Warband

Warbands normally form for defense on the local level, raised by leaders via the call to arms. Leadership of the band falls to whomever made that call to arms, the battle chief. Jarls, Carls, and Thralls are all expected to lead their own men on the battlefield. Any fighting age male (14 to 50) with his own kit can answer the call. Men are paid in loot and bounties divided equally among the band. They answer the call in hopes of receiving gifts, favor, or prestige. Less often, the Druid Circle can also call to arms. Anywhere from a dozen men to a thousand, all those who answer the call make up the warband.

Composition

Equipment

Those who answer the call must provide their own shield and armor. Most wear heavy gambeson but professionals normally have a mail shirt on top, either ring (in the eastern reaches) or scale (in the west), and a conical helmet. The wealthy wear mail aventail on their conical helmets, sometimes with plumage arranged to mimic the gaping maw of beasts.

Weaponry

Standard weapon for a fighting man is the spear, sometimes more than one. Along with several javelins for throwing. A secondary weapon is always carried, be it some type of axe, hammer, or pick. Small ones carried in one hand or a large two handed variety. Long daggers are kept on their belts and knives kept in their boots.

Vehicles

Small horses, none bigger than a rouncey, are used to carry baggage and for fighting.

Tactics

They move the formation into lines with the battle chief and his retinue in front. Cavalry flank the sides with archers and peltasts forming the rear. To size up the opponent, duels can be fought between champions or light skirmishes between smaller bands. Followed by war chants and drums to display strength and discipline.
At the peak of the chant front line leaders charge en masse, maintaining lines, and the units form into wedges before clashing. Wedges are meant to pierce the enemy lines. An engaged wedge, with its leader surrounded at the tip, is ill equipped for an orderly retreat.
Flanks maneuver to surround the enemy lines on either side.

Logistics

Recruitment

The Jarl (tribal leader) puts out the call to arms, which Carls (clan leaders) answer and put out their own. Thralls (village leaders) answer that call and put out another.

Type

Raiding parties

Overall training Level

Levy

Assumed Veterancy

Experienced