Reiters

The regimental colours and sigil The Black Reiter Company Active: 1631-Present Type: Mercenary Company Role: Mercenary forces: shock lancers, heavy infantry, scouts and malleable warriors. Size: Over 2000 soldiers. Country: Independent soldiers. Garrison/HQ: The Whispering Crossroads. Motto: Sans Frontieres - No Borders, No Boundaries March: Name of Song here Battle Honours: See Operational History Commanders Commanding Members: Lothaire Lans Ewan af Morr Reginald Adelmar aep Stonehollow Norman de Conick Quartermaster: Berenfroy de Fontevrault Insignia Abbreviation: Reiters Nicknames: Reiters, Riders, Vrakian Riders

The Black Reiter Company, or commonly known as the Reiters, is a mercenary company for hire, operating out of Castle Belvitz in the Republic of Vrakai.

History

Founding

The founding of the Free Company of the Reiters can best be attributed to the global tumult following the waning of the Holy Orenian Empire’s status as a superpower and the ruthless period of conflict following - namely during the War of the Beards. It was then in the year 1636 that the foundations of a formal band began to culminate; a handful of sellswords and once-soldiers wayfaring the land in search of coin and plunder for hired steel. Their exploits on the field of battle gained them immense renown amongst the denizens of Axios, specializing in mounted cavalry and hit-and-run tactics.

Having established themselves on Axios, the Reiters erected a fine red fortified bastion on the plains of Calais, having exchanged coin with Savoyard lords for their would be home. After laying the foundations for their operations, the Reiters received multitudes of contracts for their services. The most notable contract which the company received resulted in many giving their lives to the hell spawn known as Mordskov where the Manticore, monster hunters, would find great need for the Reiters experience on the battle-field. They were tasked with procuring the panacea plant, which they did with great sacrifice. Many of these brothers in arms would offer their mettle against a beast of no lesser spite and evil than a demon, the Hydra. It was at the end of this conflict that the survivors would develop their banner and identity, the blackened crimson shield with an embossed Hydra.

This nascent, hard-hearted band of men branded themselves as the Black Reiters, a mercenary company unfettered by the laws of arms and governments of Kings and men. Now at full bearing, the company elects to be recruited on a contract-by-contract basis by private employers during times of war.

Current History

Since making landfall upon the new shores of Atlas, separated from the vast wealth that their Company had accumulated by a storm that wrecked their ships, the Black Reiters have built themselves a formidable set of fortifications and establishment upon the Whispering Crossroads, a vital hub of travel due south of the Cloud Temple. Swiftly erecting the 'Fort Little Knox', little more than a set of wooden palisades and a well secured armoury, the Company set about vigorously securing their surroundings, establishing protection of 'The Mother's Breast', a nearby tavern, and forcing tribute out of nearby smaller settlements. In the following years the Company had a more permanent and durable base of operation built, in the form of Kaer Vrakai.

The Company's twilight years began after the Third Crusade, when many of its members gave up arms and used the looted spoils and the riches gained from the war to settle down among the Vrakian populace. Twenty years later, after much turmoil in the region and a rapid succession of robber-barons claimed Belvitz for their own, prior to its final acquisition by the Duke of Adria, many new recruits enrolled with the Reiters. As of 1660, the mercenary company was at full strength and operational once more.

Organization

Advancement in the Black Reiter Company is earned through merit. To climb the hierarchy, one must prove their worth through service and sacrifice.

Ranks

• Captain: The Black Reiter Company employs a tight knit command structure. There are no more than seven captains at a time. Each must be capable of leading their subordinates into battle, organizing patrols, negotiating on contracts, and potentially speaking on behalf of the Company. They are typically the best the Company has to offer in terms of leadership and charisma and often take up specializations.

• Reiter Sergeant: Reiter Sergeants are most comparable to junior command of other orders. They are veterans in their own right and expert fighters. In the absence of Captains, they are charged with organizing the men, and leading small raiding parties. They are often delegated with other tasks at the discretion of the Captains

• Reiter: To achieve the rank of Reiter is to be fully inducted into the Company. A Reiter has proven that he is more than capable of holding his own and has completed the 'blooding' ritual, in which an Unblooded has been given an Officer's blessing to 'blood' their scarf red.

• Unblooded: A fresh recruit into the Company. They are afforded few privileges and must earn their respect.

Arms and Equipment

Full Reiters are permitted to customize their kit as they fit. Thus, they are able opt for light/heavy armor or can choose to wield anything from a sword to a halberd. Typical arms favored by the Company include a longsword, warpick, and halberd. All of which are valued due to their versatility. Other necessities include their entrenching kit, matches, field dressings, and packaged rations.

Operational History

The Company - though partaking in a vast number of minor skirmishes, raids, and attacks on towns - is notable for their involvement in the following wars and battles.

The War of the Beards, c. 1631 - 1636

• The Battle of Jornheim Fields, c. 1634

The first major deployment of Reiter forces on the field on the battlefield. Large contingents of the company were mounted on horseback, performing hit and run tactics on the Coalition’s rear lines. However, after having noticed the Orenian and Urguani lines crumbled under the weight of the Coalition onslaught, a withdrawal was ordered.

• The Siege of Fort Kovakirr, c. 1635

A large portion of the Reiter Company was tasked with aiding with the defense of Fort Kovakirr, an integral territory of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. Reiter sappers helped with organizing the siege batteries and archers manned the walls with the rank and file. While the Company’s marksmen initially stemmed the Coalition advance, the attempts would prove futile under the weight of the assault. The Reiter forces garrisoned within Fort Kovakirr fought to the last man, slain where they stood. This brave and fearless sacrifice is still honored today by members of the Company.

The Third Crusade, c. 1638 - 1641

• The Battle of the Bloody Road, c. 1638

Forward Reiter scouts identified a hilltop thought to be advantageous; overlooking the Bloody Road. Archers were quickly scrambled to seize the high ground.The hill, nicknamed The Bloody Knoll, served as the Reiter’s much needed vantage point. Throughout the day, several advances were rebuffed. However, the Company’s lines would begin to wither over time and the strategic position would have to be given up.

• The Battle of Rochdale, c. 1640

Contracted by the sovereign of Renatus, the combined human kingdoms and Reiters sought to bring a counter offensive to the heathenous Kingdom of Norland. Reiter mercenaries were equipped in their heavy lancer kit; full barding, polearms, and clad head to toe in plate. The Company’s cavalry wing took the far flank along the left side of the main road leading up to Adelberg. From there, they caught eye of the Norlander forces moving through the forests who had thought they had the element of surprise on the Crusader-allies. Instead, the Reiters seized the initiative, charging headlong into the sides of Norland’s lines. The poorly organized militias of Norland quickly dissipated against the sheer impact of the charge. The battle was a decisive victory which would set the course for the Third Crusade.

• The Siege of Vjorhelm, c. 1641

High off their previous victory, the Crusaders and their allies pursued the fleeing Norlandic host back to the walls of Vjorhelm, the capital of Norland. For the following months, a siege would ensue. However, the walls would prove sturdy against the constant bombardment. The Reiter officers present at the battle determined that explosives would need to be planted at weak points along the wall to create a breach. After a hole had been punched, Reiter combat teams infiltrated the first set of walls. Under a blinding hail of arrow fire, they were able to interlock shields in a turtle-like formation and exchanged arrows with the Norlandic archers harassing the Crusaders below. Progress was slow and came with a devastating loss of life. However, through their will and determination, the Reiters and the Crusaders were able to go from room to room, snuffing out all embers of Norlandic resistance. In this battle particularly, the Reiters were credited with a high kill count.

The Staunton Uprising, c. 1667 - Present Day

Renewing their old contract with the human sovereign of Renatus-Marna, the Company took to the field once again against the freshly formed Staunton host, swiftly achieving a series of minor victories. TBC

War of the Two Emperors, c. 1715 - Present Day

Lineage

-The Black Reiter Company has undergone a series of name changes. Initially they'd gotten their namesake from their lands which they'd received from local Savoyard lords. Eventually, they would settle upon the Black Reiter Company.

• Originated 1631 as "Reiter Company of Calais"
• Redesignated 1638 as "Reiter Free Company"
• Redesignated 1640 as "Black Reiter Company"

Foreign Relations

The Black Reiter Company takes up a neutral foreign policy in order to keep potential contracts open.

Notable Members

• Lans [Founder]

First born, eldest brother of three, fathered by Gundred. Spent his entire youth with the brutish Vrakian cavalry in the blistering north, where ice met wind in a maelstrom. It was here that his strength and acumen for battle was cultivated daily, especially his proficiency with spear and shield. At his coming of age ceremony, he declared himself independent and chose to find work as a free warrior, with the hopes to earn fame and coin. It was fate that lured him to the Imperial cavalry during the conflict with Urguan and the Frostbeards, where he fought back to back with Lothaire, fending off the coalition. Several skirmishes later, the pair would find the Azghari twins, Batu and Mongke, with whom they’d come to coin the idea of a mercenary organization, the Black Reiters.

• Lothaire of Calais [Founder]

Son of the Merciless, Uhtred Vallberg. A cavalry man by heart, the fourth-born son of Uhtred. He would never inherit his father’s lands nor titles, even coming second to life to his twin, Ewan. Such is why the Vallberg son sought a compromise, joining the imperial cavalry, finding brotherhood in arms and battle. This is where he had been destined to meet Lans. After months of grueling conflict and bloody battles, side by side with his newfound Brother, Lothaire saw no gain from the imperial army; no pay nor glory. Due to this realization, the idea of a private company was hatched between himself and Lans, coming to life upon their discharge from the army and meeting of the Azghari riders.

• Batu of the Steppes [Founder]

Son of the Azghari rider, Dogan, Batu found the brotherhood of the core after the collapse of his tribesman. Following with his brother, Mongke, the pair would cross steel with the coalition alongside Lans and Lothaire. Known for his extreme accuity mounted archery, Batu has been credited as the greatest cavalry archer among the Reiters. Shortly after the founding of the Reiters, during a disastrous event in Bastion and due to circumstances unforeseeable, Batu exchanged his life to protect that of the woman he loved most.

• Mongke Khan [Founder]

Twin brother of Batu and son of the Azghari rider Dogan, Mongke boasts incredible mobility and skill with horse-back lancing. Mongke’s career as Reiter knew no defeat on the soil which he dominated, his steed, a tame, white thoroughbred left his foes sodden and defeated. During the Third Crusade, Mongke displayed valor that would perpetuate the history of men as he commanded a unit of Reiter cavalry, pincering flanking Norlandic forces with a fatal charge.