The Outrider Knights

This knightly order is the primary communications network of the Radiant Empire. They are used to relay messages over long distances for high military command. They are sometimes referred to as the "Lonely Knights" due to their sullen faces and preference to travel alone, though they themselves don't seem to mind. They form deep bonds with their horses which are bred for long runs, with little rest between stations. The highest ranking knights may take more exotic mounts, but they rarely do. A secondary duty for Outriders is sometimes serving as heralds for advancing armies and even as light cavalry. Many citizens view them with suspicion or fear, for if an outrider knight appears, there is bound to be imperial eyes and hands approaching.

Composition

Manpower

The order is 4000 strong, though they are almost never gathered in any one place at a time. They often operate self sufficiently, though they sometimes will be paired with junior members who are still in training.

Equipment

Outriders travel very lightly as heavy baggage would weigh them down. The average Outrider carries the following: x2 Saddlebags x1 Bedroll x1 Shelter canvas x 1 Survival pack x1 Satchel containing letters, missives, and orders

Weaponry

Often the knights will carry a light spear for self defence, both mounted and dismounted. While hunting for their own food, they will use a light bow to shoot down deer, rabbits, birds or whatever else is within shot. Outriders are quite proficient in mounted archery because of this.

Vehicles

The Valdian horse is a breed made specifically for the Outriders. The breed was officially announced 6:25 Storm (month/year/age) and have been incorporated completely since then. Throughout history, Valdian horses have spread around the world by both war and trade, used to improve other breeds by adding speed, refinement, endurance, and strong bone.

Structure

The Outrider Knights maintain a loose command style when in the field. However, they do have a headquarters based in Brialet. There they undergo training, receive assignments, and gather again for rest. The home castle of Castelo Ragelo in Brialet is home to the training camps, higher command teams, and the supply base for the knights, though the office in the capital is just as well maintained. The current commander of the Outriders is Lord Captain Mathias Longquill, a cold con who made his name by reforming the education and training of the knights.

Tactics

When met in open field for war, the Outriders attempt to advance quickly on their horses, firing with their bows in a sweeping action. The knights follow up the sweep by retreating and reconstituting for another volley. If met in a skirmish, they will attempt to bypass the threat as quickly as possible. When forced to fight in a skirmish, they will charge forward with spears lowered, force a breach, and continue onward.

Training

New cold cons assigned to the Outriders are given a horse and must learn to take care of the beast. The Valdian horse becomes the rider's partner after months of archery, literacy tests, and basic tactics. Many Riders also learn an instrument, which they play for themselves and their horses far away from home.

History

The Outriders were officially introduced into the military shortly after the War of the Dawn. The newly formed Radiant Empire, whom were unaccustomed to large scale bureaucracy and communications, began to quietly hire Theran mercenaries. These Therans trained new cold cons into capable riders. Ironically, those newly trained Outriders were tested by skirmishing and raiding Theran holdings in the north. In the centuries since, Outriders have stayed mostly away from large scale battles, being seen as too independent and sullen for military life. Thus, while they are officially a military regiment, they remain mostly autonomous from the military and work more closely with the bureaucracy.