Casteviedan Kennel Master

 

“You say that nature’s pain can only be quenched in a tide of blood. I deign to agree, but not from the lives of innocents. I seek the restoration of Casteviedo as much as you do, as her bounty was plentiful enough for both our people. Together, we must break our palms across the soil. To toil for her salvation even when our hands bleed. A future neither of us can have, for as long as Casteviedan sons and daughters litter the trenches in death.”   -A moment of calm between man and beastfolk.

  When the Dyskhari first invaded the once lush woodlands of Casteviedo, it was both man and hound that stood up against them. The Kennel Masters were more than that though. With tactics inspired by the beastkin that fought for the same homeland, during the onslaught of the Dyskhari dominion - the Kennel masters utilize the keen senses of their Casteviedan warghounds to spot hidden enemies and strike from the shadows. By inhuman speed and the vicious howls of the hounds, their aim is to strike fear into their enemies hearts. Allowing the Kennel Master to follow suit in brutal raids throughout the trenches. Matching speed and lethal precision as they cleansed the Dyskhari fortifications by storming them like wraiths.     Kennel Masters rank up from ordinary Legionaries that have seen combat and proven themselves to be quick on their feet and keen on their wits. As standard practice within the third legion, they are bonded with a personal warghound that trains side by side with their comrade. The average training for a Kennel Masters to be officially promoted is three months, although they learn for their entire lives. No matter how long or short it is.   Eight gauges and a punchback that can dislocate a shoulder. This shotgun is only wielded by those who mean business and are trained to use them without knocking their joints out of place. A perfect weapon for a trench raider that values spread and power over accuracy in close quarters lightning strikes.   A crude yet effective tool that duals as both a one-handed combat axe and a tool for digging out entrenchments, or as often is in the Kennel Master’s case, hack away at encroaching vegetation. Due to its bluntness and sharp edges, it is surprisingly effective at causing bludgeoning damage through armour or even punching through lighter plate.   A common explosive among the Golden Empire’s legions. Thrown by a stick handle, this plug-activated grenade is often used by a Kennel Master to throw in blind, by signals given by their hound. Being trained to act differently depending on whether they sense an enemy, allies or captured civilians - to avoid harming those undeserving of their wrath.       A lighter armour sporting a half cuirass to protect the wearer's vitals. Steel shoulderpads, knee guards and bracers sit above a standard Casteviedan olive green and earthy brown uniform. Above the breathable oilcloth woven from jungle flax, they also wear a sleeveless gambeson on top of the uniform to protect them against glancing blows along with the harsh elements. The gambeson is coloured in a wood like brown to match their trench boots and elbow long marksman gloves.   Standing out from the ordinary light raiment, the Kennel Master still wears the helmet of the Casteviedan heavy standard, serving as the thickest and most protective piece of their entire fitting.