Ga'venn'shviie Cataphractii

The Ga'venn'shviie Cataphractii are the royal guard and the elite assault force of House Gani'orells warrior caste. Drawing upon the Cataphractii traditions of their ancestors, these Heavily armoured professional warriors are rightly feared and respected throughout the city-states of the Sunless Realms, yet seldom seen outside of the Royal Palace of Ga'venn'shviie where their masters reside. Only when the city-state marshals for war, or a situation is dire enough to attract the attention of the House's elite are the Cataphractii sent forth.

Composition

Manpower

Exclusively comprised of the Maikor'des; A specific branch of the Gani'orell bloodline that serve as its warrior caste. Specifically bred to be strong and resilient, they are trained form a young age to be the backbone of the houses military arm. Whereas most houses to their detriment rely heavily on fickle loyalty of mercenaries or employ their own house guard trained and recruited from the lower orders. The Gani'orell only rely on their own, a belief that intrinsically stems from house Ganio'rells general distaste for outside influences within its internal affairs.

Equipment

Clade in suits of highly resilient, articulated plate armour. Specifically crafted by master-armourers that have serviced the royal guard for centuries, the Ga'venn'shviie Cataphractii have a very distinct appearance. Their ornate scaled mail, heavy plate armour and serpentine iconography of their house are unmistakable.

Weaponry

Qul'gaalvi; The traditional weapon of the southern city-states, it translates as "Great Glaive" and famously wielded by the Ga'vann'shviee Cataphractii. Very different to what is considered a conventional Glaive on the surface, the Qul'gaalvi is more akin to a great sword than a pole arm. It has three areas to grip in total, giving more mobility to a swing during combat; the handle and two grips at either end of the great blade. It's evolution from pole arm to great sword was to cope with the confined spaces within the underworld. Wishing to keep their ancestral weaponry, but needing to adapt to their new environment. The Qul'gaalvi has also found favour among the nobility of house Skartus, taken as trophies during the frequent conflicts between the city-states.

Tactics

Traditionally the Cataphractii of their ancestors served as the elite cavalry force, breaking through enemy formations. Since the days of the sundering and their banishment into the Sunless Realms, the traditional role of the Cataphractii has become more versatile. Whilst still serving an active role as mounted line breakers on the battlefield, they have adapted to primarily become a well versed in close quarters combat foot soldiers. Specialising in engaging multiple combatants and breaking through formations.

Training

Only the most Elite and loyal members of the Maikor'des are selected to join the Cataphractii. Like everything regarding the internal affairs of House Gani'orell their training is a closely guarded secret.