Ve Druzhina ov Svyatis Gerod

[_RoyalCrafter_ 5285]

 

Milžinų kapai English subtitles

 

 

BROTHERHOOD OF ST. GERARD 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Ve Druzhina ov Svyatis Gerod, is the levy of House Whitewood and Silasia. The traditions of the Druzhina date back generations from the first settlers of the birch forests, and have been adapted specifically to the unique environment of Silasia. The Druzhina are mobile, woodland warriors that forgo conventional formations and tactics, instead focusing on manoeuvrability, ambush tactics and archery.

 

Founded originally in the Marchdom of Lotusgrad, the levies were centralised first into the Order of the Silver Titan, which campaigned against the various organised darkspawn incursions, most famously being the main force of the Silver Crusade that faced the profane necromancer lord, The Vicar.

After the fall of Silasia in the Robertine Crusade the levy was disbanded. Then with the reintegration of the Silasian peoples of the empire, the Druzhina was reformed and now honours Saint Gerard, the patron of discipline and loyalty, for the loyalty of the silasian men-at-arms never faded away, even after its scattering.

 

 

OFFICER RANKS

VYS HETMAN

The High Hetman is the ultimate authority of Druzhina, held by the Patriarch of House Whitewood. For the patriarch has always ridden with their soldiers to battle since the first founding.

 

VOEVOD

The Voevod,  or War Leader in Silasian, is the appointed position of leader of the D.S.G, granted to the most capable and loyal of the Druzhina. The Voevod is responsible for the running of the order.

 

KAPITAN

The Captain is the commander of the order, responsible for its organisation, mustering and campaign. They are appointed by the Voevod and serve as their military advisor as well.

 

SERZANT

The sergeant is the first officer rank, taking the command of cohorts of the Druzhina. Sergeants are responsible for training other members of the Druzhina.

 

MEN-AT-ARMS

DRUZHIK

The Druzhiks are the most experienced warriors, having completed all the trials and several combat expeditions. The Druzhiks have a profound sense of loyalty to each other, often camping together and operating in small cohorts.

 

VOJON

Vojons, or warriors make up the bulk of the militia, having experienced combat alongside their fellows. They are trained in archery, swordstaff combat, ambush tactics, and wilderness survival.

 

PRIMA

Recruits eager to test their mettle and live the lifestyle of brotherhood of a Druzhnik. Prima must learn  the land, customs, and values of Silasians, before ever raising a weapon.

 

COMBAT STYLE

The Druzhina embraces a guerilla warfare combat style, shaped by the wooded terrain of Silasia.  A Druzhik must possess  the following proficiencies: mastery of the shortbow and swordstaff, to be versatile in close and mid-range encounters.

 

They must be adept in ambush coordination and hit-and-run tactics. For this they must possess a fine skill in horsemanship upon a Silasian-bred steed.

 

Additionally, a Druzhik is expected to be skilled in fieldcraft, including herbalism, land navigation, and weather interpretation.

 

ARMORY

The Gladastaff: A popular variant of a swordstaff, used in formations as it provides cutting strength and defence. It is commonly seen due to the prevalence of recycling of scavenged swords.

 

Throwing Spears: A widely used implement for hunting and for combat. Throwing spears can be particularly effective in an ambush against lightly armoured targets.

 

Pavise: An oblong shield that comes as either large, to cover the full body as cover for archers, or mid-sized to be used for infantry and cavalry. It is often popular to paint the facades of these with beautiful artwork; camouflage is painted on even more often.

 

 

 

 

RITE OF THE VENATYS

To become a true Druzhnik, one must undergo a ritualised hunt with one’s cohort, as it is tradition for Jorenic warbands. However, the purpose of the Rite of Venatys is not only to display one’s prowess and teamwork, but also to honor the quarry by returning to Silasia with the slain beast, process it, and put every last part of the animal to use in accordance with Silasian ideals: the bones of the animal to be used for handiwork, the fur for clothes, and a meal prepared by the druzhik for his fellows in the name of the Brotherhood.

 

After completing the rite, a future Druzhnik may be granted an additional name, to mark their new status as an honoured member of Silasian society. The name may be either taken as a first one, or second and in the case of commoners with no surname, they may be granted one.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

1. You shall obey the orders of your Lord and your superiors

2. You shall not be inebriated, intoxicated or compromised while in uniform

3. You shall not flee battle without command.

4. Do not harm women, children, or the helpless without cause.

5. Do not harm messengers or heralds.

6. Honour truces, oaths and agreements.

7. Do not mistreat your horses.

8. Do not kill those who have surrendered.

9. Take off your helmets and hats when on holy ground.

10. Behave with honor, for you act in the name of your  Lord.

 

OATH

There are those that came before me
There will be ones that come after,
I am the one who stands now,
And I will meet death with laughter.

Through my loyalty and arms.
I will earn dignity and station,
Through my toil and struggle,
I will defend the fatherland, Silasia.

If I fall alongside my brothers,
Let our names  be exalted,
Be like our forerunners.
Death is trifle, so fight undaunted.

If I break the pillars of loyalty
Upon which our land is built,
I condemn my people to cruelty,
And myself to demons and guilt.

Edited February 22 by _RoyalCrafter_
updated 22/02