The Death Korps of Krieg – Part 4

Title: “The Commissars of War: An Inside Look at the Death Corp of Krieg”

The fabric of Warhammer 40,000 is woven with tales of indomitable courage, relentless warfare, and awe-inspiring characters. Amongst these, the Commissars stand as the paragons of ironclad discipline and unwavering loyalty. These officials are not just the military overseers of the Imperial Guard, but also the thread that holds the fabric of regiments together, preventing them from unravelling in the face of overwhelming odds.

Their role is particularly crucial in the Death Corp of Krieg, a regiment notorious for its grim determination and readiness to pay the ultimate price in service to the Emperor. The Commissars in this setting act as the sole restraining factor for officers primed for sacrifice in the heat of battle. They remind their subordinates of the insignificance of minor skirmishes that could lead to unnecessary losses and jeopardize larger engagements. Their wisdom and leadership are crucial in avoiding unnecessary bloodshed and preserving the regiment’s strength for strategic victories.

When the Death Corp fights alongside other units, the Commissars serve as diplomats, fostering cooperation and quelling hostilities. They are the friendly faces amidst the gas mask-clad soldiers, a beacon of reassurance for allied troops. Commissars in the Death Corp often have a calming effect, their presence acting as a soothing balm to the turmoil of war.

The Commissars’ responsibilities extend beyond diplomacy and leadership. They are also the guardians of the regimental standard, the most prized artifact of each Death Corp regiment. This honorable task is sometimes shared with a junior officer known as an Ensen. Promotion to this rank is a stepping stone towards higher positions within the regiment, offering the chance to command a platoon or be assigned to a squadron of Death Riders.

Despite the military prowess of Krieg, the planet has no aristocracy or hereditary officer class. Instead, officers within the Death Corp climb the ranks starting as foot soldiers. Having weathered countless campaigns, these future commanders have either proven their mettle or simply survived the devastating battles. This meritocratic system, however, applies only to combat officers. Staff and auxiliary officers are usually attached from other regiments or Imperial nobility, often within specific families.

Another unique trait of Death Corp officers is their indifference towards medals and decorations. They view these as meaningless trinkets, and their sentiment is echoed by the common Guardsmen. In the Death Corp, courage and valor are a given, not something to be rewarded with mere trinkets. The Guardsmen neither expect nor accept any honors or awards for their service to the Emperor.

Distinct from the officers are the Quartermasters, who serve as field medics, equipment managers, and preachers. Their role dates back to the civil war, where the loyalists, with limited resources, were forced to resort to field triage. The Quartermasters would assess the severity of a soldier’s wound and determine the necessity of medical assistance. Those severely injured received the Emperor’s Mercy, an honorable field execution, while the rest were given treatment. This tradition continues in modern times, explaining why Quartermasters, unlike other medical personnel, are always armed.

Even in death, a soldier can still serve his regiment. Quartermasters, often compared to scavengers, collect everything from weapons and ammunition to coats and socks from the fallen, redistributing them as needed. Their role is a testament to the Death Corp’s philosophy: every resource, every soldier, every moment counts in the service of the Emperor.

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