The Reichwald Greatswords

The regimental colours and sigil The Reichwald Greatswords Active: 1639-1657 Type: Mercenary Free Company Role: Greatsword Infantry Size: One Regiment Country: Neutral/Canonist Affectionate Garrison/HQ: Nomadic Camp Motto: Fernweh (Waldenian: meaning, a longing for far off places) March: Die Landsknechte Kommen Battle Honours: See Battle Honours below Commanders Commanding Member: Sergeant Krieger Second-In-Command: Insignia Abbreviation: RG Nicknames: Reichwalden, Greatswords, Greatswordsmen

Role

The role of the Reichwald Greatswords is to provide quality mercenary greatsword infanteers to fulfill a contract of arms at home, abroad or on the field of battle. Each Doppelsoldner is trained on the use of the Zweihander in battle, and the unit as a whole acts as the "Anvil" in hammer and anvil tactics.

History

Founding

The Reichwald Greatswords Mercenary Company was founded by Klaus von Krieger in the year 1638, when he was a single mercenary working for himself. After several people took interest in the landsknecht fashion of clothing he wore, Klaus founded the Reichwald Greatswords and opened up for recruitment.

Organization

The Reichwald Greatswords don the flamboyant and wondrous puff-and-slash style garb of 15th-16h century German Landsknecht mercenaries. Their colours are Crimson, Gold and Black.

The Ranks in the unit are determined by a Doppelsoldner's leadership ability or social status, and fall under two categories: Officers and Enlisted Members.

Officers

• Oberste (Colonel): A member or legitimized bastard of higher Nobility.
• Hauptmann (Captain): A member or bastard of gentry or higher Nobility, often related to the Oberste.
• Leutnant (Lieutenant): Usually the highborn son or young cousin of the Oberste or Hauptmann in training to be the next Hauptmann and eventually Oberste.

Enlisted Members

• Feldwaibel (Sergeant): The most senior Enlisted Member in the Regiment, in charge of dress, deportment and discipline at Garrison and leads the men into battle while the officers stay behind.
• Doppelsöldner: Literally meaning "Double-Pay Men" make up the rest of the Company as Greatsword soldiers - those who fight on the front lines ahead of pikemen and men-at-arms in order to destroy or disrupt the enemy vanguard.

Tross The "Baggage Train" of Camp Followers.

• Trossfrau or Kampfrau: Soldiers Spouses or Women who follow along. They perform camp upkeep tasks such as laundry, cleaning and cooking.
• Children: Children of the Soldiers or other men.
• Craftsmen: Tradesmen who offer blacksmithing, tailoring, leatherworking, or other services.
• Merchants: Barterers and Hawkers who sell and trade various goods.

Arms and Equipment

The typical Reichwald Greatswords Landsknecht soldier would carry the following on a daily basis:

A Katzbalger Arming Sword.

Arms:

• Zweihander greatsword: either the straight-edge or Flamberge variant.
• Katzbalger arming sword for close encounters or when a greatsword is too cumbersome. This type of sword is often worn without a sheathe for quick, disciplined use.
• Landsknecht Dagger: A triangular blade used for stabbing and puncturing chainmaille. The shape of the blade blade makes the wounds near impossible to stitch up with conventional medicine and requires a team of surgeons.
• Crossbow: A light crossbow is often used for ranged engagements.
• Matchlock Arquebus: For specialized troops known as an Arquebusier - IF they're added to the lore.

Equipment:

• Waldenian "Maximilian" fluted plate cuirass, gorget, spaulders, tassets, knee cops, greaves, gauntlets and sabatons. Traditionally worn on just one side.
• Traditional Waldenian Tellerbarret or "Starfish Hat," often decorated with vivid colours or spectacular feathers.
• Coinpurse for gambling.
• Mess tin with a simple knife, fork and spoon.
• A pair of bone, wood or ivory dice for the Company's favourite game of Cretzer Craps.
• Belts.
• Leather Boots or traditional Landsknecht shoes.
• Hygiene supplies like moustache wax, soap, etc.
• Lorraine Cross.
• Whetstone.

An artists rendition of a Reichwald Greatswordsman c. 1640

Operational History

The Third Crusade

• The Battle of Rochdale 1640:

The Reichwald Greatswords, under the County of Chambery, fought with the Crusader forces and defeated Norland. The agreed upon payment for this was a shipment of 50 swords and 50 sets of armour.

• The Siege of Vjorhelm 1641:

In a final attempt to end Norland Paganism for good, the Crusader forces struck Norland's island city of Vjorhelm and stormed the fortress Krag. The resulting battle ended in an overwhelming victory, leaving nearly every Norlander dead or captured.

Battle Honours

• The Battle of Rochdale 1640

• The Rescue of Count Alexandre 1640

• The Defense of Metz against Void Abominations 1641

• The Siege of Vjorhelm 1641

Lineage

-Originated early 1640 as The Reichwald Greatswords

Commendations and Awards

None yet.

Foreign Relations

Canonist Affectionate, but Neutral.

Notable Members

Sergeant Klaus von Krieger c. 1640

An artists rendition of a Doppelsoldner charging into pikemen and halberdiers c. 1641