Orlik's Band
This is a mercenary unit of Hill Tribe warriors that has moved around the northern kingdoms for the last few years. The unit's membership has fluctuated between 30 and 70 members. The choice of weapons is eclectic with band members carrying swords, axes, spears and war hammers. Most members of the unit carry long hunting bows. The armor worn is a complicated mixture of leather, mail and plate depending on what the unit members have looted from the bodies of their dead enemies.
The Band is lead by Orlik the Hammer, a fearsome and incredibly tough warrior who took over leadership after its initial leader Vestok the Bear was killed in battle. The band is very much held together by Orlik's will. When he gets the opportunity he recuits more Hill tribe warrior into the band. Every year some warriors leave and others come south to join.
The band has a reputation for looting, wildness and general bad behavior. The band only includes a handful of women including a couple of tribal witches who provide the unit's magical support.
Composition
Manpower
Orlik's band consists of warriors recruited from the Great North Wood and the Gray Mountains. Most the warriors are male,, although the ban does included a handful of female warriors and a pair of witches. The band's size has changed swung back and fourth with between 30 and 70 members.
Equipment
Each member of the band makes his or her own decision about equipment.
Weaponry
Most member so the band start off with leather or hide armor, but over time replace it with mail and plate armor taken as war booty. Most of the bands members favor the long hunting bows used by the northern tribes. Melee weapons are generally individual choices with swords, axes and war hammers being the weapons of choice. Many of the warriors carry shields.
Structure
Orlik has lead the band since the death of its original leaders. He typically is supported by a pair of sub-chiefs and several proven men who serve as leaders of sub units.
Tactics
The band uses long bows efficiently, but also like to use shock tactics. The are very comfortable fighting in woods and broken terrain where enemy unts will have trouble maintaining cohesive formations.
Training
By early adulthood most members of the hill tribes have gain considerable experience both fighting and hunting. The band is generally foot mobile with its members comfortably absorbing long marches. The band does plenty of practice fighting when conditions allow.
Type
Mercenary
Overall training Level
Professional
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