Karling

Kettle left the barracks behind the group of strangers, a dozen men behind him. He knew whatever they were doing was important and that these strangers were key to that. He also knew that if they were headed east, then Jing was involved and that meant a fight. The men behind him were young, eager to enter battle with an enemy that wasn't a post or a friend, but he felt trouble in his bones. On the way out of town he grabbed one of the young trainees and paid the boy a few silver to deliver a letter to his daughter. If the ancestors were kind, she would forgive an old man for his duty.

Composition

Manpower

Karls are broken down in 600 man fighting groups, with 100 of them being noncombatants focused on moving and maintaining supplies. the 500 fighting men are divided into 2 groups of 175 and one group of 150. the first two groups are the mainline, meant to engage the enemy in with javelins before engaging in melee. the third group is meant to rotate in and serve as a reserve force. Each group is divided into smaller units of 25 with the oldest member being the Thegn of the unit who is responsible for leading the men into battle.

Equipment

The main equipment of the Karls is their heavy wooden shields, reinforced with banding for strength. Next is four Javelins meant to be used to soften enemy charges or formations. They wear a mix of chain mail and studded leather, with the mail meant to protect vital areas without limiting movement. finally their choice in weapon is varied but is often a spear, axe or if they can pay for it, a sword. They rely on supply lines or pillaging the countryside for food and so do not carry a notable amount with them and their gear for camp is carried but the noncombatants.

Weaponry

Either a spear, axe or sword and four javelins

Structure

there are three lines in a unit, the third being shorter. In those lines are seven (six in the case of the short line) fighting groups under the command of a Thegn. the most senior Thegn of all of them is in charge of the entire unit and is known as the Karlspeaker.

Tactics

Shield wall is its preferred formation, however the men are trained to break down into pairs and spread out if fighting a beast or monster. Taking and holding the high ground is often the opening move for a commander of Karlings, advancing in a human made wedge of pushing shields and spears once the flow of battle settles. When retreating the third is the rearguard and it has been known for the third line to charge into a foe to disorganize them and them to withdraw quickly.

Training

Profiency in Medium armor, Shieldwall formation, melee combat and disipline. Capable of short range volleys.

Logistics

Logistical Support

it has a hundred non combatants, along with a a half dozen wagons to carry the supplies in. These people include cooks, smiths, runners, and others all reporting to the Supplymaster who acts as a commander for his charges and has been known to be older and elderly Karls that can no longer fight in the lines.

Upkeep

moving the Karls is not usually cheap in terms of supplies, though traditionally they were paid in a portion of the spoils of the raid, this is no longer the case.

Recruitment

Karls are tested at application to see whether their skills are adequate and made a trainee if they are not. They must be young men, usually of Fenrikan descent and at initiation all of the recruits are lines up and told to raise their shields. Senior Karlings line up and prepare to charge the line, testing to see who will break. Any who do are immediately removed from training. Sometimes it has been known for the Companions to bring a Dire Wolf to perform this charge. It is considered notable if someone passes during this event.

History

Officially create by Erik after the Battle of Doros Pass, they have formed into a capable and well trained fighting force ever since, often serving as the flanks of the army next to the Companions. Unlike the Companions however, they do not keep a history of their battles, rather they keep a record of who were brave and heroic during the battle, and those who fell.

Type

Infantry

Founding

3655

Overall training Level

Semi-professional

Assumed Veterancy

Experienced

Used by

• Fenrika