The Demigryph Knights are a frightening enemy to face on the battlefield, but at least they are on the side of humanity!
When you think of the ancient world, it’s hard not to picture humans riding crazy beasts! While these aren’t quite the size of a dragon, they are still more than formidable. Get your favorite furry friend and let’s learn about some lore!
In the World
The standing armies of the Freeguild are often the first and last line of defence for the Free Cities. Countless regiments of swords, halberds and guns stand at the ready to hold the line. But whenever the Freeguild armies go on the offensive or have to charge into an opposing army, Demigryph Knights lead the attack. Charging into enemy flanks with unmatched vigor. Their spears and lances tearing into the foe while also trampling them in the hooves of their noble steeds. The elite of the elite, these career riders on top of their mighty steeds are the best mortal humans can offer.
Demigryph Knights are simply born into the saddle of their steeds. All of them hail from the noblest and prestigious bloodlines throughout Azyr. While some grow up to become Freeguild Generals or statesmen, others train from a very young age to become the greatest cavalrymen. Of course they are more than just trained riders, they’ve been taught all aspects of cavalry warfare. This training and knowledge makes them respected amongst their commanders as their inputs are of great value. Their ferocious Demigryph steeds are often trained together with their riders, giving them an unbreakable bond.
Demigryph Knights are not the most common sight on the battlefield, most Freeguild armies consist of regiments of fighting men with small arms. Demigryph Knights often belong to their dedicated regiments only sent in when and where they are needed the most. Flanked by banners and surrounded by the heavy stomps of their steeds they charge into enemy weak spots or priority targets. A very heavy hammer to compliment the other regiment’s anvil. Their halberds and lances tipped with Sigmarite, allowing them to pierce even the most tough armour. Along with the beaks and hooves of their Demigryphs they’ll easily break and route the enemy without much effort.
On The Field
On the Tabletop of the Mortal Realms, Demigryph Knights are a staple of any human-focused Cities of Sigmar army. Even being able to be taken as a battleline option when the army has a general of the Freeguild. They are a pricy unit, clocking in at 180 points for just 3 models. However their high wound count and fast movement make them a good complimentary unit to any infantry your army might have. Furthermore, they can be built up to a unit of 12 riders, a powerful force to skewer any large foe.
The weapons Demigryph Knights take to the field are also nothing to scoff at. Demigryph Knight’s Halberds are powerful tools with a strong +3 to hit and wound and a nice -1 rend in addition. These Sigmarite tipped halberds are enough to cut through any horde of disorder. Demigryph Knight’s Lances are overall less powerful but unlock the mighty Charging Lance ability. This gives their lances a -2 rend whenever they decide to charge the enemy. We can’t forget the mighty Demigryphs themselves. Their Beak and Talons are just as powerful as the Halberds their rider can take into battle, albeit with less range.
While each Demigryph Knight is a noble and powerful soldier in their own right, they need leaders. Such are the Preceptors, experienced veterans who lead their kin into battle. Their experience is shown by their extra melee attack on the tabletop. One in every three models can be chosen to be a Standard Bearer, adding 1 to the unit’s overall bravery. One in every three models can be chosen to be a Hornblower, adding 1 to their charge and run rolls. A Hornblower is a perfect choice for any unit wielding lances.
These powerful knights are the perfect hard hitters of the Freeguild armies.
