In Cadal culture, the Standard Bearer is the title given to the soldier who charges into battle carrying the flag of their province into battle, using the flag pole as their only weapon. These soldiers are selected for their skills in close-quarters combat, as well as for their bravery and dedication to the nation of Cada.
History
Earning the Rank
In order to earn the rank of Standard Bearer, a soldier in the Cadal army has to show worthiness. This commonly translates to a self-sacrificial act in the heat of combat, however there have been some notable exceptions.
One infamous exception was Talor Ghez, the right hand of General Bo Drekla. During a fierce battle, Talor managed to sneak past the enemy's defenses and launched a one-man massacre, tearing through the town's civilian population. Instead of being punished for his crimes against civilians, Talor was granted the rank of Standard Bearer.
Military Significance
Those that carry the banner of Cada hold an important place in the nation's military culture. As the rank itself is one earned through dedication and potential sacrifice, those who hold the rank become almost part of the culture's divine myth. There are many who would willingly lay down their lives to have even a chance at bearing the flag of Cada while charging into battle, and those who survive to do so receive a near-godly level of adoration and respect from their fellow soldiers.
The Standard Bearer's Curse
Those who have earned the rank of Standard Bearer tend not to hold the title for long. As one might imagine, a flag pole is not an ideal weapon in combat, and the flag atop it creates a clear target for enemy rangers to focus on. In addition, given the significance of the flag to the military culture of the nation, when a Standard Bearer is killed, it falls upon the nearest soldier to raise the flag anew and press forward, even if to do so would spell certain death. There are plenty of Sokkan veterans who display the flag of a fallen Standard Bearer on their walls, with a plaque denoting just how many Cadal soldiers they killed who tried to carry it further.
