Chariot Formation
Rank upon rank of men line up to face their enemy in battle. From across the field, dust is kicked up in great clouds. They hear the slap of hooves and the creaking of wooden spokes. Some grow unnerved and piss themselves, while the more experienced hold firm, knowing what's coming. Suddenly, bronze arrows fly through the air. They scramble to get their shields in front of them before its too late. Men are hit in the face, the chest, and legs. Some fall, their blood wetting the parched dirt. A corps of chariots charges toward them, but before they turn away before they collide with the infantry, getting off shots before they have wheel around for another chance. The men in formation know another attack is coming soon and they haven't had a chance to fight back. Their hope is that their king's own chariots will be able to mount a successful counterattack and drive the enemy back.
Composition
Manpower
Depending on the size of the unit, they consist of hundreds of men and horses. A general rule is to have a ratio of one horse for every man. The Kalu have units of 100 chariots, or 200 men and horses, while the Met-sitimi have larger units consisting of 150 chariots with twice as many men and horses.
Equipment
Two or three horses are necessary to pull the average chariot. Depending the width of the cart, two or three may stand on it at any given time. Two men teams consist of a driver and an archer, while three men teams consist of a driver, archer, and shield bearer. While the driver controls the horses, the archer takes shot at enemy formations and the shield bearer defends the chariot from approaching infantry.
Weaponry
The shield bearer is equipped with a shield, a spear, and sometimes a sword or dagger. The archer uses a bow and arrows that are kept in a quiver on the back until ready to be shot. Drivers are usually given a dagger for use in a last-ditch effort of defense in case one or more of the horses are killed or a wheel spoke breaks.
Vehicles
Hence the name, the formation uses chariots. The charioteers drives them and the task of anyone else is to either defend from or attack the enemy.
Structure
Different kingdoms relies on different structures, but the king is generally at the top, with lords of varying level of prestige are in charge of according units.
Tactics
A chariot is used to break up the enemy's ranks by driving past and loosing arrows or more rarely by charging straight into them. They also engage other chariots and hold them off while the infantry battle.
Training
To hone their skills, a charioteer must practice for years learning to drive it and how to shoot arrows accurately while moving.
Logistics
Logistical Support
Spare parts for the chariot are required on any march in case something breaks and needs to be replaced. Horses require large amounts of fodder and water. Nobles provide their own supplies, either bought or acquired from the wealth of their lands.
Upkeep
A charioteer must maintain his chariots and horses, which is an expensive proposition. He alone bears the cost of keeping both in peak fighting condition. In most cultures, if he is unable to do so, he is usually not permitted to fight in the formation. Wealthy families keep their own stables and contract skilled workers to repair any damages their chariots suffer.
Recruitment
Charioteers are drawn from the nobility because they are the only ones that can afford the equipment. A small of mercenaries ride chariots, but they are looked upon with scorn for not fighting for any one king or country.
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