Ovükayo Dragon Lancers

Many a renowned general has tried to conquer the duchy, but not one has been adequately prepared for our dragons and their lancers.

— Duchess Chaila of Ovük

The Dragon Lancers of Ovük are renowned across the continent for their strength and skill, and have been used as inspiration for many military units that involve dragons. They are credited with keeping Ovük independent, at times when larger and allegedly stronger nations crumbled.

Composition

The Ovükayo Dragon Lancers currently number 225 warriors, split into 15 Squads of 15 members (30 if you count each dragon as a member, which many Lancers do). Three Squads combine to form a Group, and 5 Groups form the entirety of the Lancers. The majority of each squad is made of spear wielders, with 3-5 filling a ranged magical role.

Equipment

Riders are dressed in a manner similar to cavalry, typically in armour made from hardened leather or bronze. The spears used are longer than normal due to the dragon's height, and each spear user will also have a short sword in cases where they must dismount and fight on foot. A unique trait of the Ovükayo Lancers are the fabric "wings" which connect from the center of their backs to the arms of their armour, and which can be used to help slow a Lancer's descent in the event they fall from a great height.
The dragons of the dragon lancers are equally as well trained as their rider counterparts, and are among the fastest and more agile on the continent. Though their scales are difficult to penetrate, they will wear leather armour to cover vulnerable areas such as their underbellies and necks.

History

While the Dragon Lancer units of the Ovük Army have only formally existed for a century or so, their legacy stretches far back. Ovük is considered the center of "dragon taming" in Thurásin, being the first group on the continent to successfully ride dragons for any purpose. This skill came in handy during the Era of Conquest, as even the might of the Urisoril Empire could not compete with the regions' dragons.
The dragon lancers came in handy during the Era of Collapse, as many central Thurásin nations made a concerted effort to push Urisoril out. As Ovük had been the only part of a kingdom that had survived their conquest, they were given a unique position in the reformed Kingdom, and some of their best dragon riders became royal guards.
The last time the dragon riders saw decisive action was during the devastating Central War, where their strength enabled Ovük to once again survive where its kingdom did not, though this time they took the opportunity to declare complete independence. Prior to their independence and neutrality, dragon lancers from Ovük could be seen throughout central Thurásin delivering supplies and raining destruction from above on enemy holds.

Type

Airborne

Overall training Level

Elite

Used by

• Ovük

Recruitment

In order for a human or elf to become a Dragon Lancer, they must first serve in the Ovük military for 5 years. Once they've served for this time, they can apply for a position. Slots are very limited, and so most do not get in. Those that apply are judged on their record, as well as if they have any history with dragons. Even minor things like having a pet dragon as a child can be the deciding factor.
As for the dragon members of the unit, the majority of them are Minor Dragons, and are recommended for the position by their owners or handlers. Each is trained by a senior Dragon Lancer pair to see if they have the speed and maneuvrability required. A dragon can, at any time, decide to exit the role, just as any human or elf can step down.

Scales by David Clode