Ishtar Rangers

Ishtar Ranger Insignia

Ishtar Rangers Concept

## Other information

### **Specialty**

Sharpshooters, Marksmen, Scouting, Guerrilla Tactics, Infiltration, HVT Elimination, Light Infantry, and Reconnaissance

### **Special Weapons**

Long-Las, Needler Sniper Rifles, Autocannon Sniper Rifles, and Boltguns

## Commanders

### **Notable Commanders**

(To Be Added)

The **Ishtar Rangers** are the highly trained Astra Militarum Regiments that hail from the Imperial pleasure world of Ishtar, located in the Ishtar Subsector in the Segmentum Ultima. These Guardsmen serve as Scouts and Snipers for the Imperium. Raised in the forests of Ishtar, hunting and scouting the way of life.

## Background

Their origin from legitimate hunter/anti-poacher forces patrolling giant noble forest estates made ideal recruits. Skilled in woodcraft, hunting and marksmanship, self-reliant, but obedient to authority, extremely mobile, especially in forested terrain, the Ishtar Rangers are some of the best scouts on foot around. The regiments are skilled at surviving in the wilderness, and its soldiers are masters of operating in forests. Hunters and trackers almost without peer, there are few who can escape their pursuit. Utilising the long las or sniper rifle, the soldiers of these regiments hone their abilities to strike at range, preferably neutralising their targets without ever revealing their own presence.

These Guardsmen are light infantry units trained in covert warfare tactics and deployed against the Imperium's enemies as infiltrators, assassins, and saboteurs. Stealthy and dangerous, these soldiers spend much of their time well behind enemy lines carrying out clandestine, top-secret missions behind enemy lines or even on worlds entirely held by foes. They tend to show more initiative and creative thinking in the field than the average Guardsman. Indeed, it is this ability to think on their feet and adapt to quickly changing tactical situations that keeps them alive and allows them to carry out their dangerous missions successfully. Experts at asymmetric warfare, their missions typically include killing or capturing enemy leaders, interrogation, and deep infiltration strikes against enemy installations and infrastructure.

The commanders of these regiments are often quiet and contemplative, men of few words. When one of them does speak, it is with great and solemn purpose, to give commands that have been considered in exacting detail. The Commanders of Ishtar Rangers do not command loyalty through rhetoric or heroics, but through quiet competence, and their men have learned to trust in the skill commanders show and rely on the chain of command.

## Regimental Organisation

### Regimental Hierarchy

#### Officer Ranks

* **Colonel**
* **Lieutenant Colonel**
* **Major**
* **Captain**
* **Lieutenant**

#### Non-Commissioned Officers

* **Regimental Sergeant Major**
* **First Sergeant**
* **Gunnery Sergeant**
* **Staff Sergeant**
* **Sergeant**
* **Corporal**
* **Lance Corporal**

#### Specialist Positions

* **Adjutant** - An Adjutant is a military appointment given to an officer who assists the commanding officer with unit administration, mostly the management of human resource.
* **Colour Sergeant** - A Sergeant recognised for valorous actions in the face of overwhelming odds and for performance in battle, above and beyond the call of duty. These veterans are appointed to carry the colours (Battalion, Company or Platoon Standards) to rally the troops in battle. For this reason, to be appointed a colour sergeant is considered a prestigious attainment, and such individuals are treated with the utmost respect.

### Typical Ishtar Ranger Regiment

**Major (Executive Officer)**
**Adjutant**
**Regimental Sergeant Major**
**Command Staff**
**Munitorum Clerks**
**Chief Surgeon**
**1st Infantry Company**
**2nd Infantry Company**
**3rd Infantry Company**
**4th Infantry Company**
**5th Infantry Company** | **2nd Sentinel Support Company**
**6th Infantry Company**
**7th Infantry Company**
**8th Infantry Company**
**9th Infantry Company**
**10th Infantry Company** | **3rd Sentinel Support Company**
**11th Infantry Company**
**12th Infantry Company**
**13th Infantry Company**
**14th Infantry Company**
**15th Infantry Company** | **4th Sentinel Support Company**
**16th Infantry Company**
**17th Infantry Company**
**18th Infantry Company**
**19th Infantry Company**

#### Typical Ishtar Ranger Company

**Lieutenant (Company Executive Officer)**
**First Sergeant**
**Company Staff**
**Munitorum Clerks**
**2 Doctors**
**Gunnery Sergeant**
**4 Staff Sergeants (Squad Leaders)**
**Sergeants**
**1 Platoon Standard Bearer**
**Corporals**
**Lance Corporals**
**Privates**
**4 Squads**
**Platoon Medics**
**Platoon Command Squad**
**1st Veteran Squad**
**2nd Veteran Squad**
**1st Hellshot Team**
**2nd Hellshot Team** | **Lieutenant**
**Gunnery Sergeant**
**4 Staff Sergeants (Squad Leaders)**
**1 Platoon Standard Bearer**
**Sergeants**
**Corporals**
**Lance Corporals**
**Privates**
**Platoon Command Squad**
**4 Squads**
**Platoon Medics** | **Lieutenant**
**Gunnery Sergeant**
**4 Staff Sergeants (Squad Leaders)**
**Sergeants**
**1 Platoon Standard Bearer**
**Corporals**
**Lance Corporals**
**Privates**
**Platoon Command Squad**
**4 Squads**
**Platoon Medics** | **Lieutenant**
**Gunnery Sergeant**
**4 Staff Sergeants (Squad Leaders)**
**Sergeants**
**1 Platoon Standard Bearer**
**Corporals**
**Lance Corporals**
**Privates**
**Platoon Medics**
**Platoon Command Squad**
**4 Squads**
**Platoon Medics** | **Lieutenant**
**Gunnery Sergeant**
**4 Staff Sergeants (Squad Leaders)**
**Sergeants**
**1 Platoon Standard Bearer**
**Corporals**
**Lance Corporals**
**Privates**
**Platoon Medics**
**Platoon Command Squad**
**1st Sharpshooter Team**
**2nd Sharpshooter Team**
**3rd Sharpshooter Team**

## Regimental Recruitment & Training

Soldiers endure the great mental and psychological stresses and physical fatigue of combat; to create and cultivate such a physical and mental environment. The training primarily comprises field craft instruction; students plan and execute daily patrolling, perform reconnaissance, ambushes, and raids against dispersed targets, followed by stealthy movement to a new patrol base to plan the next mission. Receive instruction on military mobility training, as well as techniques for employing a platoon for continuous combat patrol operations in a mountainous environment". The stamina and commitment of the Ishtar Ranger is stressed to the maximum. At any time, he or she may be selected to lead tired, hungry, physically expended Ishtar Rangers to accomplish yet another combat patrol mission. The Ishtar Ranger continues learning how to sustain themselves and their subordinates in the Forests. The rugged terrain, severe weather, hunger, mental and physical fatigue, and the psychological stress the Ishtar Rangers encounters allow the leaders to measure their capabilities and limitations and those of their fellow Ishtar Rangers.

## Regimental Combat Doctrine

Rangers are full-time soldiers employed by nobles to patrol between fixed border fortifications in reconnaissance providing early warning of raids. During offensive operations, they act as scouts and guides, locating villages and other targets for task forces drawn from the militia or other troops. Rangers often perform Fire-fighting and Law Enforcement duties as well. Further their doctrine reflects these duties when in the field, often deployed to aid in policing civilians on the battlefield. When in combat they prefer to remain unseen and act from a distance.

## Wargear

* **Ishtar Pattern Flak Armor**: A light and relatively simple form of body armour used by the military forces of the Imperium of Man. It is used as standard issue body armour. Many layers of ablative and impact absorbent material go into making each suit, enough to deflect or negate most low-level attacks such as small arms, shrapnel, and proximity blasts. Cameleoline fabric is incorporated into the outermost layer of Ishtar Ranger Regiments' fatigues to enhance their ability to conceal themselves.

* **Mjorn Issued M416 Lasgun** produced by Mjorn that are provided to various Astra Militarum units. Operate in the 21 megathoule range, but is designed to draw from a Mjorn Pattern M1 Power Pack. Additional heat sink rings lining the exterior of the barrel as well as is notable for its heavily reinforced energy transfer capacitors, general durability in a wide variety of planetary environments, and superior heat dissipation qualities.

* **Mjorn Issued M416b Long-Las**: A modified standard pattern Lasgun with an XC 52/3 strengthened barrel, which is both longer and thinner than the usual model. The strengthened barrel allows for increased range and greater accuracy. The rifle does not have a charge setting slider, instead employing specialized ammunition known as a hotshot power pack. The standard armament among the sniper cadres for Ishtar Rangers.

* **Mjorn Pattern Needle Sniper Rifle**: It fires a needle of crystallized toxin, propelled by a form of laser technology that is invisible and flashless, allowing the weapon to be used without giving away the sniper's position. Various types of toxins are be employed by the Ishtar Rangers, the most common being lethal neuro-toxins. The Needle Sniper Rifle is given to the top ranked snipers in any given regiment as a sign of how skilled they are.

* **Hellshot**: A large calibre anti-materiel sniper rifle with a bipod that uses the same ammunition as the autocannon meant for knocking out enemy equipment, suppressing light vehicles, and eliminating enemy combatants in a single hit. The primary heavy weapon for the Ishtar Rangers, they favor the Hellshot over heavier weapons for anti material warfare. Produced on Cogger under the guidance of Mjorn Techpriests, the famous gunsmiths of Autocannons create this for the Ishtar Ranger Regiments.

* **Perinetus Pattern "Solo" Mark II**: Its workings are much less sophisticated compared to other boltguns and it can only be operated in single-shot mode. Its lack of an automatic fire mode is made up for by its somewhat longer range, better accuracy and higher reliability of its mechanism. Sergeants and higher generally carry this very precise Bolt weapon.

* **Scout Sentinel** - The Scout Sentinel has a partially armoured canopy and is used mainly for scouting and reconnaissance purposes. Employed primarily for reconnaissance duties and light infantry fire support, the Scout Sentinel is used by many Astra Militarum regiments to locate and obliterate knots of enemy resistance in daring ambushes and surprise attacks. Articulated legs enable them to stalk quietly through dense undergrowth or urban ruins whilst permitting an impressive burst of speed over open territory. These scout vehicles' power plants also incorporate noise-reduction modification so as not to alert the enemy to their presence.

## Notable Regiments

* **77th Ishtar Rangers Guerrilla Regiment**: This regiment is known for its exceptional skills in covert warfare and guerilla tactics. They have been deployed on several classified missions, leaving behind a trail of successful operations until the entire regiment was wiped out. Their reputation for blending seamlessly into forest environments and conducting hit-and-run operations has made them legendary within the Ishtar Rangers.

* **9th Ghostwood Rangers**: The 9th Ghostwood Rangers specialize in reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions. They are frequently deployed to scout enemy positions, report on enemy movements, and provide critical information to support larger Imperial forces. Their mastery of woodcraft and tracking allows them to operate undetected in even the most challenging terrains.

* **19th Veiled Archers**: The 19th Veiled Archers are known for their mastery of the bow and arrow. While the majority of Ishtar Rangers rely on lasguns, this regiment employs traditional archery techniques to carry out covert, stealthy attacks. Their expertise in archery has made them highly effective in ambushes and silent eliminations.

* **301st Nightshades**: The 301st Nightshades are experts in night operations and night vision technology. They excel in nocturnal warfare, often striking when their enemies least expect it. Their ability to operate under the cover of darkness has earned them a fearsome reputation.

## Notable Ishtar Rangers

* **Corporal 'Cameleon' Cadogan**: A Catachan that has made a name for himself with his ability to adapt among the Ishtar Rangers when his Regiment and a Catachan Devil Regiment were combined after a campaign left both regiments undermanned.

* **Sergeant Jonas Hawkeye**: Sergeant Hawkeye of the 77th Ishtar Rangers Guerrilla Regiment is a legendary sniper. His accuracy and calm demeanor under fire have saved his comrades on numerous occasions. He is revered for his expertise in camouflage and concealment, making him nearly invisible to the enemy.

* **Corporal "Swift" Seraphina**: Corporal Seraphina of the 9th Ghostwood Rangers is famous for her unmatched tracking skills and uncanny ability to navigate through dense forests. She has a reputation for always finding her way back to friendly lines, even in the most treacherous terrains.

* **Ranger Veridian**: Ranger Veridian is the bowmaster of the 19th Veiled Archers, celebrated for her exceptional archery skills. Her expertise in traditional archery techniques has made her a symbol of precision and deadly accuracy among her peers.

* **Major Nyx Nocturne**: Major Nocturne leads the 301st Nightshades and is known for his exceptional night warfare strategies. He has developed innovative tactics for nocturnal operations, making him a sought-after commander for missions under the cover of darkness.

## Regimental Appearance

Ishtar Rangers wear specialized fatigues that incorporate Cameleoline fabric, allowing them to enhance their ability to conceal themselves in forested environments. Their uniforms are typically colored to match the forest and woodland surroundings, featuring various shades of green, brown, and earth tones to provide effective camouflage. Sniper cadres among the Ishtar Rangers may have additional equipment such as ghillie suits or hooded cloaks for improved concealment while sniping. To further enhance their ability to blend into forested environments, they might use foliage and natural materials to decorate their gear and camouflaging their faces.

### Regimental Insiginia

The insignia is a circular emblem with a lush forest landscape as its background, representing the woodlands of Ishtar where the Rangers have honed their skills. The forest scene is depicted in rich shades of green and brown, and it fades into darker hues at the edges of the circle to create a sense of depth and concealment.

At the center of the insignia, a silhouette of a sniper, armed with a long-las rifle and wearing a ghillie suit, is depicted in a stalking position, perfectly blending into the surroundings. This central figure symbolizes the stealth and precision for which the Ishtar Rangers are renowned. The entire insignia is encircled by a laurel wreath, symbolizing honor and excellence, which are core values of the Ishtar Rangers.

## Allies

### Astra Militarum

 Suaineach Stitchers | Pict-File Unavailable | When both regiments need to conduct raids or surgical strikes, they can collaborate by using the Stitchers' stealth and infiltration skills to get close to their target. Once the Stitchers have assessed the situation, they can call in the Rangers to launch a precision assault from range, eliminating key threats or disabling critical infrastructure.

## Enemies

### By the Ishtar Rangers

"*I bet I can drop those three before you.*"
—Unknown Ishtarian Snipers betting
"*Those Liberty guys have some funny ideas on government but at least they fight well.*"
— Ishtar Rangers Sniper in conversation at base camp.
*Feel free to add your own*
### About the Ishtar Rangers

> "(3 bodies fall in the distance)
>
>

"*This is Joker Squad, nice shot Ishtars. Attempting a breach-and-clear now.*"
—Lieutenant Octavius of the Agents of Liberty's Specter detachment during a stealth raid against Chaos Cultists.

## Acknowledgements

* Thanks to OldKingCole77 for reviewing and helping consolidate and refine the Regimentos.