Yak riders of Paiaku
The slow rumble of thunder grew louder, the large but ragtag group of ogres stared at the tree line, snow fell in clumps from the branches as the very ground began to shake, the thunder became a roar as great hulking shapes burst from the trees. Snow flew from large hooves, hot breath steamed from wide nostrils under wicked iron tipped horns, and battle roars issued from green tusked mouths as death slammed into the ogre ranks.
Composition
Manpower
A unit comprises 20 orcs and their mounts.
Equipment
Each rider carries a pack containing 3 kits:
Repair kit - knives, leather working tools, strips of leather and spare buckles
Medical kit - bandages, sewing kit, herbs and alcohol.
Care kit - brush, comb, hoofpick, oil and a whetstone.
Weaponry
Orcs wield heavy hafted blades for mounted combat but also carry two handed war axes in the event they become unseated. They of course have a variety of daggers upon their person as any good warrior should, and failing that, Orcish heads and fists make quite the impact.
Vehicles
The battle yak is indeed a thing to behold. Standing five foot high at the whither and weighing upwards of 450 lbs, these horned beasts are the perfect mounts to face off against ogres with. A slam from a charging yak can easily unbalance an unprepared opponent, and the sharpened iron tips fitted to their horns can gut an ogre in seconds. Wide leather saddles, with a high front horns allow their riders to perform amazing feats of acrobatics whilst remaining, mostly, mounted. Armour - in the form of hardened leather, mail or sometimes even shaped plate - can be used to protect the neck, shoulders and haunches if a lot of close quarters fighting is expected.
Structure
The unit has a First and a Second. The First decides who, when and where to fight and though every member of the unit has a say, the First's decision is final. As their name suggests, they are the first into the fray and lead the charge and the flow of combat. Having trained together for years the members of the unit know how to instinctively follow their First's signals and movements in battle, so the unit moves as one. The Second takes command if the First falls, and also leads the second group if they decide to split the unit and attack the enemy from two sides.
Logistics
Upkeep
Riders raise their mounts from calves and are responsible for their care and upkeep. This process strengthens the bond between the pair and allows them to work as one. When not out on active duty the yaks are housed in the Company stables, but every rider is required to clean and maintain their mounts individual stall. Yaks require large amounts of food and each rider must contribute to the food stores required to feed them during the harsh winter months.
Recruitment
Riders are selected from those taking part in the coming of age rites during the Orcish highland games. Those who have demonstrated the required skills are approached and offered a place in the Company. Riding and combat skills are obvious requirements, but an affinity for teamwork is the most sought after trait as it is believed that this cannot be taught.
History
The origin of yak riding dates back almost four hundred years and is said to have been started by an Orc huntress. One day while out hunting she spotted a lone ogre who seemed to have cornered some prey. As she snuck closer she realised the prey was a large Yak and the two were facing off against each other. The Yak seemed to be defending a small hollow in the rocks behind it. Suddenly the yak lowered it's head and charged into the ogre causing it to stagger back and drop to one knee. The yak lunged forward again, this time goring the ogre in the stomach with it's long horn. The ogre was done for but it had enough strength left to bury it's hefty stone dagger into the Yaks neck. Once both large creatures lay still the huntress came forward, curious to see what the yak had been defending, it turned out to be her young calf, barely a few days old. Impressed with the mother yaks bravery and ability to kill an ogre she took the calf home and raised it by hand, determined to make the mother's sacrifice worthwhile.
The pair formed a close bond and as the yak grew older the huntress taught it to take a saddle and rider. At first people thought she was crazy to ride a yak, everyone knew the moose was a far superior mount. However, after several demonstrations of how effective a team they were, especially against their hated enemy the ogres, people began to see the usefulness of yak mounts and a new branch of the Orc militia was formed.
Type
Cavalry
Overall training Level
Elite
Assumed Veterancy
Experienced
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