THE CATAPHRACTII OF SAINT LOTHAR

[XOCO 502]

THE CATAPHRACTII OF SAINT LOTHAR

 

 

PREAMBLE

 

Officially formed in 101 B.A. under Marshal Demetrius var Ruthern’s extensive reforms, the Cataphractii represent the newly instituted cavalry division of the Regiment of Saint Lothar. Upon witnessing the devastating potential of mounted combatants in the Aevos Coalition War, Queen Sybille I saw fit to raise her own detachment of cavalrymen. This unit was then promptly assigned to the responsibility of Banneret Jovan with the oversight of Marshal Demetrius var Ruthern.

 

The Cataphractii of Saint Lothar are first and foremost lancers, equipped and trained to break through infantry lines otherwise considered unassailable. Armed with platemail made from Portoregne’s finest smiths and riding atop only the most robust of Balianese warhorses, these cavalrymen are spitting images of the patron saint from which the Regiment derives their name.

 

 

STRUCTURE AND SPECIALISATIONS

 

There are no requirements for leadership of the Cataphractii other than being a member of the officer corps and exceptional horsemanship. As such, it is not uncommon for junior officers to be selected to lead the Cataphractii well into the closing years of their careers as senior officers. Such an officer would be titled the Don Cataphract.

 

Conversely, there are strict restrictions on the admission of recruits into the Cataphractii. The Cataphractii is open to application by soldiers ranked militant or above, and who are also adept horsemen. Recruits are then assessed by officers of the division in a jousting competition and, following inspection, are accepted or rejected from service.

 

The Cataphractii have three specialist roles; namely the farriers, the scouts, and the drummerboys.

 

The farrier is responsible for the general care and maintenance of the horses. Among their responsibilities, farriers are expected to trim hooves, forge and fit horseshoes, as well as treat, or in some cases, dispatch of sick and wounded horses. The unit’s farrier is distinguishable via their yellow plumes.

 

The scout is a lighter armed cavalryman well versed in skirmishing, mountaineering, and reconnaissance. These men are armed with javelins alongside the standard equipment of lances and sabres, but ride considerably faster horses in battle. Scouts are a versatile unit, and thus, are called upon for a number of unique and strange duties compared to the rest of the Cataphractii. They are distinguishable via their blue plumes.

 

The drummerboy is a unique role; while they are expected to accompany the men in battle, they are not given lances. Instead of the customary lance, a drummerboy is given a set of kettle-drums. While seemingly an irregular practice at first, it becomes apparent upon inspecting the unit that only the most loyal and vigorous of soldiers are afforded the privilege of becoming a drummerboy. In battle, it is the drummerboy who ensures the morale of the troop, and as thus, it is also the drummerboy who is the last to break. Outside of warfare however, the drummerboys are more involved with the ceremonial side of the unit rather than the maintenance and drilling that the majority of the Cataphractii are subjected to. It is the responsibility of the drummerboys to ensure that the Cataphractii have polished their gear to a flawless sheen in preparation for parades, as well as, of course, playing as a part of the Regimental marching band. The drummerboy is both mascot and backbone to the Cataphractii, and as such, is distinguishable via their vibrant tricolour plumes.

 

 

UNIFORMS AND TRADITIONS

 

Unlike their infantry counterparts, the Cataphractii sport a broad range of colours in their uniforms. Indeed, special emphasis is placed upon the plume of each cavalryman’s helmet. The colours of these plumes denote a variety of information, specifically; rank, specialisation, and even commendations. The majority of soldiers within the Cataphractii will sport a white plume to begin with. Upon the adoption of specialist occupations such as becoming the unit farrier or joining the drummers, these soldiers are given a new plume.

 

Non-commissioned officers sport black plumes. Regardless of whether or not an NCO is involved in a specialist occupation, they are expected to continue to sport the black plume. The only exception to this rule is the farrier, who, due to their veterinary knowledge, must be easily identifiable by their yellow plume.

 

Similarly, commissioned officers all sport purple plumes. The one exception to this is the Don Cataphract, who instead may choose to sport their familial colours if they are of noble heritage.

 

Finally, there is a red plume awarded only to one soldier at any given time. This soldier is designated the Master of the Sabre, as per old Orenian tradition. The Master of the Sabre must be a warrior unparalleled in skill, and as such, represents the strongest warrior of the Cataphractii. The process by which one becomes the Master of the Sabre changes in accordance with the commanding officer of the Cataphractii. While one might simply designate a soldier as the Master of the Sabre, others may instead hold tournaments, or even adopt a system of open challenges.

 

 

Signed,

His Excellency, Ser Demetrius Laonicus ‘Al Valiant’ var Ruthern, Count of Marsana, Baron of Turanov, Marshal of the Regiment of Saint Lothar, Constable of the Royal Duana.
 

Jovan, the Don Cataphractii, Banneret of the Regiment of Saint Lothar.

 

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