Keythong
"The Cambreath Home Guard resemble their namesake: they are fierce, loyal, and incredibly violent. A bit prickly too, if I'm honest."
~Margrave Arronax Skinner, Elector of Cambreath
Composition
Manpower
~2,727 soldiers
With ~90 noncombatant quartermasters.
Weaponry
Pikes, spears, hurlers, javelins, and short swords.
Full armor kit consists of breastplate with a helmet, gauntlets, greaves and a kite shield.
Structure
Nine captains from a council to make decisions by the principle of Accordant Concision.
Each captain commands three lieutenants who command four vanguards. Each vanguard leads two sergeants who each lead twelve men.
The quartermaster corps consists of one Quartermaster, who embeds ten quartermasters lieutenant into each of the nine companies. Quartermasters lieutenant are responsible for arming, armoring, equipping and feeding the regular troops as well as inspecting defenses while on campaign. They also establish depots and caches.
Tactics
Keythong units work on a three line system. Their best marksmen screen their movements in front of their lines using hurlers. As the enemy approaches, they withdraw behind a checkered line of the strongest throwers hurling javelins. As the enemy approaches still, the best fighters use the checkered gaps to rush out and countercharges the enemy with shields and short swords. The retreated lines press behind them with spears and pikes to inflict maximum damage on the enemy frontline.
Training
The soldiers of the keythong earn pay based on their badges. They qualify for copper, silver, gold, and platinum badges in each of their weapons based on their performance on courses designed to test proficiency with each weapon. These badges also determine their place in the line.
To increase competition and their recruiting pool, the nine captains will sometimes set up these courses with cash prizes at melees and tournaments.
Finally, they put themselves at the disposal of the Sheriff of Cambreath for guard duties. They typically keep one platoon at his disposal at any time, but in times of strain this may go all the way up to a company.
Logistics
Logistical Support
The quartermaster corps uses outsiders to bury caches in the short term at the head of the army, and they set up semi permanent depots at regular points in controlled territory. These depots hold food and usually have civilian wagon caravans paid to transport the goods to the front.
Mercenaries, trainees, auxiliaries are usually left to guard these depots, but in times of extreme duress they use conscripts.
Auxilia
The quartermasters are given free reign to hire extra hands to protect supply lines, plant caches, build or repair depots, and forage for supplies. They also have legal authority to conscript as needed, though they are loathe to do so for a whole host of reasons.
The Keythongs also receive support from the Knights of the Barghest, and if needed can call upon the various Balatar Militias of Cambreath
History
The Cambreath Home Guard was formed initially as essentially a unit from which griffin knights could be selected. Men who had distinguished themselves in combat or training as being of great prowess would eventually receive the opportunity to be elevated to the flying corps, but it became rapidly obvious that prowess on the ground does not necessarily translate to prowess on the air and the Keythongs were separated from the griffin knights.
By 120, the schism was complete and they have existed more or less the same ever since. The only artifact that they retain from their early origins is an emphasis on constant tests and badges of honor.
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