THE SECOND COHORT OF THE STALLION

[XOCO 502]

 

 

Spoiler

Praise God - Kanye West

T H E  S E C O N D  C O H O R T

“A Rivian may die, but he will never surrender.”
Montgomery Potte at the Battle for New Providence (c. 1868)

 

 

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Preamble

The 2nd Cohort of the Stallion was officially founded in 1874, though its mercenary predecessor, the Backwater Company, was founded far earlier. The founding fathers of the 2nd Cohort were a combination of Rivian and Arichsdorf peasant militiamen who, despite their humble origins, became renowned bannermen and sellswords over the course of the War of Two Brothers and the Orc-Elysium War. 

 

Upon the conclusion of the Siege of Elysium, and thus, the expiration of the mercenary contract which binded the joint forces of Rivia and Arichsdorf to Elysium, Lord-Commander Anton Draskovic offered the freeriders a Cohort within the esteemed Petrine Legion, impressed by the exceptional martial talent demonstrated by the bannermen.

 

As a result of its Rivian roots, the Cohort borrows heavily from the military traditions and culture of the Rivian Band, with former Lord-Commander of the Band, Montgomery Potte acting as the First Captain of the Cohort.

 

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Structure

The Rivian Heavy Cavalry readying to charge into the combined elven-orc infantry during the Battle of Forêt du Roi (c. 1868)

 

The 2nd Cohort of the Stallion follows the rank structure of the Petrine Legion with the exception of the rank of Footman. Alternatively, the 2nd Cohort utilises the term Horseman, so as to avoid confusion.

 

Under the command of the Captain of the 2nd Cohort are two Sergeants. At present, the Captain of the 2nd Cohort is Captain Montgomery “Pisspot” Potte, and the current Sergeants are Sergeant Godric Grafton and Sergeant William “Small” Potte. Additionally, the Cohort includes a chaplain and a farrier, however, these duties are independent of the ranks of the Cohort, and are currently vacant. 

 

Each Sergeant carries the responsibility of overseeing one half of the Cohort - that being the Curisarius and the Celeres. Sergeants are expected to keep their units in a fit state and ensure discipline within the Cohort while the Captain is predisposed.

 

The Cursarius

The Cursarius are a unit composed of lightly armoured riders. The primary duties of the unit therefore are reconnaissance and skirmishing. In battle, the Cursarius are expected to act as a mobile force, able to effectively engage and disengage from battle, and constantly harass the flanks of the opponent. The ranks of the Cursarius are typically taken from the Horsemen, though it is not uncommon for soldiers of higher ranks and veterancy to stay within the Cursarius.

 

The Celeres

The Celeres, conversely, are composed of heavily armoured riders. These cavalrymen are typically veteran members of the Cohort, well versed in warfare and adept at close-range combat, regardless of whether atop their steed or on foot. Their equipment is noticeably different from the Cursarius - especially when noting that typically, the horses of the Celeres are of a slower, but sturdier build, and typically clad in armour too. These men are expected to act as shock troops who trample over the bulk of the opposing infantry. The Celeres are typically expected to turn the tides of battle - and as such, are held in high esteem by the Legion as a whole.

 

Initiates

Despite the nature of the Cohort, Initiates of the Stallion are not given steeds until they have achieved the rank of Horseman. As such, Initiates are typically deployed as support for the cavalry units in a skirmishing capacity. Though the Cohort has far higher Initiate mortality rates compared to other Cohorts as a result of the policy, soldiers who become Horsemen are typically of a higher standard. The large Initiate force is typically commanded by a single Man-at-Arms.

 

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Culture

A Rivian tavern in the preliminary hours before battle (c. 1862)

 

In accordance with the customs of the Rivian Band and the Backwater Company, soldiers are permitted a pint before every battle, as it is believed to be an act that bestows the blessing of luck upon a soldier. Additionally, in accordance with tradition, special emphasis is placed on the promotion to Man-At-Arms. Soldiers who have been promoted to the rank of Man-At-Arms are given a set of golden spurs in recognition of their exceptional service. By this time it is expected that the soldier has garnered a nickname usually chosen by the Captain of the Cohort. Typically, soldiers are named in honour of their most embarrassing feats before becoming a Man-At-Arms. It is reasoned that it is a way of encouraging humility in such a prestigious force - however, it has been disputed that Rivian peasantry are simply rude people, and enjoy making cruel japes at others’ expenses.

 

“Fides Gladio”
Words of House Potte (c. 1850)

 

While technically, the Cohort traces its history back to the Backwater Company of the Rivians and Arichsdorfers, it also borrows heavily from the traditions of the Imperial State Army’s Third Brigade. The Pottes of Rivia, being the bastard line as well as levy of House Galbraith, learnt the art of warfare from the esteemed Major Sir Robert Galbraith in the closing years of his life, and as such, the cohort follows the same Kaedreni discipline of the Galbraith-led Third Brigade. Punishments unique to the 2nd Cohort include the removal of the hands from horse thieves, and a short joust or round of fisticuffs to settle conflicts between soldiers - all of which are often heavily publicised among members of the cohort and used as a means of entertainment.

 

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Signed,
Captain Montgomery Potte,
2nd Cohort of the Stallion

 

 

[𝖂𝖆𝖌𝖜𝖆𝖓 740]

 

"Luv' Mah Va'count, Luv' Mah King, Luv' Rivia" The Potte smiles a toothy grin raising his sword thereafter.

[OP bandamont 901]

"Making me proud" Anton said with a smile as he read the book about the second cohort