A unit of troops may carry a standard which might take the form of a flag, banner, totemic idol or similar device. The standard is carried by a standard bearer. The standard bearer is assumed to be armed and armoured like the other models in the unit and fights in exactly the same way. Although the model might actually lack a shield or substitute a spear for a sword, such things are ignored as making no difference to the unit's overall fighting ability. The standard bearer also has to carry a banner as well as fight, but he is chosen from the meanest and most determined individuals in the unit, and this more than makes up for any disadvantage suffered because of the weight and inconvenience of his standard or difference in his armour or weaponry.

The enemy cannot specifically attack standard bearers or musicians as he can character models. Standard bearers are not normally removed as casualties, as it is assumed that if the standard bearer were killed another trooper would pick up the banner and take his place. Therefore, the player can always remove an ordinary trooper in preference to a standard bearer, even if the ordinary trooper is not in base contact with the enemy.