Elven Kemin Riders

Written by Salen

The Elves have a specialized force of cavalry that ride the elven great cats into combat called Elven Kemin Riders. They number in the hundreds and are mainly used in the Forest of S'ren where the great cats are the most agile, but can sometimes be seen patrolling the plains as well. The elves fight with long spears and short bows while mounted and are adept at firing from the saddle even at a good pace.

Bonding Ritual

The bond between both Kemin and Elf is so strong that to kill one injures the other to a degree. When a rider is chosen he must go into the forest to find his mount. This can take days and involves a spell of calling, using Ether, and summons one of the beasts most like the riders heart. Once done, the cat will find the rider within one to five days, depending on how far it must travel, and some of the animals fight the magic at first. once within sight of each other the magic ends and the elf must bond with the cat before it leaves. this is done by speaking to it in elven and assuring it that they are of the same heart and mind when it comes to protecting each other. If successful they form the bond that allows them to achieve one mind in combat, acting on the thoughts of the other without spoken command.

Composition

Manpower

The Kemin riders have twenty riders to a formation and currently have five formations scattered around the Forest of S'ren and three more in the capital of Lyl.

Weaponry

Spears and short bows are the standard equipment for the Kemin riders. They do not use black powder weapons because it spooks the animals too much, but each rider does carry a reserve pistol just in case their mounts are slain.

History

The Stand at Arimandrian was the first battle that the elven Kemin riders were known for. Led by the Archmagus Salen Valari, they defended the city from attack by the dwarven legions of Nagar for days until reinforcements arrived from Lyl. The Dwarves had forced their way in with smaller Geartanks and laid siege to the tree city. Out of the twenty riders, seventy troops, and twelve magus that day they lost only four riders and seven Kemin, along with three magus and fifty troops.

Type

Cavalry

Overall training Level

Elite

Assumed Veterancy

Experienced

Parent Formation

Elven Kemin Riders