Spellslinger Coterie

One of the first uses of spellwriting, as you may well imagine, was to advance individual affairs through any means necessary. And, as I'm sure you know, destructive spellwrits were unleashed upon the world. Indeed, these are surmised to have been what caused the formations of the Rifts. But, as time went on, we learned to control these spellwrits and bent them to our own ends. Now, we fight the riftbeasts with the very spells that created them. And you, as student spellslingers, will learn this art, or die trying.

Composition

Manpower

Typically, a spellslinger coterie comprises 3 to 5 members, each well-schooled in the use of aggressive spellwrits and all having at least a moderate degree of spellwriting talent.

Equipment

A spellslinger coterie is well supplied with writing equipment and pre-written spells, although the nature of aggressive spellwrits means that they need to modify these on the fly. Each spellslinger typically carries multiple inkpots and quills, and at least one pre-made pen. They carry some blank parchments in their packs, and their prewritten scrolls are held in colour-coded scroll cases. They do not typically carry books, as these are more encumbrance than they are worth. Spellslingers also carry mirrors and seeing-glasses like Riders, so as to be able to see the enemies that they fight. They have large, box-like packs which are waterproofed and have multiple straps inside them to hold parchments and ink bottles without spilling. They have straps on the sides for scroll cases to be attached.

Weaponry

Spellslingers depend exclusively upon their aggressive spellwrits for attack and defense. They typically carry no weapons at all, although occasionally will carry a knife or dagger. They are trained in the rudimentary aspects of long blades such as swords and scimitars, but do not carry these and tend only to use them as a last resort.

Vehicles

Spellslinger coteries typically travel with Rider troops, moving to sites where they are needed on carts to protect their packs from too much jostling. When in action, they move on foot.

Structure

Spellslinger coteries operate as teams of equals, with each member taking the lead when they have a particular specialty as regards whatever attack they need to make. Coteries operate separately, but are nominally under the control of the Rider groups with which they operate.

Tactics

Spellslinger coteries typically let Rider troops in before them to clear the area of any immediate dangers. While this occurs, they prepare their materials and begin assessing the situation, identifying which targets are the most dangerous and what spellwrits are the most useful. Once this has been established, they typically move in pincer movements towards their targets before completing their spellwrits.

Training

Spellslingers train as spellwrits for the complete course length that this entails, and then undergo further training in the use of aggressive spellwrits. This typically takes between 6 and 8 years. They learn in this extra training how to use aggressive spellwrits properly, and how best to avoid their going awry. They are also schooled in basic herbalism and, should the worst happen, theories on how to minimise damage from a new Rift. In order to enter the additional training for spellslingers, individuals typically need to demonstrate an ability to spellwrite well and pass a vetting council of all their tutors and professors.

Logistics

Recruitment

New spellslingers are recruited from graduating spellwriters, and usually represent the best writing talent in the group that desire to join. Conscription is never used, after resentful spellslingers in early days caused more Rifts to open, and now spellslingers are only taken on a voluntary basis.
Members must also be able to work together well and show exceptional humility and respect for one another - spellslinger coteries are carefully constructed and often when a vacancy is found the existing members of the coterie will interview prospective applicants.

History

Spellslingers were in existence since the pre-century, but never in organised groups. After it was understood that unrestrained aggressive spellwrits were causing the appearance of Rifts, the craft of spellslinging was persecuted as though in the Spellwriter Trials instituted by Timothy Slatten . During the mid-second century, after The Cada Cratal Rift was rendered inert through the use of spellwriting, the King at the time brought together some of the foremost spellwriters and instituted the first spellslinging coterie. After several years passed and the craft of spellslinging developed, Queen Arjan began to institute conscription, trying to gain more and more spellslingers in order to defeat the Riftbeasts and other such dangers. This was catastrophic and unwilling spellslingers opened up 5 additional Rifts. After Queen Arjan was deposed by her nephew, the conscription ceased and the spellslinging coteries became as we know them today.
Spellslingers were originally skilled in both blade and quill, but as time went on and the craft of spellslinging became more and more demanding they began to work with Rider troops to be more effective. This was instituted a few years after conscription ceased.

Historical loyalties

Spellslinging coteries have always been loyal to the mutually acknowledged ruler of Mythia, although when this is in doubt they typically withdraw from active service until the situation has stabilised.

Type

Magic

Founding

147

Overall training Level

Elite

Assumed Veterancy

Experienced

Ranks & Titles

• Rider