Castellan, Scout (Celeres)
A Celeres is a scouting until utilized by the Crusade to examine enemy positions or forage for supplies for the army. These units are assigned at quarter strength, and are often part of a Crusade but not counted as one of its six Castellan. A Celeres may even be added to another Castellan to operate as part of it. Unlike other Castellans, the Celeres is made up of five Hastas, each containing only 5 soldiers who care for their own five horses.
While not often placed in a roll during set piece battles, the Celeres is ideal for quick maneuvers against a slower enemy, and the horsemen are trained to use bows from horse back.
Composition
Manpower
1 Custodi
25 Scouts
26 Horses
Equipment
The only Castellan formation that is not assigned logistical personnel, the soldiers of a Celeres must pack their own gear, and arenot equipped for engineering works.
However, special to their equipment are forestry tools for clearing brush, chopping trees, and equipment to scale cliff walls.
Additionally, such scouts also carry hunting and trapping equipment.
Weaponry
Leather Armor, Short Swords, Hand Axes, Short Bows, 50 arrows.
Vehicles
Horses.
Structure
The Custodi of the Celeres has full control of the group, and this formation does not utilize an Optio. The Celeres is rare among Castellans, as the members must often operate far afield of the Dominus, giving them more independence than normal for such a small unit.
Tactics
When needed on the field, Celeres mount up on their horses and make quick strikes against the enemy from horse back with their short bows. The unit is not well equipped for direct confrontation, but can more easily distract or stall other units.
Training
Two years of basic training, followed by a two year course that covers mounted combat, forestry, mountaineering, and wilderness survival. this does not, however, reduce the four year mandatory service.
Type
Support
Overall training Level
Professional
Parent Formation
Used by
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