Armies of Risay

The Sharifate of Risay is little known in the Flanaess outside of the Baklunish lands, but its position gives it an important role in many different trade routes, to the rest of Oerik, and this requires a robust military to protect those routes and its other interests. The constant threat of raids from Paynim warriors and skirmishes with neighboring Komal also contributes to something of a siege mentality among the Risaylis.

The medium cavalry of Risay is their primary weapon against the light horses of the Paynims. Although they lack some of the maneuverability of their enemies, their mail-clad horsemen are much more difficult to wound than their more lightly-armored foes, even if more of the enemy is able to escape during their hit-and-run raids. Large numbers of archers back up these horsemen, and light infantry prevent broad encirclements by enemy horse.

Its geographic position has allowed Risay to import war elephants from not-too-distant Mur and the Verdant Heights.

As of CY 578, Risay’s army consists of the following:

• 2,500 light infantry

• 1,000 armed with spear and shield

• 1,500 armed with longbow

• 1,000 medium infantry, armed with spear, with mail and shield

• 3,000 medium cavalry, all armed with spear and shield

• 20 elephants with driver, archer, and spearman

At need, peasant levies can add another 4,000 light infantry, evenly split between archers and spearmen. In addition, a variable number of Paynim mercenaries are usually available.

Daylami and Ghaznavid figures would make excellent Risayli forces on the miniature tabletop.