A unit must always include a leader model to represent its captain or senior officer, chieftain, or other worthy. He does not fight better than his men and his profile is exactly the same. His inclusion is intended to provide a visual focus for the unit to make it look more splendid! The leader is always placed in the centre of the front rank of the unit. If there is no obvious leader model in the unit then the individual in the centre of the front rank is automatically assumed to be its leader.

The unit's leader has the same weapons and armour as his men, and if the model itself actually lacks a shield or substitutes a sword for a trooper's spear, then these differences are ignored during the game itself. The leader fights exactly like other ordinary members of his unit.

Leader models are not normally removed as casualties, an ordinary trooper may be removed instead. This represents the second in command taking over, or the most spirited trooper assuming command in his commander's place. When removing casualties most players leave their leader model until the very last, although this is entirely a matter of choice.