Calatal, The Royal Cavalry

We stand, staring down the enemy from across the swath of swamp between us. My teeth were clenched so tight that my jaw ached. My knuckles were white as bone as my trembling fingers tightly held the rough shaft of my spear. I heard the sound of drums. We were to begin our march towards death. The blue of their flags and the twisted diamond insignias. They believed that they stood for peace in humanity, yet we find ourselves at war time and time again. 
The pounding grew louder - faster - as my feet followed the tempo. We raised out spears and pointed them towards the opposing line. My vision was tunneled, causing me to focus on the man in armor charging right towards me, wearing nothing but some reinforced padding. His once lustrous plate was dirtied by the filth of the mire as he collided with me, throwing me down and into the mud. It was thick as I began to sink. Watery filth filled my ears as everything became a dull hum of thuds and cracks. I watched as two men took my place with nothing but fashioned spears made from scythes and pitchforks. Their sodden feet smashed into my torso. I felt something crack as I cried out in pain only to be silenced by the muck. It cascading into my nose, causing me to cough. My fit drew no attention. The other footmen were far too focused on not falling like I.
I awoke to find that I was on the back of a horse, roughly being thrashed as I realized that I was upright and slumped against the cool metal plate. Calatal. With his hammer, he caved in the helmets of Halden's finest - so much so that they'd never be anything other than soup bowls. I attempted to muster words, but nothing would come except for coughing and filth. The soldier hardly noticed my existence as he took great heaving swings at the enemy. My swimming vision observed the felling of blue banners and the retreat of the soldiers across the battlefield. A respite, at last.

Composition

Manpower

300 horses and men.

Equipment

The weaponry is made from the finest sweet iron produced in Zafriste while their armor covers not only the rider, but the steed as well.

Weaponry

The weapon preferences of Calatal vary greatly. Some prefer to use polearms and others prefer smaller weapons to deliver devastating, focused blows on infantry.

Structure

In a squadron, there is typically seven Lance Corporals, two Corporals, and one Staff Corporal.

Tactics

The cavalry is used mostly to demoralize the enemy by running down enemies with great speed and force. That being said, each and every rider is a trained tactician. It is not uncommon for the cavalry to form spearheads or spring ambushes.

Training

Each cavalryman provides their own horse and weaponry. Each of the riders has trained their horse specifically for combat. In addition, most of the people that make up the cavalry are elite soldiers or, more recently, affluent noblemen. This has lead to conflict between veterans and the War Council, as they believe that being able to pay your way into the elite Calatal completely devalues it.

Overall training Level

Elite