Bertian axemen

Berta is a sliver of its former lands. A once semi peaceful land of mostly farmer settlers they were pushed off their mostly stolen lands a century and a half ago relocating on the cusp of the great prairies and the thick northern forest.
Moving mostly to the forests they became more territorial and warlike. Their weapons of choice are bladed weapons, more useful in the woods and more manouverable amongst the trees. Sturdy, smaller, large blades. Bertains are typically armed with double bladed great axes, two handed axes, shorter hatchets and tomahawks. A extra short axe is usually tucked in their belts. Those using the hatchets and tomahawks usually favour one in each hand, forgoing the small round shield that is often used. Larger shields would be a hindrance getting caught up in the brush and branches. In single combat they have learnt to use the tree trunks to their advantage, ducking between and behind until there is an opening to strike. They dress in all matter of leather and salvaged metal armour. Other then the axes one can tell a Bertain by the traditional flat topped fur hat they wear.
Many a Bertian axemen has served in various mercenary companies, with bands of friends and relatives joining bands together to be hired out. These are known as Berta boys. These fighters have a reputation of fighting fiercely, sticking to their own and importantly returning to their lands once their contract has expired. They openly distain archers and crossbow men. They barely tolerate pikemen and enjoy attacking opposition knights two three and even four to one. Using their numbers to overwhelm a knight opening up his armour with blows from axes or using the weighted side of the axe to cave in face shields and helms.
People from Berta are correctly called Bertains. Nick names are Chucks for their love of axes. Flathead due to their hats napakistikwân in the old language.