Golden Gale Cavalry

They appear suddenly like an unexpected gale across the vast plain, and route their enemies with swiftness and guile. It is quite unlike the brutish hammering the Helian Army usually favors in their conquests.

— Inarel Silverquill, Lunarian Historian

Overview

The Golden Gale Cavalry is charged with patrolling the Golden Plains which surround the Radiant City of Sol. They are highly trained with a battle record proving their mettle. Before being assigned as a defensive unit they spearheaded Helia's military maneuvers in places where the land was open and the terrain was flat. Areas where the versatility and speed of mounted combatants could be maximized.

Composition

Manpower

There are one hundred and fifty six members of the Golden Gale at all times. Soldiers may die on the battle field, some may be promoted out of the unit, and others may simply be transferred to other units to share tactical expertise. Regardless of the case, new members are brought into the unit to maintain the Golden Cavalry's numbers at 156 - no more and no less. The number is key to their battle strategies. Not too little as to reduce their combat power, but not too much as to be unwieldy.

Equipment

Soldiers of the Golden Gale wear light armor to maintain speed and mobility. Their warhorses wear light barding to maintain versatility as well. Other equipment includes saddles, stirrups, horse blinders, and saddle bags. For the few mages that are allowed to join the unit, they carry components and books for spells.

Weaponry

Bows and arrows are the preferred weapon of choice for the Golden Gale. Additionally, each member carries a sabre. These sabres are used when either arrows run out or when one is dismounted mid-battle. Mages are given more freedom in terms of armament as they are expected to use their magic in support of the archers. The most desirable spell in the Golden Gale is that of healing. It can be expensive to retrain elite soldiers.

Tactics

Their tactics include hit and run. Versatility is the cornerstone of the tactics of the Golden Gale. They prize outmaneuvering their opponents in place of simply overpowering them.
This does limit the unit's uses to large plains. As a result, the Golden Wind could not be deployed during Helia's offensive against Lunaria in the Fractured Coast.

Training

The training required to be admitted into the Golden Gale Cavalry include tests of proficiency with mount handling and with the bow. Prospective recruits must demonstrate high competency in these areas before they are admitted into the unit. Additionally, recruits should demonstrate military professionalism such as honoring the chain of command and maintaining battle formations.

Type

Cavalry

Overall training Level

Elite

Used by

• Helian Army
• Kingdom of Helia

Note(s) from the Archivists:

When I traveled across the Golden Plains I spotted a cavalry unit practicing formations. I think it was this unit. They could keep formation as well as any bird flock. - Archivist Edward