Crusade
The Crusade is the smallest military unit that is expected to function as an independent military force, and is usually the smallest force controlled directly by a Legate, or rarely by a Primus. Formed from the smaller Castellan formations, a Crusade is most often comprised of infantry units. However it is not unheard of for a Crusade to contain Castellans of mixed formations, to make use of cavalry and archers as well. Such mixed Crusades are often organized by the Primus for special details. All in all, the composition of Crusades is what forms the backbone and effectiveness of any given Dominus.
Composition
Manpower
1 Vexillus: Leader of the Crusade.
6 Custodi: Leaders of the Castellans that form the Crusade.
6 Optio: Seconds of the Castellans, in charge of training, drill, and formation.
600 Soldiers: The fighters of the Crusade, broken into 6 Castellans.
120 Logistics: Personnel in charge of supplies, transports, and maintance.
30 Wagons: Each Crusade requires roughly 30 supply wagons to carry the armory and food for the troops. This can vary based on the make up of a Crusade.
Equipment
The equipment used within a Crusade is highly dependent on the types of Castellan within the Crusade. However, each Crusade carries with it their own weapons and supplies, siege weapons, and equipment for quickly building fortified camps and bridges.
Weaponry
While weapon choices are based on the purpose of each Castellan within the Crusade, the most common equipment are breast plate armors, long spears, long swords, and long bows.
Vehicles
Horses and Wagons.
Structure
The Vexillus is in full command of the Crusade, and is expected to act on his or her own, with best judgement, when not in contact with the Legate or Primus.
The Senior most Custodi acts as the Vexillus' second in command.
While a senior Vexillus may outrank another Vexillus, it is considered taboo for such to give direct commands to anothers Crusade unless there is a crisis. In the case that a Vexillus falls in combat, the senior Custodi becomes Vexillus until a new Vexillus is appointed by the Legate. Should the Custodi show exemplary command skill they can expect to be appointed.
Tactics
Crusades favor the use of the Phalanx, which is the dominant form of military formation throughout the Ahntier military. Crusades functioning away from their Dominus will often utilize horse mounted scout units and archers to pelt enemies from long range while the phalanx closes in, often focusing on the enemies own long range capability, and allow the heavy infantry to deal with the rest.
Training
Vexillus are expected to have trained and served as Custodi before being granted command of a Crusade. Career officers undertake a three year training in the Ahntier academy to learn the particulars of commanding larger units. However this is not necessary if a Custodi shows particular skill enough to catch the attention of their Legate. Never the less, it can be assumed that a Crusade is made up of well trained and disciplined soldiers who have completed the military mandated training courses.
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