Order of the Red Dragon

Order of the Red Dragon:   Organizational Structure

• Overall Size and Scope
• Knights: 12,000 elite fighters distributed across Avalon.
• Clerics: Integrated into battalions to provide support, healing, and morale.
• Support Staff: Each knight has a squire and a servant, tripling the personnel associated with the Order.
• Total: 36,000 individuals directly tied to the Order.
• Additional Logistics: Blacksmiths, farriers, quartermasters, cooks, scouts, stablehands, and other auxiliary staff.

The First Brigade

• The First Brigade is the operational core of the Order and consists of three divisions. Each division is further divided into battalions, companies, and squads:

First Brigade Composition

• Brigade Total Strength: ~8,000 personnel (including knights, clerics, squires, servants, and support).
• Divisions: Three divisions of approximately 2,500–3,000 personnel each.

Division Breakdown

• Battalions per Division: 5 Battalions (around 500 personnel each, including knights, clerics, and staff).
• Knights per Battalion: 150-200 knights.
• Clerics: One company of 30-50 clerics per battalion, trained for healing and divine combat.
• Support Staff: Squires, servants, and logistics personnel supporting the knights.

Battalion Breakdown

• Companies per Battalion: 4 Companies of around 125 personnel.
• Knights per Company: 30-50 elite fighters.
• Cleric Detachment: A team of 10-12 clerics per company.
• Support Staff: Squires (1 per knight) and servants (1 per knight).

Support and Supply Chain

• The Order’s reputation for operational excellence is bolstered by a well-maintained supply chain:
• Logistics Corps: An additional 1,500-2,000 personnel manage supply lines, armor and weapon maintenance, horse care, and provisioning for the First Brigade.
• Command Staff: Senior officers, strategists, heralds, and quartermasters (~150 personnel).

Order-Wide Overview   Considering the larger Order of the Red Dragon, here’s an estimate of the total personnel involved:

• Knights: 12,000.
• Clerics: ~1,200 (10% of total knights).
• Support Staff: ~24,000 (squires and servants).
• Logistics and Command: ~6,000 auxiliary personnel.
• Total Manpower for the Order of the Red Dragon: ~43,200 individuals.

Historical Comparison

• This size mirrors the military structure pioneered by the Pendragons, who created an elite, well-balanced force with both frontline combatants and robust support infrastructure. The focus on highly trained knights and divine clerics, coupled with an efficient supply chain, ensured the Order of the Red Dragon operated as a self-sufficient and formidable military unit.
• After their defeat by Uther Pendragon, the Harker clan took these revolutionary military concepts with them when they fled to Rome. There, the Harkers introduced and adapted the Pendragons’ structure into what would become the foundation of the Black Legion Empire’s military—a powerful and disciplined force modeled on the Pendragons’ design. This influence cemented the Pendragons’ legacy as military innovators, their tactics shaping the evolution of professional armies far beyond the realm of Avalon.

Equipment of the Order of the Red Dragon

• The Order of the Red Dragon emphasizes discipline, versatility, and preparation. Every knight, regardless of specialization, is provided with a standard issue of equipment designed to support them in battle and daily life. Below is a breakdown of the issued gear and specialized equipment provided to different parts of the formation.

  Equipment of the Order of the Red Dragon

• The Order of the Red Dragon emphasizes discipline, versatility, and preparation. Every knight, regardless of specialization, is provided with a standard issue of equipment designed to support them in battle and daily life. Below is a breakdown of the issued gear and specialized equipment provided to different parts of the formation.

  Standard Equipment (Issued to All Knights)   Uniforms

• Four Sets of Scarlet and Blue Uniforms: The scarlet represents courage and the blood of their sacrifices, while the blue symbolizes loyalty and honor. These are designed for durability and comfort during formal parades and non-combat operations.
• Two Sets of Fine Clothes: For courtly appearances, diplomatic missions, or formal ceremonies.
• Personal Kits

  Explorer’s Pack: Includes essentials for survival and exploration:

• Bedroll, mess kit, tinderbox, torches, rations, and rope.
• Two Waterskins: Additional hydration for extended campaigns.
• Fishing Tackle: To encourage self-sufficiency in wilderness operations.
• Healer’s Kit: Basic medical supplies, including bandages, salves, and stitching tools.

Maintenance Tools

• Whetstone: For maintaining blades and other metal tools.
• Miscellaneous Gear

One Flask: For water, spirits, or medicinal purposes.   Specialized Equipment by Role   Sword Knights (Heavy Infantry and Cavalry)   Armor:

• Plate Mail: Custom-fitted full plate armor crafted to provide maximum protection while allowing mobility in mounted and dismounted combat.
• Shield: Embossed with the sigil of the Order, often enchanted for resilience.

Weapons:

• Longsword: The primary weapon, forged in the sacred forge of the Order.
• Lance: For mounted engagements, particularly during charges.
• Dagger: A secondary weapon for close combat or as a tool.

Additional Gear:

• Reinforced saddle and barding for their warhorses.
• Cavalry toolkit for maintaining mounts and equipment.

Archers (Ranged Units)   Armor:

• Studded Leather: Offers mobility and light protection, allowing for agility and speed.

  Weapons:

• Longbow: Crafted from yew wood, these bows are designed for long-range precision.
• Two Quivers: Each containing 20 arrows; knights are trained to recover and reuse arrows when possible.
• Short Sword: For close-range defense when retreating or overrun.

Additional Gear:

• Spare bowstrings and waxing kit for maintaining bows.
• Cloak of camouflage: Enhances stealth during forest or field operations.

Clerics (Support and Healing Units)   Armor:

• Chainmail or Scale Mail: Provides moderate protection while allowing for freedom of movement and spellcasting.

  Weapons:

• Mace or Warhammer: Symbolic of divine authority and effective against heavily armored foes.
• Holy Symbol: Worn visibly, often incorporated into their gear or armor.

  Medical Supplies:

• Expanded Healer’s Kit: Includes potions, poultices, and divine implements for removing curses or diseases.
• Portable Altar: Compact and collapsible for conducting battlefield blessings or ceremonies.

Warhorses and Mounts   All knights, regardless of role, are issued trained warhorses, outfitted with:

• Barding: Light or heavy armor, depending on the knight’s specialization.
• Saddlebags: For personal gear, rations, and tools.
• Training Bridle: Allows knights to maintain control during combat.

This meticulous allocation of gear ensures that every member of the Order is prepared for their role, contributing to the elite reputation and operational efficiency of the Order of the Red Dragon. Would you like to detail the enchanted properties of their gear or describe the warhorse breeding program?

Warhorses (Primary Mounts)

• Quantity: 12,000 (one per knight)
• Users: All knights, including clerics and specialized units.

Purpose:

• Mobility on the battlefield, allowing for rapid deployment and tactical maneuvers.
• Warhorses are bred for endurance and trained for combat scenarios, capable of engaging in melee combat or carrying heavily armored riders.

Features:

• Warhorses for command officers are often equipped with enhanced barding for protection and symbolic embellishments to denote rank.

Supply Wagons

• Quantity: 500-600 across the brigade (approx. 50 per division).
• Users: Logistics personnel, supply sergeants, and support units.

Purpose:

• Transport rations, medical supplies, and personal gear.
• Carry maintenance tools, replacement weapons, and spare armor.
• Serve as mobile storage for clerical and alchemical supplies.

Features:

• Drawn by draft horses or mules.
• Some wagons are outfitted with reinforced sides for protection.

Medical Carts

• Quantity: 30-40 across the brigade (approx. 3-4 per division).
• Users: Clerics and medics.

Purpose:

• Mobile triage centers, used to stabilize and transport the wounded.
• Stocked with healer’s kits, potions, and field surgical tools.

Special Features:

• Enchanted compartments to preserve medical supplies.
• Fitted with stretchers and basic shelter for field surgeries.

Specialty Vehicles   Command Wagons

• Quantity: 12 (1 per division headquarters).
• Users: Field Marshals, division generals, and command staff.

Purpose:

• Serve as mobile command centers for planning and coordinating during campaigns.
• Outfitted with maps, communication tools, and supply ledgers.

Features:

• Enchanted for communication (sending stones or other magical means).
• Reinforced to protect vital personnel and equipment.

Overall Command Integration   The vehicle distribution reflects the brigade's hierarchical structure:

• Brigade HQ Units:
• Command wagons and additional supply wagons dedicated to coordinating the entire brigade.

Division HQ Units:

• Specialty vehicles (command and communication chariots).

Regimental and Battalion Levels:

• Majority of supply wagons and scout carts allocated here for localized use.

Platoon and Company Levels:

• Warhorses dominate, with minimal reliance on other vehicles.

Order of the Red Dragon: Command Breakdown   Strategic Leadership

• Supreme Commander: Knight Commander of Avalon (✪)
• Supreme leader of the Order of the Red Dragon, reporting directly to the King. Usually a senior Knight of the Round Table.

Brigade-Level Command:

• Field Marshal (****):
• Leader of the First Brigade, the most senior knight of the Order.

Brigade XO ():***

• Senior general of the brigade, second-in-command to the Field Marshal.

Brigade Sergeant Major:

• Senior enlisted knight, ensuring discipline and morale across the brigade.

Division-Level Command

• Division General ():**
• Two-star general overseeing each division (3 divisions per brigade).

Division XO (✶):

• One-star general assisting the Division General.

Division Sergeant Major:

• Senior enlisted knight or veteran overseeing all non-commissioned personnel in the division.

Regiment-Level Command

• Colonel:
• Commanding officer of a regiment (3-4 regiments per division).

Regiment XO:

• Senior Lieutenant Colonel assisting the Colonel.

Regiment Sergeant Major:

• Senior enlisted knight managing discipline and readiness at the regiment level.

Battalion-Level Command

• Battalion Commander (Lieutenant Colonel):
• Leads each battalion within a regiment (3-4 battalions per regiment).

Battalion XO (Major):

• Assists the Battalion Commander in operations and planning.

Battalion Sergeant Major:

• Senior enlisted knight ensuring discipline and morale within the battalion.

Company-Level Command

• Company Commander (Captain):
• Commands a company within a battalion (3-4 companies per battalion).

Company XO (1st Lieutenant):

• Assists the Captain in leading and managing the company.

1st Sergeant:

• Senior enlisted knight responsible for discipline and administration in the company.

Platoon-Level Command

• Platoon Commander (2nd Lieutenant):
• Leads a platoon within a company (3-4 platoons per company).

Platoon Sergeant:

• Senior enlisted knight of the platoon, second-in-command to the Platoon Commander.

Squad-Level Command

• Corporal:
• Squad leader, commanding a small unit of knights (8-12 knights).

Knight Errant:

• Junior knights, typically serving directly under corporals in squads.

Support and Specialist Units

• In addition to the primary chain of command, specialized HQ units operate to ensure battlefield effectiveness:

  Mage Corps Captain:

• Leads war wizards and enchanters attached to the brigade for magical support.

Cleric Corps Captain:

• Oversees the clerical company, ensuring divine support for healing and blessings.

Logistics Captain:

• Manages supply chains, transport, and provisions for the brigade.

Reconnaissance Captain:

• Leads scout and reconnaissance units tasked with gathering battlefield intelligence.

Organizational Hierarchy Summary

• Brigade (8,000 personnel):
• 3 Divisions (~2,500-3,000 personnel each).
• Division (2,500-3,000 personnel):
• 3-4 Regiments (~800-1,000 personnel each).
• Regiment (800-1,000 personnel):
• 3-4 Battalions (~200-300 personnel each).
• Battalion (200-300 personnel):
• 3-4 Companies (~50-80 personnel each).
• Company (50-80 personnel):
• 3-4 Platoons (~15-25 personnel each).
• Platoon (15-25 personnel):
• 2-3 Squads (~8-12 personnel each)

This structure allows for scalability, robust command, and specialization, reflecting the Order’s elite and highly organized nature. Would you like further detail on a specific level, such as the roles of clerics or mages, or historical comparisons to their effectiveness?

Training and Tactics

• Knights of the Order are masters of mounted warfare, a skill first developed during the Pendragons’ barbarian days. These cavalry tactics, kept secret from other clans, were a key factor in the Pendragons’ dominance and remain an integral part of the Order’s training regimen.
• Each knight trains with a squire, ensuring that the Order’s knowledge and skills are passed down through generations. In addition, a knight is assigned a servant, whose role is to manage logistics and assist in day-to-day needs, allowing the knight to focus fully on their duties.

Recruitment Requirements:   Gender and Background

• Open to All Genders: While many knightly orders in history were gender-restricted, the Order of the Red Dragon welcomes men and women equally, focusing solely on merit and ability.
• Commoner and Noble Alike: Nobility is not a requirement. Any individual, regardless of birth, may prove themselves worthy, echoing the legendary rise of Sir Kay the Green Knight.

Physical Requirements

• Height and Build: Candidates must meet physical standards conducive to cavalry warfare. A minimum height of 5’8”  for men and 5’5”  for women is preferred, though exceptions are made for exceptional riders or fighters.
• Endurance and Strength: Prospective knights must pass rigorous physical trials that test stamina, strength, and riding skill.

Moral and Mental Requirements

• Code of Conduct: Candidates must demonstrate unwavering loyalty to the Crown, courage in the face of adversity, and a commitment to the Pendragon ideals of sacrifice, discipline, and service.
• Mental Resilience: The demands of knighthood require mental fortitude and quick thinking. Candidates are evaluated for leadership potential and decision-making skills.

Nationality

• Avalonian Citizens: Candidates must swear loyalty to Avalon and King Arthur's line. Exceptions are rare but may be granted to allied foreign warriors of exceptional skill and renown.

Pre-existing Training

• Martial Prowess: While candidates do not need to be masters of combat, they must have a foundation in swordsmanship, horsemanship, and basic military tactics.
• Religious Affiliation (Optional): Paladins and clerics must demonstrate a strong connection to divine powers, often tied to Avalonian faiths.

Exclusions

• Mutations or Curses: While minor magical mutations are not an automatic disqualification, candidates must undergo clerical scrutiny to ensure no corruption or risk to the Order’s integrity.
• Criminal Background: Pardoned individuals may be considered, but past transgressions are heavily scrutinized

Recruitment Sources   The Military Pool:

• Many recruits are drawn from Avalon’s Crimsons Dragons or Crimsons Guard. Distinguished service in battle often earns an invitation to prove oneself before the Order. Exmaple First Sumpreme Commander  Sir Charles D'Artagnan

Tournaments and Festivals:

• Promising warriors from tournaments or local events are scouted by knights and invited to participate in trials. The highly decorated Sir Wiilliam Thatcher as an example. 

Squires and Apprentices:

• Every knight trains a squire, who may earn knighthood through years of service and training. Example Dame Julie Andrews the first female knight to join the order who went from Squire to Field Marshal in the ranks. Was also the first Dame to be a member of the Round table. 

Divine Calling:

• Clerics and paladins who demonstrate extraordinary faith and skill may be invited to join the Order as spiritual leaders. Example Dame Joan of Arc who gave her life in the service of the Penderagons. 

Recruitment Rituals:   Initial Selection: The Knight’s Eye

• Veteran knights travel across Avalon, scouting potential recruits. When a candidate is chosen, they are approached with a ceremonial challenge: a duel, test of horsemanship, or a quest to prove their worth.
• The Trials of Gorados

  Recruits must pass grueling trials designed to test their physical, mental, and spiritual fortitude. These trials include: The Trial of Fire: A combat gauntlet designed to push candidates to their limits. The Trial of the Dragon’s Gaze: A test of courage and resolve, often involving intense magical or psychological challenges. The Trial of Service: Candidates must perform a significant act of service to Avalon, such as rescuing innocents, defending a village, or completing a sacred quest.   The Rite of Bonding

• Once a recruit passes the trials, they swear their oath to the King and the Pendragon ideals in a sacred ceremony at the Hall of Gorados.
• A symbolic bonding ritual involves the candidate touching the Red Dragon Egg relic—a revered artifact said to embody Gorados’ enduring spirit.

The Forging of the Knight’s Blade

• New knights are gifted a custom blade forged in the Order’s sacred forge. The blade is imbued with the candidate’s blood, symbolizing their commitment to the Order and Avalon.

Squire Oath and Assignment

• Newly knighted members are assigned a squire to train, perpetuating the Order’s traditions and ensuring its values endure.