Asgardian Rangers

The Asgardian Rangers are the elite Imperial Guard regiments that specialise in scouting, camouflage and infiltration. Hailing from the Feudal World of Asgard, then Asgardian Rangers are often viewed as primitive, almost feral, and the Ranger's feudal background does little to alter this perception. It has been observed that the Asgardian Rangers have many advantages in their use throughout a warzone above and beyond the Scouts of the Space Marines. When faced against a tactical situation that is very fluid, the Asgardian's take advantage by utilising the sheer speed of their biologically enhanced mounts, manipulatively bred for generations by their world's Tech-Adepts. The mounts' incredible endurance and tenacity, coupled with their engineered resistance to wound and toxin can carry the Rangers through the worst of enemy held territory as they follow armies, staying out of the reach of opposing scouts and outriders.

During the Third War for Armageddon the Asgardian's ability to stay in the field and subsist in the most desolate of areas often prove invaluable. Scout Marines mounted on Assault Bikes were often constrained by the need for fuel, for the resources could be sparse in the Ash Wastes and they also suffered in situations where stealth, rather than skill at arms, was required. In addition, the territory north of the Hive City of Helsreach and that surrounding the nearest Ork drop site was directly comparable to the terrain of the Ranger's own homeworld, thus granting the entire company a familiarity of surrounding that so many of the Imperial forces on Armageddon lacked. The Asgardian Rangers were the clear choice to be utilised in the absence of Adeptus Astartes' support. Not other army on the planet had their skill or knowledge of reconnaissance within enemy held territory.

Though small in number, the Rangers of Asgard provided a great deal of intelligence on the force distribution of the Orks. Despite their late appearance in the Imperial forces on Armageddon, many tactical catastrophes had been averted by the vigilance of these versatile troops. Under the guidance of General Odwin, the cavalry-based regiments were dispersed across the entirety of Armageddon Secundus. It was rare that these units were actually consigned to fight at the front line, but all reports suggested the Asgardian Rangers were fierce and able fighters, and their biologically enhanced steeds were as ferocious as their masters.