Fallinx
The Caphitolian take on the idea of a phalanx. Opposed with Catholonika's Twilight Phalanx.
Composition
Manpower
The phalanx battalions are comprised of 1000 fighters and 200 suppliers, pages, etc. A phalantria is the special rank for the captains of the phalanx.
Equipment
The phalanx uses steel plate armor from head to toe. Their helmets have plumes that extend a foot tall. Their shields are plated with steel. Each fighter is equipped with a field kit for medical attention and one-day's rations.
Weaponry
The wield pikes that are 10 feet long. They also have side swords if their pikes become broken or useless.
Structure
A captain called a Fallintria commands each battalion and commands his sergeants, who command his troops.
Tactics
The phalanx uses the fields and hills of Caphitolia to their advantage. Rarely do they fight abroad. Their main tactic is to force the enemy to come to them. They usually form a straight line and as the enemy approaches they "bristle out" to form semi-circles. Quick on their feet, it's impossible for cavalry to round them without getting assaulted from the thick pike heads. After the enemy eventually regroups they seize the opportunity to straighten and encircle the remaining forces. As a last resort, they force out a march, feign a retreat, and encircle the chasing troops.
Training
A soldier is only considered adequately trained after two years in camps. Here, they practice physical and mental discipline months before wielding a weapon. The pike training starts with handling and stance before thrusting. The shield training, however, comes first. They are taught the shield is stronger than any pike or sword and trust the phalantria first and the shield second.
Logistics
Upkeep
These soldiers are the absolute elite unite of Caphitolia and as such require a good amount of funding. The total upkeep for a month's worth of one battalion is upwards of 10,000gp. This pays for employment, food, and other resources for fixing and tempering arms and armor.
Recruitment
A yearly festival is held in every major city in Caphitolia to select 10,000 eligible soldiers to go through training. Of the 10,000 only 1000 make it to training. Of the 1000 in training, less than half prove themselves.
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