Mithrillium Vanguard
Vanguards are often considered the most elite of the elite within The Mithrillium Order, mainly because of the high-risk work they do, compared to The Guardians. In truth, they're likely equally skilled, but being on the frontlines has given the Vanguards quite the reputation.
Composition
Manpower
Although The Mithrillium Order has considerably more Guardians than Vanguards, they have several thousand ready to send out on short notice.
Equipment
Vanguards carry a full suit of plate armor specifically crafted for them, aptly named Vanguard Armor. They also carry minor tools for maintaining their equipment, including different whetstones, and in some cases oils.
Weaponry
A Vanguard carries a two-handed sword, a backup arming sword as well as a hand crossbow.
The hand crossbow is usually used in the beginning of the battle, before closing into melee range, where they continue with two-handed swords. These are efficient against heavily armored targets.
The hand crossbow is usually used in the beginning of the battle, before closing into melee range, where they continue with two-handed swords. These are efficient against heavily armored targets.
Training
The vanguards are trained to be proficient with most common melee weapons, including polearms, swords, axes, maces, and more, in order to be versatile. When hired out they should be able to adapt to various tactics that their commander employs. Their true focus, however, lies in two-handed swords, arming swords, and hand crossbows.
The hand crossbow is used while the Vanguard is closing in for melee, and is usually discarded on the battlefield, for a quick switch to their two-handed sword. The arming sword is used for close quarters where movement is limited, like a tight frontline formation.
Vanguards are also trained in the use of large shields like tower shields, although this isn't part of their standard equipment. The Mithrilliium Order believes that adaptability is important, and the Vanguards can hold a formidable shield wall if so desired.
The Vanguard is also taught how to ride, and have some mounted combat training. In the early days of The Mithrillium Order , Vanguards did not receive training in mounted combat, as it was not considered important, but was later added to the training, due to some unfortunate situation where a platoon of Vanguards was ambushed while transporting between locations on horseback.
The hand crossbow is used while the Vanguard is closing in for melee, and is usually discarded on the battlefield, for a quick switch to their two-handed sword. The arming sword is used for close quarters where movement is limited, like a tight frontline formation.
Vanguards are also trained in the use of large shields like tower shields, although this isn't part of their standard equipment. The Mithrilliium Order believes that adaptability is important, and the Vanguards can hold a formidable shield wall if so desired.
The Vanguard is also taught how to ride, and have some mounted combat training. In the early days of The Mithrillium Order , Vanguards did not receive training in mounted combat, as it was not considered important, but was later added to the training, due to some unfortunate situation where a platoon of Vanguards was ambushed while transporting between locations on horseback.
Yes, you can put our Vanguards on horses, and they will fight to the best of their ability, but remember; while the Vanguards are the best heavy infantry you can buy, they are not a cavalry unit!
Logistics
Logistical Support
Although Vanguards are capable of marching for extended periods of time, even in their heavy armor, transportation may be beneficial over longer distances. All Vanguards are capable of riding a horse, making mounted transportation a viable solution.
Upkeep
The The Mithrillium Order maintains all upkeep for troop equipment as long as they're not hired out. Once a Vanguard is hired it's usually contracted so that the customer maintains the upkeep of the Vanguard equipment. If a customer have specific requirements for equipment, like tower shields, it is usually required that they provide it themselves.
Loyalty to the coin!
Type
Infantry
Overall training Level
Elite
Parent Formation
Used by
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