Palatine Militatus
"And through the prophetess Nimak-Mor, Scarroh demanded of Tor that one third of the people of Filar be put to the sword, and one third be given into slavery, and one third be given the Mark of Scarroh. So Tor took his Men-At-Arms numbered one hundred and forty-four. They failed, and Tor was taken prisoner within the walls of Filar. He was forced to watch the torture and execution of every one of his Men-At-Arms. He thus spoke to the criminals and prisoners of Filar, and convinced them of his obligation. They were the first Palatine Militatus, and when they escaped they put their own city to the sword. One third they tortured and executed in the same way as Tor's Men-At-Arms, one third they sold into slavery and thus they were given the wealth of kings, and the final third were conscripted into the Palatine Militatus. They swore the Oath of Vengeance and branded themselves with the Mark of Scarroh." ~Crusaders' Song, Canticles of the Demiurge.
Composition
Weaponry
Longswords, Crossbows, Maces
Vehicles
Warhorses
Structure
Each platoon answers to an abbot. The platoon is led by a Commander, who has three squad leaders called Lances, and each squad has three Swords that command three men each.
Tactics
Palatine charge. When their momentum falters, they break off the attack and wheel around to charge again. As part of their oaths, they prioritize the swift and bloody butchery of anyone that manages to kill a member of their team.
Training
Palatine Militatus go through a brutal training exercise that they call The Scourging
Logistics
Logistical Support
Palatine Militatus can expect or demand support from any member of the Church of the Demiurge, and they have detailed lists of each of them and what they own.
Auxilia
Every templar in the order has two squires that watch from the sidelines. In times of emergency, they can be called up to form an infantry unit, but their job is primarily support and observation.
Upkeep
Every templar costs two gold per month when not on campaign, and one gold per week in the field. This covers equipment maintenance, care of their horse, salary for themselves and their squires, and supplies.
Recruitment
Palatine Militatus are recruited exclusively from criminals convicted of murder. While many sign up as a ploy to avoid the noose, the Scourging cures them of any lack of faith.
History
The Palatine Militatus were formed by the crusader-saint Tor. According to tradition, he was captured in a failed attempt to fulfill his goddess's commandment to destroy a city. He converted that city's prisoners to his cause and they formed the original Palatine Militatus, and they obliterated the city. Since then, it has been their purview to avenge the wrongs done to the church hierarchy.
Historical loyalties
The Palatine Militatus are loyal to Scarroh, their Bishop, their abbot, and the citizens in their area. Strictly in that order.
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Type
Special Forces
Founding
Heroic Age
Overall training Level
Elite
Assumed Veterancy
Veteran
Used by
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