The army of the kingdom of Lesant

Training and collocation of the troops

The army of Lesant has mostly no distinction between infantry and cavalry. All soldiers starting with the rank “Equestrel” undergo the same rigorous training, learning both infantry and cavalry skills. This creates a flexible, versatile and adaptable fighting force which also saves resources, as it is more practical to train soldiers to be proficient in multiple roles rather than maintaining separate infantry and cavalry units.

The basic training does not only contain the basics of fighting, but also the basics of battlefield medicine and healing. The weapon training is individual to the kind of weapon the warrior wants to learn. It is possible but rather unusual to switch to another weapon type once the warrior is in service. Some skilled soldiers gain knowledge in several weapons, like crossbow and sword, or two-handed and one-handed swords.

Ranks of the basic units, warriors and commanders

Thalrak (Low-Rank Foot Soldier)

• Description: A Thalrak is a foot soldier who is serving as the backbone of the kingdom's infantry. Known for their resilience, they play a crucial role in the frontline of battles. They are basically trained for ground combat. During their service, they can learn to ride horses to become an Equestrel. Soldiers who already have gained excellent riding skills as civilian can directly become an Equestrel.
• Weapons:
  • Depending on the initial training: Longbow, crossbow, spear, sword and shield, two-handed sword
  • Dagger
• Armor/Equipment:
  • Chainmail armor
  • Simple helmet
  • Large shield in the kingdom's colors and heraldic symbols
  • Leather pants and knee protectors
  • Suede swordsman gloves
  • Suede boots
• Visual Markers:
  • No tabard
  • No sash
  • Plain sword sheath (or quiver for archers)
  • Basic leather belt
  • Basic cloak, dark-gray

Equestrel (Low-Rank Cavalry Warrior)

• Description: Former Thalraks who have learned to ride and now serve as versatile mounted fighters. They are still developing their cavalry skills.
• Weapons:
  • Depending on the initial training: Longbow, crossbow, spear, sword and shield, two-handed sword
  • Dagger
• Armor/Equipment (* = changes towards lower rank)
  • Chainmail armor
  • Simple helmet
  • Large shield in the kingdom's colors and heraldic symbols
  • Leather pants and knee protectors
  • Suede swordsman gloves
  • Suede boots
• Visual Markers (* = changes towards lower rank)
  • No tabard
  • No sash
  • Decorated sword sheath* (or quiver for archers)
  • Basic leather belt, with simple symbol indicating cavalry training*
  • Basic cloak, dark-gray

Drakodan (Mid-Rank Warrior)

Visual example: Lewis Wilmot “Mercenary” design

• Description: A Drakodan is a seasoned warrior often acting as a sergeant or squad leader. Equipped with better armor and weaponry than Thalraks and Equestrels, they are responsible for leading small units and ensuring tactical execution in battle.
• Weapons:
  • Depending on the initial training: Longbow, crossbow, spear, sword and shield, two-handed sword
  • Dagger
• Armor/Equipment (* = changes towards lower rank)
  • Chainmail armor
  • Helmet with horns (resembling a dragon)*
  • Large shield in the kingdom's colors and heraldic symbols
  • Leather pants and knee protectors
  • Suede swordsman gloves
  • Suede boots
• Visual Markers (* = changes towards lower rank)
  • No tabard
  • Decorated sash*
  • Decorated sword sheath (or quiver for archers)
  • Basic leather belt, with simple symbol indicating cavalry training
  • Basic cloak, dark-red*

Aetherion (High-Rank Warrior)

Visual example: Lewis Wilmot “Warrior” design

• Description: An Aetherion is a distinguished knight. These high-ranked warriors lead troops, symbolize their lord's power, and uphold the honor of their realm through their prominent and decorative attire.
• Weapons:
  • Depending on the initial training: Longbow, crossbow, spear, sword and shield, two-handed sword
  • Dagger
• Armor/Equipment (* = changes towards lower rank)
  • Chainmail armor
  • Helmet with horns (resembling a dragon)
  • Large shield in the kingdom's colors and heraldic symbols
  • Leather pants and knee protectors
  • Suede swordsman gloves
  • Suede boots
• Visual Markers (* = changes towards lower rank)
  • Tabard in the kingdom's colors and heraldic symbols*
  • No sash*
  • Decorated sword sheath (or quiver for archers)
  • Basic leather belt, with simple symbol indicating cavalry training
  • Basic cloak, dark-red

Valkyron (Elite-Rank Warrior)

• Description: A Valkyron is an elite knight, often a member of an exclusive order or the personal guard of royalty. They are known for their exceptional combat skills and unwavering loyalty.
• Weapons:
  • Depending on the initial training: Longbow, crossbow, spear, sword and shield, two-handed sword
  • Dagger
• Armor/Equipment (* = changes towards lower rank)
  • Plate armor*
  • Helmet with large and ornate helmet plume*
  • Large shield in the kingdom's colors and heraldic symbols
  • Leather pants and knee protectors
  • Suede swordsman gloves
  • Suede boots
• Visual Markers (* = changes towards lower rank)
  • Tabard in the kingdom's colors and heraldic symbols
  • No sash
  • Elaborate decorated sword sheath* (or quiver for archers)
  • Belt with silver-embellished insignia*
  • Luxurious cloak with embroidery, dark-red*

Zenothar (Commander-Rank Warrior)

• Description: A Zenothar is a high-ranking military commander responsible for strategic planning and leading large contingents of the army. They have supreme authority and display the most elaborate insignia.
• Weapons:
  • Depending on the initial training: Longbow, crossbow, spear, sword and shield, two-handed sword
  • Dagger
• Armor/Equipment (* = changes towards lower rank)
  • Plate armor
  • Highly decorated helmet, with large and ornate helmet plume*
  • Large shield in the kingdom's colors and heraldic symbols
  • Leather pants with knee protectors
  • Suede swordsman gloves
  • Suede boots
• Visual Markers (* = changes towards lower rank)
  • Tabard in the kingdom's colors and heraldic symbols
  • Sash in intricate design*
  • Elaborate decorated sword sheath (or quiver for archers)
  • Belt with gold-embellished insignia*
  • Luxurious cloak with embroidery, dark-red

Uniform and Armor Variations

• Winter Uniforms: Special attire for cold weather campaigns. Includes fur-lined cloaks and insulated armor.
  
  
• Ceremonial Armor: Used for parades and official functions. Highly decorative armor with intricate designs and the kingdom’s emblem.

Special units

• King’s guard (“King’s shield”): Elite protectors of the monarch, responsible for personal security, ceremonial duties, and internal intelligence within the palace. Only the best Valkyrons and Zenothars can become the King’s shield.
  
  
• Mounted scout (“Pathfinder“):  Pathfinders are specialized scouts who use their speed and mobility to gather intelligence and relay information without engaging in combat. They are tasked with mapping terrain, observing enemy movements, and finding safe routes for the army. They are not trained to fight, however they have basic gear like a dagger which every unit. Special training contains navigation, cartography, observation, survival, horsemanship, and evasion techniques.
  
  
• Rangers (“Sylphstrider”): Elite archers and scouts on foot who move stealthily through forests and rough terrain. They wear light, camouflaged armor. Skilled in archery and guerrilla tactics, they operate independently or in small groups, excelling in scouting and ambushes. Weapon of choice is longbow, crossbow, and dagger.
  
  
• Engineers (“Siegewright“) Skilled in the construction and operation of siege engines, wearing practical armor and tool belts. Experts in building and maintaining siege weapons and fortifications.
  
  
• Quartermasters (“Supplymaster”): Responsible for logistics, including supplies and equipment. Ensures the army is well-supplied and equipped, identified by a unique insignia on their tabards.
  
  
• Strategists (“Battlewise”): Focus on planning and tactical operations. Senior advisors responsible for devising strategies, marked by distinctive arm bands and cloaks.
  
  
• Veteran (“Grayblade”): A retired warrior who has earned great honor. Distinguished veterans who serve as advisors and trainers, wearing special badges of honor.
  
  
• Trainers (“Battlewarden”) Training and maintaining combat readiness of soldiers. Trains Combat techniques, tactics, military discipline, leadership. Battlewardens are chosen from among the most skilled and respected veterans of the army.
  
  
• Fire Unit (“Flamewarden”): Flamewardens are a specialized unit adept at using fire-based weapons and tactics to create chaos and destruction on the battlefield. They are responsible for operating incendiary devices, managing fire-based siege weapons, and executing strategic fire assaults to disrupt enemy formations and fortifications. Their duties also include setting controlled fires to hinder enemy advances and using fire to signal allies during night operations. They wear flame-resistant armor and clothing to protect them from burns and heat, including fireproof gloves and boots. A visual Marker are emblems featuring flames or burning torches.
  
  
• Battlefield Cleric (“Sanctifier”): Sanctifiers serve as both healers and spiritual leaders on the battlefield, providing medical aid, morale boosts, and spiritual guidance to the troops. They are responsible for healing the wounded, administering last rites, and conducting battlefield blessings to inspire and protect their comrades. Their presence often boosts the morale of the troops, as they are seen as a divine link to the kingdom’s spiritual beliefs. They consecrate the weapons of some warriors before a large battle or important mission. Sanctifiers are often also priests of civilian churches.
  
  
• Horse Breeders (“Equinarian”): Equinarians are the elite caretakers and breeders of the kingdom's warhorses, responsible for ensuring the health, training, and breeding of the finest cavalry mounts.  They oversee the selection, training, and maintenance of horses, ensuring they are battle-ready and suited for the kingdom's various cavalry needs. Their duties include managing stables, breeding programs, and equine medical care, as well as training new riders in horsemanship. Training contains Veterinary medicine, horse breeding, equine care, horsemanship, equine nutrition, and anatomy.

Some special units can be combined with the basic ranks of warriors. For example, an Aetherion high-rank warrior can additionally be a Flamewarden.

Some events and locations

• The King's Tournament: A grand, multi-day event featuring various competitions to showcase the skills of the kingdom’s warriors, including jousting, archery, melee combat, and horse racing. Held at the Royal Tournament Grounds, a vast field with multiple arenas and spectator stands.
  
  
• Equinarian’s Festival: An annual celebration dedicated to the kingdom’s equine heritage and the skills of the Equinarians. The festival includes parades, horse races, jousting tournaments, and demonstrations of equine care and training. Held at the Grand Equine Arena, a large outdoor space adjacent to the Royal Stables. Activities are horse parades showcasing the finest breeds, Jousting and mounted combat tournaments, Equine care workshops led by senior Equinarians, and a grand feast featuring local delicacies and entertainment.
  
  
• Vigil of the Flame: A solemn night-time ceremony conducted by the Flamewardens to honor the fallen soldiers and the destructive power of fire. This event is both a remembrance and a demonstration of the Flamewardens’ skills.
  A special guest is Lewis Wilmot, with the special title “The Drake of Esterken, vanquisher of the Elden”, a former Aetherion who has lead the destruction of an entire village with fire.
  
  
• Living Chess: A rather evil event of the kingdom where prisoners or war clothed as chess figurines are forced to stand on a giant chess field which is protected by guards. Knights are mounted on horses. The chess pieces are controlled by nobles and royals sitting on a gallery. When a piece is captured, the prisoner resembling the captured piece is killed by the prisoner resembling the piece that captured, usually by stabbing with a dagger, blunt force on the head if the piece was captured by a rook, or by trampling if the piece was captured by a knight. Attendees of this event are only nobles and royals. Prisoners representing pieces that were not captured, become free.
  
  
• Harvest of Blades: A ceremonial event marking the end of the military training season and the graduation of new recruits. It includes parades, weapon demonstrations, and ceremonial oaths. It marks a ceremonial display of the kingdom's military strength, showcasing all ranks and special units to inspire unity, loyalty, and pride among citizens and allies. During the “Harvest of Blades”, warriors are promoted, often involving the presence of royalty and high-ranking officers.
  The event is conducted at the Citadel of Valor, the primary military academy of the kingdom, next to the „Ironfield”, a sprawling training ground where recruits undergo rigorous physical and tactical training.
  More activities include: Parades showcasing the newly trained soldiers in their units, weapon demonstrations by the recruits, displaying their skills with swords, spears, and other arms, ceremonial oaths where recruits pledge their loyalty to the kingdom and its king, and awards and honors given to the most outstanding recruits.
  
  
• The Grand Armory Exhibition: An exhibition showcasing the latest advancements in weaponry and armor, along with historical displays of the kingdom’s martial heritage. It is a blend of education and demonstration. Displays of the latest weapons and armor designed and produced by the kingdom’s smiths and artisans. Historical exhibits featuring ancient and legendary weapons and armor used in significant battles. Demonstrations of new weaponry and armor in action by skilled warriors. Workshops and seminars on weapon maintenance, forging techniques, and combat tactics. A marketplace where attendees can purchase arms, armor, and related goods.
  Takes place at the Great Armory Hall, a large hall adjacent to the royal palace.

Credits: The majority of the ideas came from ChatGPT! Compilation by dracenmarx 2024.