Imperial Forces
The Emperor's hammer striking at Bohemia's crown.
The Imperial Forces serve as the military extension of Emperor Sigismund of Luxembourg during the early fifteenth century. In the Kingdom Come Deliverance timeline, they represent a direct and existential threat to King Wenceslaus IV’s rule over Bohemia. Composed of elite knights, professional mercenaries, and levies loyal to the Holy Roman Empire, their invasion marks a critical escalation in the regional power struggle between the two Luxembourg brothers.
- Leader
- Emperor Sigismund
- Allegiance
- House of Luxembourg / Holy Roman Empire
- Primary Objective
- Depose King Wenceslaus IV and claim the Bohemian throne
- Key Stronghold
- Sasau Castle
- Status
- Active Invaders
- First Encounter
- Siege of Skalitz
Lore & Background
These forces arrive not merely as foreign invaders, but as claimants to a throne already occupied by Sigismund’s own brother. Their presence signifies the fracturing of the Luxembourg dynasty, turning family rivalry into open warfare across the borderlands. While King Wenceslaus commands local nobility and town militias, the Imperial army brings professional discipline, superior heavy armor, and siegecraft from across the empire.
The conflict is deeply personal for the monarchs involved, yet it drags the common people of Bohemia into a brutal struggle for survival. The Imperial troops are often depicted as ruthless professionals who view the local defenders as obstacles to be removed by force rather than political rivals. Their march through the countryside brings fear and destruction, serving as the primary catalyst for Henry's journey from blacksmith to knight.
In Their Own Story
The mud sucked at the boots of the imperial vanguard as they crested the hill overlooking Skalitz. Banners bearing the double-headed eagle snapped in the cold wind, signaling to the defenders below that no mercy would be granted today. A knight adjusted his greaves, knowing the King’s brother waited behind these walls, and victory meant a crown for Sigismund.
Reader's Guide
The Imperial Forces operate under the direct command of Emperor Sigismund, who seeks to replace his brother Wenceslaus as King of Bohemia. Their hierarchy mirrors standard medieval military structures, with seasoned commanders leading professional knights supported by levies and mercenaries. Unlike local bandits or town guards, these soldiers are well-equipped and disciplined, posing a significant threat to unprepared defenders.
Henry first encounters them during the Siege of Skalitz, where they serve as the primary antagonists attempting to overrun the castle. Later in his journey, Henry must navigate their political sphere by traveling to Sasau to negotiate directly with Sigismund himself. This interaction reveals that the Emperor views Henry not just as a peasant, but as a useful asset in the broader conflict. Ultimately, defeating or outmaneuvering these forces is crucial for stabilizing Wenceslaus’s reign during this turbulent period of Bohemian history.
Did You Know?
- Emperor Sigismund and King Wenceslaus IV are brothers from the House of Luxembourg.
- The Imperial army initiates the game's main conflict by besieging Skalitz Castle.
- Henry eventually meets Emperor Sigismund face-to-face at Sasau Castle during his questline.
- Their soldiers wear distinct plate armor that differs visually from local Bohemian knights.