Hellion Raiders

"The raiders are a tradition. In some places, they're practically a formality. Typically, cities on the Great Grass Ocean and in Eldermeare will just pay them off. The Cambren of the Foothills seem almost as fond of fighting them as the Hellions are. They certainly keep things interesting, I'll say that much. Just make sure you have something to bribe them with if you're passing by." ~Abide Baht Mig, Caravaneer of Abide and Seak's Bizarre Bazaar

Composition

Manpower

Raiding parties can have anywhere from twelve to a hundred pairs of warriors.

Weaponry

Each warrior is equipped with a sword or axe, a spear, as many javelins as they can fit onto the chariot, and a shield. Most also carry a dagger or long knife to use as a last resort.

Vehicles

Hellions in a raiding party ride a simple wooden 'chariot' consisting of two boards attached to a pair of wheels. Whatever sufficiently fast and strong creature that the Hellions were able to subjugate pulls the chariot. Tall baskets for holding javelins are typically mounted around the side.

Structure

Raiding parties are led by warchons who organize the party. Beneath them is a trusted friend and advisor, or perhaps even a respected rival. This is the whip, and their job is to generally control the warriors of the band. These warriors fight in pairs. The more experienced of the pair is known as a blood, and the less experienced of the two is known as a scuzz.

Tactics

Raiders ride into battle on their chariots. They fight as individuals, charging enemy lines, throwing javelins, and riding away. Bloods do the fighting, scuzzes drive the carts. At a signal from the whip, the bloods will jump from their chariots and form a two-warrior deep shieldwall. They will fight this way until the whip signals a retreat, at which point they will break formation, sprint to their chariots waiting in the rear, and either resume fighting in hit-and-run style or ride away entirely.