Hellriders
The Hellriders are an elite formation of mounted knights famous for riding into the Infernum. Based in Saarthal, they are currently lead by High Rider Victor Wulfgar.
Composition
Manpower
Numbers of Hellriders have been declining in the last several decades. The current roster is 700 armoured, mounted knights. At its peak there were said to be at least 3,000 Hellriders at any given time.
Structure
The High Rider has overall command of the Hellriders. However, there are senior knights who lead companies and sections when on the battlefield and during sorties.
Tactics
Skilled soldiers who fight from horseback, they are typically proficient with spears or lances, composite bows or horse bows, and long curved sabers. They can fire their bows from the backs of their horses while on the move without hindrance. Their light warhorses are mighty destriers. They are strong and well-equipped.
Logistics
Upkeep
The maintance of arms and armour, as well as the breeding and care of horses, means the Hellriders upkeep is considerably expensive. A tenth of Hellrider earnings are donated to the city coffers.
Recruitment
Enlistment and training can begin as young as twelve. People come to Saarthal from other lands just to join the Hellriders. On their commission, warriors of the Hellriders in the founding years were granted a light warhorse and a suit of crimson and white plate mail armor, which was marked with an upturned crescent symbol. Today they wear the new crest of Saarthal: the sun and its smaller, blazing companion.
On their enlistment a Hellrider is made to swear the Creed Resolute. This has them swear to serve the High Observer and the greater good, uphold Saarthal's law, and permit no difference in faith to come between them, nor attribute the Companion to one god or another, among other codes of behavior. This Creed was recently introduced after the appearance of the Companion. Although the Hellriders adopted the Creed, other defenders and citizens were free to take the Creed Resolute.
History
The Hellriders were formed in the year 87AE after an event known as The Ride. It's said that an angelic being visited the Kingdom of Aumont searching for zealous warriors to launch a crusade into the depths of the Infernum itself. Most of these knights were Saars, although warriors came from Sancre, Kronburg, and further afield. The angel gathered several thousand knights at Saarthal where they then rode through a portal leading to Avernus. The warriors fought courageously, however the legions of hell were too great, and the angel was defeated. Regardless, those who returned were glorified and earned the moniker Hellrider. The surviving Hellriders established themself as a permanent order in Saarthal, vowing to protect their lands and bring heavenly justice to any fiends and deamons they encountered. The order is still around today, although in smaller numbers. Since the emergence of the Companion they have sworn to the Creed Resolute.
Historical loyalties
Saarthal, Kingdom of Aumont (pre-schism).
Type
Cavalry
Founding
87AE
Overall training Level
Professional
Assumed Veterancy
Experienced
Ranks & Titles
Comments