The Armies of the Yeomanry

Being a democracy open mostly to its warriors and veterans, the

army of the Yeomanry

is naturally a primary political force in the land. The titular head of the military is the elected Freeholder, Crispin Redwell, but the troops themselves are led by the Captains of the Battles, who command the various regiments.

The lowlands produce the vast majority of troops; spearmen and crossbowmen, while the mountainous regions provide troops armed with pole arms as well as slingers. The few cavalry are provided by the major landowners, including the Freeholder himself. These troops get regular practice against the giants and humanoids that regularly spill down from the mountains to raid farms and villages.

Although the army of the Yeomanry suffered a reversal in 577 at the hands of the Sea Princes, as of 578 those losses were largely recouped, and now the regular standing army consists of the following forces.

• 2,600 light infantry with slings (mountaineers)

• 4,000 medium infantry with spears, wearing chainmail

• 3,000 medium crossbowmen, wearing chainmail

• 1,100 heavy infantry with glaives, wearing plate mail (mountaineers)

• 2,600 heavy infantry with guisarmes, wearing plate mail (mountaineers)

• 1,800 medium cavalry with swords or maces, wearing chainmail

When needed, a number of demi human contingents are available to supplement the Battles.

• 2,400 elvish medium infantry with spears, wearing chainmail

• 1,100 elvish light infantry with longbows

• 3,000 dwarven heavy foot with axes or swords, wearing chainmail

• 1,800 halfling light infantry with slings

Figures for the Yeomanry can come from just about any feudal/medieval European range that isn’t overly distinctive. Infantry would tend to wear conical/pointed helms and kite shields. Cavalry units will bear the colors of the landowner who raised and equipped them.