Jarl's Huscarles of Heortland
The Heortlander Elite Guard ("The Ravens")
The Heortlander Elite Guard ("The Ravens")
The Jarl's Huscarles of Heortland is the personal retinue and guard of the Jarl of Heortland. Often referred to informally as "The Ravens" for their black cloaks, every member is trained as marines, equally skilled as infantry on land or at sea. They are chosen by the Jarl herself, and serve her loyally. Scandalous rumors abound of liaisons between the Jarl and these huscarles, but no evidence has yet been brought to light.
The Huscarles are a proud band of men and women from across the jarldom, devoted to the protection of the jarl and jarldom. They have seen action in raids, troll attacks and even an attempted insurrection. To date, they have never been defeated.
Composition
Manpower
500 men and women (100 Huscarles, 400 reservist Carles). The full muster is made only once per year during peacetime, but the huscarles serve year round as a palace guard and retinue.
Equipment
Each member of the unit is supplied with livery (green tabard with gold trim and a black raven sigil, good boots and sturdy clothing), studded leather armor, wooden shield and weapons befitting their role. On campaign they are issued leather backpacks with 2 weeks' rations, tents and necessary clothing and bedding.
Weaponry
The huscarles of the unit are outfitted with study Dwarven axe, chainmail, shortsword and a sheaf of four javelins. The carles are divided between footmen (75%) and archers (25%). The footmen are armed with spear, shortsword and four javelins apiece. The archers use shortbow, 30 arrows and shortsword.
Vehicles
The Ravens maintain a fleet of twelve longships in Axefield, each capable of bearing fifty soldiers with gear. Two vessels are auxiliaries, intended for use if any of their sister vessels require maintenance or in the event of loss. Supplies are maintained in a nearby shed, guarded by eight carles of the unit.
Structure
The Jarl of Heortland is the overall commander of the Ravens, subject only to the King of Torness. Below her are the thanes in command of each unit: one for the Huscarles, two for the Carles (each one commands a company of 200). Each band of fifty soldiers are commanded by a Banner, responsible to their thane and commands a longship when so deployed. As their name implies, each carries a unit banner and a horn for rallying their men and passing orders.
Tactics
The tactics of the Huscarles vary depending upon their mission. In general, however, theirs are considered the cutting edge of the forces of Heortland.
Training
Members of the Jarl’s Huscarles are expected to remain in fighting trim year-round. This is usually done in yard practice, but is sharpened by intermittent wargames and troll raids. Traditionally, the jarl participates; however, since Jarl Tostig Bearkiller passed away, Jarl Aelfwyn has declined this honor.
