First Rider of the Thralashii Empire
The one who turns the tides
The First Rider is a position in the Thralashii guard that exists as a sort of symbol of the nation, someone who exemplifies the best qualities that the nation wants in its warriors and someone who they can look up to without being necessarily subservient to. They are usually the best warrior the nation has to offer, and can turn around the morale of a battle by simply showing their presence on the field. So ingrained is the power and greatness of the First Rider into the minds of children, that they will feel like somehow, no matter how bad the odds, if they have the First Rider, they will win.
"I heard the sounds of my brothers in arms falling by my side, my horse balking at the sight. Then I saw the spear, raised high over his head, and I knew we had already won"
Requirements
The person to receive this title must be a member of the army and must be in good standing with the troops (well liked)
Appointment
A person is appointed to this rank through a special ceremony involving the king or a regional lord who is the sponsor of the legion. A ceremony is performed to raise someone to this rank, in which they circle the camp and any others among the legion may challenge them in a mounted duel to be appointed the First Rider. Should the challenger win, the process repeats until no one else wishes to challenge. After the rounds, the sponsor of the legion in which the First Rider to-be serves gives them a spear and a horse that are unique to that First Rider, forged and bred especially for that purpose.
Duties
The official duties of the First Rider include being at the head of the charge when the legion goes into battle and to command the troops who would otherwise be too distracted with blood lust. Unofficially, the First Rider is responsible for the general well-being of the men, acting as a sort of neutral entity outside of the usual command structure but who still has some measure of power.
Benefits
The First Rider enjoys a special sort of privilege in that they are outside the normal structure of command in a legion. They are also allowed to wander wherever they wish with no restrictions in camp other than personal privacy, meaning meetings, other units, and any other restricted area. They bring much honor to their family by existing as the First Rider, and so often their family is treated better at home because of them.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The First Rider has a special spear forged for them individually that will amplify their most positive quality. For many, this is courage, skill, or leadership. These spears serve as symbolic representations of the First Rider wherever they go. Only slightly less important is their horse, usually the prized stallion of the sponsoring lord's stable. These horses vary in look, but all are known to be excellent mounts, capable of incredible feats after bonding with their rider.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
The First Rider's position of being outside of the chain of command means that no one, not even the King, can fire them after they have been appointed. Their term only ends when the emergency they were appointed to fight in is resolved, or they die.
History
The first bearer of this title was one of the Four who stood against and finally defeated the Demon King. This was one of the titles invoked during King Darien's famous speech at the end of all things when he sacrificed his life to protect the First Mage and finally bound the Demon King.
Cultural Significance
The title of First Rider carries huge weight within the Thralashii empire, being told in children's stories and great halls for generations about the glory and prestige of the one bearing this title. Someone who has it or even has ever had it will drink free in any bar in the nation, and be the person people go to if they need help.
Notable Holders
This title was held originally by King Darien the Kind, who was the one for whom the title and the special privileges that go along with it were created. He is the reason that the title has the connotation of being someone kind and approachable as well as formidable in combat. He is the most well known holder of the title, and is revered by anyone who seeks it.
Type
Civic, Military, Generic
Status
The title is in effect as of recently when Ramshalash Ironclad declared war on the Ether Dwellers
Form of Address
Sir
Equates to
First Lieutenant
Source of Authority
The Captain of the company the First Rider serves in
Length of Term
From the start of the state of emergency until the end.
Related Locations
Related Organizations
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