Reiters
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Role
The role of the Reiters, who they are and what they do.
Contents
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. They stand ready for any contract to be taken out, always available.
Organization
Brief description of ranks and uniforms.
Officers
- Founders: The four men that founded the Company. They hold the utmost authority and have the respect of every fully fledged member of the Reiters.
- Core: Description
- Junior Officer: Description
Enlisted Members
- Senior Enlisted Member (usually Sergeant): Description
- Mid-Ranking Enlisted Member: Description
- Junior Enlisted Member: Description
Arms and Equipment
The typical Reiter soldier would carry the following on a daily basis:
Arms:
- Weapon 1
- Weapon 2
- Weapon 3
Equipment:
- Armour 1
- Helmet 2
- Gambling Dice 3
- Everyday Tools 4
- Etc 5
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
- The Siege of Vjorhelm, c. 1641
Lineage
-All the names that the Company has had in its lifetime. Example:
- Originated 1635 as "The Great Reiters."
- Redesignated 1638 as "The Reiters."
- Redesignated 1640 as "Reiters."
Commendations and Awards
A list of medals and stuff that the Company gives out to its soldiers.
Foreign Relations
What countries they're cool with and what countries they're not.
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.
- Adelmar aep Stonehollow [Core]
One of the youngest Reiters and a Savoyard by birth, the lithe swordsman has been with the Free Company since its conception, and has since then steadily climbed the ranks through both determination and skill of arms. A welcome sight to his fellow mercenary, Adelmar has been charged by Lothaire to mantain a detailed Chronicle about the history of the Company, due to the vast and incredibly deep education the boy received during his youth.
- Ifan Ben-Mezd [Core]
- Norman de Coninick [Core]
