Riders of Erendor

Written by Salen

Across the continent of Erendor there is no force more respected, and feared, as the Riders of Erendor. An elite mercenary force that rides across the plains and mountains protecting the good folk of the land from evil, these riders are composed of only the best warriors. To be accepted into their ranks is an honor and a privilege, something young elves and humans aspire to in their youth, and young men train for constantly. The riders accept all races that can prove themselves, including half-elves, and show no prejudice against them like some elves do.

“Dismount and drop to your knees!” a rough voice called out, striding towards them. He had a blue plume on top of his helm and his sword had cleared his own scabbard as well.
“Captain, there’s a second one out here.” The guards called out as Shyi slid down off of her horse and held her hands up.
“We meant no offense, Captain. My name is Shyi...”
“To your knees!!” the captain roared, pointing his sword directly at her throat, cutting her off.
Shyi stared hard and squared her shoulders. “Not going to happen,” she said, locking stares with the outraged captain. “And, if that sword draws blood, it will not be pleasant.” from Dragon Caller, Rise of the Archmage book 1

Composition

Manpower

The Riders of Erendor number into the thousands, having three permanent forts with massive barracks. The capitol of Erendor, Fort Nel'in, and Fort Wren. The barracks in the capitol holds roughly one thousand warriors and their steeds, while the forts hold almost double that. Each fort is run by a Knight Captain while they in turn answer to the Lord High Commander. There are also smaller barracks located in most city's across the land,, but their numbers are much smaller and are outfitted by the larger forts.

Equipment

Every Rider of Erendor is fitted with chainmail armor, graduating to plate armor after proving themselves in battle. An applicant that does exceptionally well can be gifted with this plate right away, or even allowed to keep their own upon acceptance. The most important piece of equipment — their blue cloak — is the most recognizable thing about the Riders of Erendor and everyone knows that when they see those blue cloaks flying behind the powerful steeds that the day will be won.

Higher Ranks

The equipment is usually the same for everyone among the Riders of Erendor with a couple of exceptions among the higher ranks. The Knight Captain's in the forts have a blue plume atop their helm, and the Lord High Commander wears a purple cloak instead of a blue one.

Weaponry

They are given their choice of weapon, monogrammed with the symbol of the riders — A Pegasus upon a field of blue

Vehicles

They all ride beautiful warhorses trained and bred for combat.

Structure

As stated above, every Rider of Erendor reports to a Knight Captain which in turn reports to a Lord High Commander. Lesser ranks include Azure Rider — for someone that has more than five years of service — and Lord Rider. This last one is honorary for those that have stood against innumerable odds and lived.

History

The Riders of Erendor were originally an adventuring company that protected the plains between the cities centuries ago. When they started getting to old for the task, they decided to recruit others to train and command. One thing led to another and soon they were a large force of mercenary heroes saving the day. Once they had the backing of the council of Tir-Onial, they expanded again and into the force you see today.

Historical loyalties

They have, and always will , fight for the people of Erendor first and the council last. No amount of money can sway them from this loyalty and it has been tested numerous times in the past.

by Edvard Svensson

Type

Cavalry

Overall training Level

Elite

Assumed Veterancy

Trained

Horse breeding

With their numbers as high as they are, and more recruits coming all the time, one has to wonder where they get all the warhorses they need. The competition is steep as well, with the main knight force in Tir-Onial wanting their own cavalry and the many horses used by other warriors. So where do they get them? The answer is that they breed them themselves. The plains around the two forts are excellent for grazing and the towers located near the massive city of warriors serves as both food storage and birthing facilities. A number of farms with corals exist around the forts as well for training and breeding, and offer the locals much needed jobs.