O'Ways/Dragoneer units
Earlier units are described in the family members' 'command'- section.
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11th Vornion Dragonfire
Pugnantes Adjuvo
A longbow unit, equipped with extraordinary yew longbows at a draw-weight of 60lbs, small oaken shields and hardened steel short swords. Their uniform was tipically coloured green and white.
The 11th, originally named "11th Alatol Dragonfire" was founded by Cullen O'Ways, a Knight of Alatol at the time, at the age of 20, when he had left the 2nd Alatol Dragonfire as militia in Nida, as he was ordered to by high command. This was at the end of the Carelian war, and the 11th's numbers and fame changed on numerous occasions. They were always dispatched to the "Army of Est Solarus oth Mithas". When Cullen was appointed Count of Vornion in 6 a.T. the name of the unit logically changed.
The 11th was famed for its' strong discipline, maintained even more fiercely than usual for a "Dragoneer" unit. Their drills were always attended by large crowds due to the spectacle they offered. They were part of both missions against Redspan, stood at the gates of Suville and were part of the retalliation on Abbington for its' incursion into Imperial territory, the Skalk Duchy to be precise. Some of the men served the full eight years the unit was part of the mobile army. Among those Captain Igor, son of a blacksmith from Trawiy. He and Cullen became close friends over the years and it was no easy task for Cullen to leave his proud unit in Tarasac to serve on as guards of the Ducal City.
For many years to come they will remain the reference for many Dragoneer units.
12th Alatol Dragonriders
Nec Jactantia, Nec Metu
The Dragonriders are Cavalry, equipped with fairly good armor, light enough to allow for easy movement, which makes them one of the faster-moving Cav units but of course more vulnerable for infantry and ranged attack. Their main weapons are a normal-sized 'Katana'-type blade, extremely sharp and strong but demanding a perfect control from its' user. Also, their weight is low enough for fast combat, but does not allow for crushing heavy armor. Their armament makes them the ideal Cav unit against un-armored foes like peasant militia, monsters or undead or low-armoured troops like archers. It makes them an ideal ambush unit. The 12th are tipically uniformed in red and silver, also the two main shades of their shield.
The 12th was founded by Deirdre at her return from Darka, initially consisting of Darkan 'Zin Cavalry', later converted into lower-stat Cagilan Cavalry originating from Trassing. Recently, she has taken to recruiting from Cullen's 'Vornion Light Cavalry'. her Captain, named Hildebrand, is originally from Saler, where she was a Knight for a few years. The 12th took part in two sorties into Abbington lands, where -on one occasion- they fell victim to their ability for fast movement and executed a normal travel of 8 hours in a mere 4. Thereby, they arrived too much in advance of the main army and were slaughtered, not without taking down a vast amount of enemy troops though. They have been active in the homeland defence, but Deirdre is already preparing for yet another assault on the SA, or what is left of it. In a recent sortie into Falasanian lands by the Cagilan Empire's forces, they sustained extreme casualties due to the imprudence of Sir Darius, who sent his men into an un-ordered charge. The ensuing battle had severe consequences, as it left the 12th with only four survivors.
As all Dragoneer units, the 12th enjoy a good reputation, which is tainted by Deirdres' 'Gung Ho'- type of commanding. Rather than choosing the most tactically sound option in combat, she aims to impress and demoralise the enemy, an early variant of the 'Shock and awe'- tactic. Needless to say only the best and most seasoned riders stand a chance of lengthy survival in this unit.
13th Leod Dragonclaws
Amor patriae nostra lex
This unit was founded by Hamish O'Ways, age 17, as he arrived in Cathay and swore allegiance to the County of Leod.
Their weapon is Mixed Infantry. They use advanced crossbows designed by Hamish himself, who inherited his fascination for ranged weaponry from his brother Cullen. Their arsenal also comprises small round shields and harded steel short swords for close combat. Their uniforms are coloured dark grey and dark green. Hamish believes strongly in tactics involving stealth and is a pioneer in the field of something he calls camouflage, the art of either making yourself unseen by becoming one with the surroundings, or dissimulation which involves changing appearances.
Initially it was made up of 15 men, including their Captain, Edwin, an 18-year old millers' son.
The unit was dispatched to the 'Scarlett Legion' and joined in the first-ever foreign campaign Cathay mounted, namely breaking the siege of Larmebsi by Arcaean troops. Their first battle in breaking the siege, no casualties where sustained, but after a few days they spent improving the frontline defenses, the counter attack made by the Arcaean Army nearly wiped the unit out. Of the first class, only the Captain and two troopers, namely Runrik and Jules survived.
Hamish returned home to recruit and replenished the ranks with Leod men, improving the level of armament and bringing the unit's numbers up to 25. Whenever at the capital, Anacan, they take up lodgings at the inn called 'The Wild Boar', their traditional locale.
14th Vornion Dragonfire
Nec Temere, Nec Timide
A longbow unit in the Dragonfire's best tradition, equipped with newly developped yew longbows at a draw-weight of 65lbs, also equipped with specific armour, of which the helmet's visor is of an unusual design, formed with a small ledge to keep raindrops from falling in the archers' eyes, hindering him while taking aim. Small round shields and hardened steel short swords, identical to those of the 11th. Their uniform is coloured black and green.
The 14th Vornion Dragonfire was formed by Cullen O'Ways at age 27, at the end of the second assault on Abbington, after which he decided to downsize his unit to keep the military expenses of his County at a minimum, nevertheless refusing to compromise on weapon quality. They are well-trained as Dragoneers should be but have not been exposed to actual warfare for some time, mainly performing police-duties in County Vornion. Cullen will surely remedy that some time soon…
15th Druid Dragonguards
Conscia mens recti, famae mendacia ridet
The 15th are an Infantry unit, formed by Siobhan after she quit the Order of the Druids and gave up the Priestess' life. They have intermediate axes for main weapon and a tall shield with the unit's crest embossed. As a secondary weapon, they wear a short sword for battle at very close quarters. Their armour is impressive and heavy as they are not required to be quick in battle.
Captain of the 15th is a man named Heinfried, a commoner who used to be good friends with Cynon and on many occasions accompanied him on his monster- and undead raids.
They are mainly used for guard duties during ceremonies and for escorting Priest(-es)s while performing their duties, so their battles are usually limited to threats posed by 'evils', such as monsters and undead. They do not take part in realm-bound or 'political' battles, even though they are intrinsically an Avalonian unit, they stand completely neutral towards other human realms. They are considered religious guards, not an ordinary Army unit. As such, they do fight alongside realm troops in defence against deamons and the like.
