Akritae
The Aeillan Akritae, are multiple units of local semiprofessional soldier-farmers who are responsible for protecting Aeillan frontiers, serving as frontier law enforcement, putting down local rebellions, and occasionally engaging in small scale raids on rival successor states. They often are lightly equipped, getting second hand equipment or being required to purchase their own.
Most standard Akritae are, semiprofessionalized soldiers with low to moderate levels of combat experience. In combat they tend to be a harassing force rather than engaging in direct combat. They are most often equipped with a good suit of Light Lorikon (a mail shirt), and usually carry a spear, a shield, and either a light crossbow, a shortbow, or an arquebus (depending on access to advanced manufacturing and gunpowder) into battle. In some states, particularly those without Penandroi, there are a more professionalized cadre of "Penakritae". These troops are generally more experienced than other akritae, and with greater state funding are better equipped. They are usually equipped with a suit of metal lamellar Klivanion armor, and walk into battle with javelins, and a sword or axe in addition to their spear. Conversely, many poorer states, can supply their Akritae with even less, and often these soldiers must go into battle with either Kavadion, or oftentimes must even manufacture their own crude padded armor. Those Akritae who are actively trained as cavalry have a solid skill in horsemanship, and tend to be beneficiaries of more investment thanks to their horses being considered a valuable resource They can reliably expect to have an old refurbished suit of Klivanion armor and often have handaxes into battle, or in rare circumstances have purchased their own pistols to use in combat as well as their spears, bows, and shields.
Types of Akritae
Most standard Akritae are, semiprofessionalized soldiers with low to moderate levels of combat experience. In combat they tend to be a harassing force rather than engaging in direct combat. They are most often equipped with a good suit of Light Lorikon (a mail shirt), and usually carry a spear, a shield, and either a light crossbow, a shortbow, or an arquebus (depending on access to advanced manufacturing and gunpowder) into battle. In some states, particularly those without Penandroi, there are a more professionalized cadre of "Penakritae". These troops are generally more experienced than other akritae, and with greater state funding are better equipped. They are usually equipped with a suit of metal lamellar Klivanion armor, and walk into battle with javelins, and a sword or axe in addition to their spear. Conversely, many poorer states, can supply their Akritae with even less, and often these soldiers must go into battle with either Kavadion, or oftentimes must even manufacture their own crude padded armor. Those Akritae who are actively trained as cavalry have a solid skill in horsemanship, and tend to be beneficiaries of more investment thanks to their horses being considered a valuable resource They can reliably expect to have an old refurbished suit of Klivanion armor and often have handaxes into battle, or in rare circumstances have purchased their own pistols to use in combat as well as their spears, bows, and shields.
Composition
Structure
Akritae are generally quite loosely organized with units consisting of roughly Bandon sized groups of free residents willing to serve in their state's military, and under most circumstances this is how they perform their duties. In wartime, when successor states want to exercise greater control over their Akritae, most have the ability to standardize their Akriate and appoint officers from among veteran soldiers within, or from the ranks of their Penandroi.
Tactics
Akritae, when on the battlefield, serve as a harassing force, mostly relying on their bows to deliver projectiles at a great distance and avoiding contact with enemy units at all cost. More broadly, the Akritae tend to favor hit and run raiding tactics, burning enemy villages and taking captives before disappearing back into their home territory. For this reason, horses are favored by any Akritae who can acquire them, and especially those with cavalry training. and they see heavy use in scouting, raiding, and occassionally on the battlefield.
Training
The Akritae receive relatively light training, roughly one or two months on the archery range and drill yards before being stationed. While on station, Akritae are generally required to engage in exercises and drills for one months a year when land doesn't need tending. Akritae are also often engaged in brief campaigns, law enforcement, and other activities which keep up the rudiments of their training throughout their service in Akritae units.
Logistics
Logistical Support
Aeillan Akritae are given minimal support by the state, generally in initial grants of equipment, or in coin to acquire their own. They are then expected to look after their own logistical upkeep, relying on local services, or their own skills to upkeep equipment, feed themselves, and perform other functions necessary to keep the unit combat ready.
Upkeep
Akritae are, compared to their more professional counter parts, relatively light in upkeep costs to their employing state. Equipment is issued to the Akritae, with upkeep expected of the soldier themselves. They also receive a small stipend in coin, and generally land grants to provide food, clothing, and other necessities for themselves. Some states however, house their Akritae in barracks not too dissimilar from a proper professional Penandroi unit.
Recruitment
Akritae are usually recruited from the rural poor, or occasionally from free farmers. Rural residents are generally preferred for their already having rudimentary survival skills, and in the case of more urbanized areas, their supposed disconnection from the area and therefore reduced likelihood of ignoring crime when it occurs. An Akriton recruit is generally stationed away from their home for much the same reason.
History
Formed by the Aeillan Empire as part of a series of military reforms that occurred shortly before the start of the Feloran invasions, the Akritae were meant to be the guardians of the frontier to delay invading forces before the Penandroi could arrive to defeat invaders in detail and thus end incursions into the Aeillan Empire. Akritae proved inadequate in slowing down the Feloran invasions however, and as a result were slowly replaced by the Penandroi during the war.
In the reforging era, Akritae regained some prominence as the breakup of the Empire into smaller, and therefore less financially capable successor states, resulted in a reduced ability to sustain large armies of fully professional soldiers. Akritae frequently became the preeminent military formation, engaging in low scale offensive campaigns in addition to their guardianship roles, and furthermore gaining the additional duties of law enforcement as Penandroi were seen as too valuable for those duties as well.
Individual Stat Blocks: Akritae, Akritae Leader
Unit Stat Blocks: Standard, Penakritae, Chorakriate, Cavalry
Type
Militia
Founding
EA 340
Overall training Level
Semi-professional
Assumed Veterancy
Trained
