What follows is an excerpt from an official document describing the military structure of Östlaed, known as the Östronweard.The Östronweard is the collective structure of militia, paid swordsmen, Knights, and sailors that defend the realm of Östlaed. This document will describe their functions within Östron defense systems.
Militia
The oldest defenders of the Östron, the militia is composed of farmers who wield a variety of weapons. The most common weapon used is an iron axe, followed by a bow. Leather armor, typically plain brown or black, is their only defense besides a rare shield. Militia members primarily defend against the Night Terrors, and occasionally fight against other tribes in the wilderness beyond the empire when necessary. Some are capable of using horses in warfare.
Östronweard Swordsmen and Bowmen
The main members of the Östronweard, these are men paid to serve full time as soldiers in defense of Östlaed. This force was established in the larger settlements of the Östron following the mass immigrations to the new world. They serve in forts, watchtowers, castles, as guards, landing troops in the navy, escorts, and many other roles. Their standard armor is a green leather chestplate, silver leather greaves, black leather boots, and a metal helm. They typically carry a shield. Their primary weapons include iron swords and bows. Many enter battle on horseback.They learn how to fight and defend from Knights of the Order of Sanct Creopbaina.
Knights of the Order of Sanct Creopbaina
The Knights of the Order were established at the Imperial Monastery over 100 years ago to serve where needed to protect members of the Östron faith. They first battled against great hordes of skeleton monsters in the wilderness south and east of Casadia. They are chosen to become Knights after intensive religious and military trials as members of the normal Östronweard ranks. Their armor is fully metal, often decorated with runes, oak leaves, acorns, and Creopbaina. They almost always use iron longswords, however, many older and wealthier families pass down their enchanted weapons. Rumor has it that the Blacksmiths of the Great Forge of Merscafen are working to establish the craft in the New World, as their Proto-Östron ancestors were quite skilled at making these weapons. This would obviously mean that the of the Dwarvish master forger's book "
Thorgil's Hammer" has been re-discovered.
The Knights of the Order staff all castles, forts, and many watchtowers. They are also instrumental in instructing other members of the Östronweard. They often lead the initial charge in battle.
Sailors
Dedicated sailors staff merchant vessels and military vessels alike. Their organization was first formalized in the first year of the Cycle of the Phoenix, however, their traditions go back centuries. They do not typically fight on shore, instead guarding the Östron longboats used in military excursions while other members of the Östronweard go ashore. They wear a suit of silver leather, and are often armed with a bow and a shortsword/dagger. Some larger longboats have large crossbows with large bolts for penetrating enemy vessels. Oil bombs are also used against other fleets in close combat.
