are favoured special weapons, allowing a good amount of versatility or tank-busting power to a squad. Flamers are less common, but see use amongst the platoons on occasion, particularly amongst the Platoon Command Squads.  Plasma Guns are all but unheard of in regular infantry squads, their rarity and unpredictability limiting them almost exclusively to Veteran squads. For heavy weapons, the Lascannon issue favourite amongst the Mordians, the sheer power of the weapon allowing them to decimate vehicles, monstrous creatures, and heavy infantry with ease. Autocannons are also a common sight, as they can be used decimate infantry and medium tanks alike. Missile Launchers, Heavy Bolters, and Mortars are much rarer, but still see use where appropriate. 

No comments:

Post a Comment