The Praetorians are Astra Militarum regiments recruited from Praetoria, a crowded hive world near the naval base at Bakka. They’re famous for iron discipline, bravery against impossible odds, and a very Victorian look: scarlet tunics, blue trousers, and pith helmets.
What the Praetorians are
Praetoria is a heavily populated hive world in a system close to the Imperial naval base at Bakka. Its hive cities are known for squalor and degradation, and they produce some of the toughest gangsters anywhere in the Imperium.
Most of that population works as little more than slave labor in huge factory complexes. The goods they make have turned Praetoria and its rulers into one of the richest planets in the Imperium, with a merchant fleet that trades across the Segmentum and beyond.
Training and discipline
Praetorian regiments are known for iron discipline and bravery even when the odds are overwhelming. The planetary lords believe only fearsome training and draconian punishments for the smallest infringements can make hive-toughened people follow orders.
Whatever you think of those methods, they work. Praetorian troops are as ferocious on the attack as they are stubborn in defence.
How they fight
The Praetorians fight much like the Mordian Iron Guard, using concentrated volley fire to cut down the enemy in vast droves.
That shared emphasis on massed, disciplined shooting is the clearest link between the two regiments in the lore.
Uniform and appearance
A Praetorian uniform is a scarlet tunic with epaulettes, dark blue trousers with a vertical scarlet stripe down the outside leg, and a pith helmet.
- Scarlet tunic with epaulettes
- Dark blue trousers with a vertical scarlet stripe
- Pith helmet as headgear
Notable regiments and members
Several Praetorian regiments show up in major campaigns, including the 5th and 35th at the 13th Black Crusade, the VII at the Pariah Crusade, and the XXIV at the Big Toof River Massacre.
- General Reginald Monstella de Barka, 13th Black Crusade
- Captain Caine, Battle of Glazer’s River
- Major General Robert William Charles Murphey Jr, VII Praetorian Guard commander, Pariah Crusade
| Regiment | Campaign |
|---|---|
| Praetorian Guard 5th | 13th Black Crusade |
| Praetorian Guard 35th | 13th Black Crusade |
| VII Praetorian Guard | Pariah Crusade |
| XXIV Praetorian Guard | Big Toof River Massacre |
Key facts
- The Praetorians are Imperial Guard regiments from the hive world Praetoria.
- Praetoria sits near the Imperial naval base at Bakka.
- They’re known for iron discipline and bravery against overwhelming odds.
- They fight like the Mordian Iron Guard, using concentrated volley fire.
- Their uniform is a scarlet tunic, blue trousers with a scarlet stripe, and a pith helmet.
FAQ
What is the Praetorian Guard in Warhammer 40k?
They’re Astra Militarum regiments raised from the hive world Praetoria, known for iron discipline and massed volley fire.
What do Praetorians look like?
They wear a scarlet tunic with epaulettes, dark blue trousers with a scarlet stripe, and a pith helmet.
Which regiments are named in the lore?
The 5th and 35th at the 13th Black Crusade, the VII at the Pariah Crusade, and the XXIV at the Big Toof River Massacre.