Hakkija of Sarala

Mobile Marauders

For family and fatherland, friends... We have a realm to restore!

— Tõelemb Käharik, Unit Elder

A Hakkija is a semi-professional unit of skilled cavalrymen employed in the forces of the Kingdom of Sarala. Known for their savage strikes and unexpected mobility, these units make regular use of ships to navigate major rivers and the Great Lakes, outmanoeuvring their foes and striking from where the enemy least expects them. Historically, the Hakkijas have even raided lands far beyond their native shores, but with their homeland in turmoil, their efforts are now focused closer to home, fighting to prevent the complete collapse of their ancient kingdom.

Tactics

Typical units of Hakkaja consist of 168 men, 28 of which are non-combatants assigned to logistics, maintenance, and other such tasks. The exact numbers can vary in reality depending on whether they’re embarking on an assignment on the lakes or if they’re staying on land. Terrain and weather conditions also play a large role in their military operations and the methods they tactics they choose to enact. Often during the heart of winter, when the snow is too deep for their horses, the Hakkija dismount and make clever use of subterfuge, raiding their enemies’ encampments.
Their equipment can be up to their personal taste and budget, but they're expected to be wield a spear, a sidearm such as a sword or axe, a shield, light armour such as a sturdy gambesson, and a helmet. They're frequently seen covered in hides and fur during the colder months of the year.

Hakkija of Sarala by Midjourney

Battlefield Harassers

In traditional large battles, the hakkija units are often employed similarly to typical light cavalry forces, using their speed and mobility to harass the enemy flanks and running down those who’ve begun to rout. Most leaders of large armies find them better suited for other endeavours, however, as the skills of the Hakkaja men are put to better use before and after large-scale engagements.
Battles often lead to too many casualties, while well thought out raids committed beforehand have the potential of striking an even greater blow to their foes and their morale than a charge in the midsts of battle. Hakkija units are frequently told to scour the surrounding area following a successful engagement, killing or capturing those unfortunate enough to avoid evasion and hindering their opponent’s ability to regroup their routed forces in significant numbers.

Recruitment

Our shores are plagued by these men of the north who hail from the distant lakes. Their attacks have been swift and brutal—showing little to no mercy to those that lie in their wake.

— A concerned Rehenian

The men of the Hakkija are commonly recruited from among skilled raiders with experience of navigating the lakes and the seas beyond, using their expertise to launch raids against faraway lands. Equestrian capabilities play a vital role as well, of course, as new recruits are expected to keep up with their more experienced counterparts. During times of greater hardship, such as the Kingdom of Sarala is now facing, recruitment standards can be relaxed, allowing for the employment of those who’ve never been on proper raids, but have instead proven their capabilities through rigorous training.

Service

Traditionally, the soldiers within Hakkija units have had to serve for around a season or at most an entire year, but with the turmoil currently afflicting the region, those service durations of the past have long been forgotten. Many have followed their brothers-in-arms into battle for over a few years now, fighting for a dream of a reunited Saralian realm. As most such soldiers originate from sustenance farms, their families are usually well provided for during the duration of their military service, but whether or not such support will continue as resources and funds continue to dwindle remains unknown.

Type

Cavalry

Overall training Level

Semi-professional

Assumed Veterancy

Trained

Used by

• Kingdom of Sarala

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Manpower

168

Soldiers

140

Non-combatants

28

Similar Units

Units similar to the Hakkija exist among other Saralian countries, but only is the Kingdom of Sarala are they so well-trained and keen on using ships. The other realms lack the naval superiority to compete with Sarala, giving their units the upper hand.

Hackers

The name Hakkija comes from the Saralian word for someone who hacks or chops. The name was associated with them because of their ferocious reputation hacking down hordes of fleeing men with their swords and axes, despite the fact that most of their handiwork is performed using their regular spears.

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Map of Sarala

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