Reiters
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Role
The role of the Reiters, who they are and what they do.
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
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
The typical Reiter soldier would carry the following on a daily basis:
