Vedic Tiger Warriors by Jennifer Burdoo
This Themed Army Idea comes to the Jungle from Jennifer Burdoo, who stuidied modern military history at Kansas State University. The inspiration for this army was the British Indian Army, natives who fought on the side of the British Empire in the 19th Century.

Background
The planet Veda is far from the major combat zones of the Imperium and until now, the Administratum has been content to raise Imperial Guard regiments from the warrior kingdoms of neighboring Kente, the 8th planet of the Regulus system, leaving the peaceful people of Veda to their farms and villages.

All that has changed with the 3rd War for Armageddon. The Imperium needed fighting forces right away and, with the Fighting Tigers bogged down on Auros IX, sent a commission to raise a regiment from among the Vedic (this effort was not without some difficulties). Because the Fighting Tigers have guarded Veda for millennia, the native people are unfamiliar with Imperial military doctrine, so this first regiment, the Vedic Tiger Warriors, is under the strict command of Terran Commissars. In addition, they are accompanied by crack Praetorian troops to back up the less-experienced Vedic. 

Philosophy
The Vedic Tiger Warriors are a basic shooty Imperial Guard force, composed primarily of infantry backed up by heavy support. Though this is only the first regiment ever raised from Veda, the Vedic are quick learners and devoted to serving the Brahman, the Sleeping Emperor, as he commands. This army uses the rules from Codex: Imperial Guard with the adjustments found below.

Doctrines
A Vedic Tiger Warriors army uses the following regimental Doctrines:

• Storm Troopers;
• Rough Riders;
• Jungle Fighters;
• Warrior Weapons; and,
• Heavy Weapon Platoons.

HQ
Since the regimental Commissars are really in charge, at least one must be taken. Only Junior Officers (called subedars) are permitted in Command Squads--they lead in name only, and must defer to any Commissar. For reasons explained under Heavy Support, the Command Platoon must contain at least one Mortar Support Squad. 

Elites
The army must include at least one unit of Praetorian Storm Troopers or Hardened Veterans. 

Troops
As per Codex: Imperial Guard, except that Armored Fist Squads are not permitted. Vedic Sergeants are known as havildars, and troopers as sepoys. Up to three Infantry Squads may be upgraded to Jungle Fighters; these represent the Thugee, a savage tribe of Kali-worshippers from the continent of Mahaduyana.

Fast Attack
As per Codex: Imperial Guard. Vedic Rough Riders are known as sowars.

Heavy Support
The Pujaba tribesmen of the mountains of Ghuyarashtra have proven to be excellent long-range artillerists, so the first Heavy Support choice taken must be a Basilisk or a Heavy Weapon Platoon with only Mortar Squads. 

Modeling and Painting
This army is loosely based on the English colonial armies in India, which were always officered by the British. As such, Commissars, Veterans, Storm Troopers and possibly a few Veteran Sergeants should be Praetorian models in Blood Red coats and Skull White pants. 

Unlike most other Imperial Guard armies, the Vedic Tiger Warriors would largely eschew camoflauge, considering it "poor form." The bulk of the figures should be Mordians (for a 19th Century style) in contrasting, possibly bright colors. Bestial Brown and Skull White would do, or Blood Red and Skull White. Praetorians would also work well, especially in similar (but not identical) colors and patterns as the Storm Troopers and Veterans. For a more modern look, you could use Cadians painted Bubonic Brown (khaki). Thugee (the Jungle Fighters) should be Catachan models, perhaps in appropriate camoflauge--their job, after all, is to scout ahead and dispose of enemy sentries.

General Tactics
The Vedic Tiger Warriors are a basic shooty Imperial Guard force, but for the sake of theme, Commissars, elite human troops, and indirect fire are emphasized. Heavy Support should stay out of sight, laying down fire for the masses of "native" infantry. Storm Troopers and Veterans should have transports to seize quarters, assault specific points, or support the infantry.
 

Related Pages
Da Blood Orks Chapta: Another Themed Army Idea from Jennifer Burdoo
Storm Warriors: Also by Jennifer Burdoo
Other Fighting Tiger Allies
Other Imperial Guard Themed Army Ideas
 

© Copyright Jennifer Burdoo, August 2000. Used with permission. Revised April 2005.
 

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