Tharurian Raptor Cavalry

Unit

Stub

Tharurian Raptor Cavalry is like a devastating force of nature. When the squad of skirmishing Raptor riders strikes through the ranks of the enemy, results tend to be quickly available and more than just adequate. The difficulty of controlling these vicious beasts is the only thing slowing the units down.

Composition

Manpower

The typical raptor cavalry unit consists of 4-8 rider and their mounts, depending on the type of mission in question. In more significant battles, the smaller squads can form even bigger warbands to be more effective in a straight assault.

Weaponry

"Light" is the keyword when equipping a raptor rider. As the Dragonborns themself can be quite heavy, the weight of their equipment shouldn't increase the burden on the beast more than is needed.

Riders often wear light armor and are equipped with spear or longbows, carrying swords and axes as secondary weaponry for close confrontations. Mount is equipped with simple leather armoring, mostly tied to a sturdy leather saddle.

Vehicles

Most recognizable part of the cavalry is of course the War Raptors. Each rider's mount has been acclimated to its handler for a prolonged training period before being ridden into any serious confrontation.

Tactics

Raptor Cavalry is on at its best during skirmish missions. Riders will flank the enemy or strike their side, to control their movements. Raptors tend to be particularly effective against other cavalry units, especially if horses are involved. As natural-born pack predators raptors can easily coordinate an attack against a single mounted opponent, bringing them down with a full flurry of strikes. This tactic helps to bring out the full benefit of the raptor's instincts.

Galloping horses wake the raptor's predatory instincts, which can be good or bad depending on the rider's ability to control their beast. When attacking another cavalry unit, riders may even count on it, using the bloodlust of the raptor to make the opponent's horses useless before attacking the opponent themself while they lie on the ground.

Logistics

Upkeep

Due to the diet of the raptors, units are costly to maintain, and thus, unit numbers tend to stay small. Without the enemy on sight, raptors get anxious and hungry and require significant amounts of meat to survive. Added to ordinary expenses of the military unit, this neediness can soon turn into a real issue.

In enemy territory, however, it is not uncommon for riders to let their beasts devour livestock of the enemy. This might even work to army's advantage on food expenses.

Type

Cavalry

Overall training Level

Professional

Assumed Veterancy

Experienced

Used by

• Aradace Tharur

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"It's hard to tell which ones are more bloodthirsty: the riders or their mounts."

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