Aldari (Bretonnian Knights)

Lore & Background

Bretonnia is a vast feudal kingdom in the Old World, founded by the legendary hero-king Gilles le Breton. Its society is strictly hierarchical, built upon a code of chivalry that demands knights protect the weak and serve the Lady of the Lake. The land is dotted with castles, forests, and marshes, where the peasantry toils under the watchful eyes of their lords. While the kingdom is united by faith in the Lady, it is often plagued by internal strife between ambitious dukes and the corruption of those who fail to live up to their oaths. The knights of Bretonnia are the backbone of its military might, trained from youth to be fearless warriors clad in shining plate armor. They believe that their strength comes not just from steel, but from divine favor granted by the Lady herself. These mounted champions charge with reckless abandon, using the sheer weight and momentum of their horses to shatter enemy lines. Their presence on the battlefield is a symbol of hope for the oppressed and terror for the enemies of civilization, though their rigid adherence to tradition can sometimes lead them into traps or unnecessary conflicts.

In Their Own Story

The morning mist clung to the valley floor as Sir Valerius tightened his grip on the reins. His destrier snorted, sensing the tension in the air. Before him, a horde of Greenskins surged from the treeline, their crude war cries echoing off the stone cliffs. 'For the Lady!' Valerius shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos as he spurred his horse forward. The charge began with a thunderous rumble, a wall of steel and muscle tearing into the orcish ranks. As he rode through the fray, sword flashing in the pale light, he felt not fear, but the cold, clear certainty that the Lady was watching, guiding his blade to strike down the wicked.

Reader's Guide

Bretonnia draws its inspiration from Arthurian legend and medieval France, featuring a society where knights hold supreme status. In Total War: Warhammer, they excel at heavy cavalry charges, utilizing units like Knights of the Realm and Paladin Paladins to break enemy formations quickly. Strategically, players must manage 'Chivalry' to unlock powerful bonuses and maintain high morale among troops. Unique units include the Queen's Guard for elite defense and Peasant Mob for cheap screening. The campaign focuses on reclaiming lost lands from corrupt lords or invaders while expanding influence through diplomatic means or holy crusades. Victory objectives often involve controlling key provinces, defeating specific rival factions, or achieving a high level of chivalry to trigger an ultimate victory condition. Players must balance aggressive expansion with the need to maintain their feudal integrity.

Did You Know?

• The Lady of the Lake is a divine entity, not a playable leader archetype, who grants power to worthy knights but rarely reveals her true form.
• Bretonnian peasants are often conscripted into battle, serving as fodder to protect the elite cavalry charges.
• The kingdom's geography includes treacherous swamps and dense forests that can hinder enemy movement.