Rough Rider
From Lexicanum
Rough Riders are fast moving troops of the Imperial Guard, mounted on a horse/animal/beast/grox/bike or other mount which is faster than the rider on foot. They are deployed on the battlefield as quick attack units and specialize in hit and run tactics, but fare poorly in prolonged combat. They are armoured no better than the average Guardsman but their speed and manouverability is an asset to any Imperial Commander.
Rough Riders are primarily designed for close combat, not ranged assault, and as such their basic armament is designed with this in mind. Their Laspistol and close combat weapon provides them with an extra attack, crucial for their combat role on the field of battle. They may substitute these weapons for a Lasgun or shotgun, a hunting lance or an assault weapon. including:
They may also be armed with either Krak Grenades or Melta Bombs, designed for attacking armoured vehicles. Due to their mobile nature, they cannot carry heavy weapons, which limits their ability to attack heavily armoured opponents or structures.
The hunting lance is a long spear with an explosive tip which gives them an advantage in the first turn of combat. This potent weapon can only be used once, after which time it is discarded. The increased combat abilities it gives the user allow the riders to get rid of any of the more powerful enemies they come across early in the game.
Also, due to their mount, the Rough Rider can move faster than a normal guardsmen, and as such they gain a movement boost during the shooting phase rather than shooting.
Famous Rough Rider Squadrons
- Attilans
- Ezelti Lancers
- Krum XVI
- Gantor Riders
- Praetorian Hussars
- Krieg Death Riders
- Tallarn Desert Raiders
Variations
The Imperial Guard are not known for their exclusive use of Bikes, but occasionally Rough Rider Squadrons may be mounted on Bikes rather than the native animals. This confers no benefits or disadvantages to the rider, but is a fairly easy conversion project.
Sources
| Command Units | Command Platoon • Heroic Senior Officer • Senior Officer • Junior Officer • Sanctioned Psyker • Commissar • Priest |
|---|---|
| Flexible Troops | Infantry Platoon • Conscript Infantry Platoon • Hardened Veteran Squad • Storm Troopers • Sentinel Squadron |
| Combat Troops | Armoured Fist Squad • Rough Rider Squadron • Ogryn Squad |
| Ranged Troops | Ratling Snipers • Snipers • Heavy Weapons Platoon |
| Support Units | Fire Support Squad • Anti-tank Support Squad • Mortar Support Squad • Sentinel Support Squadron • Special Weapon Support Squad • Techpriest Enginseer |
