Silver Fox
Mongoose
For your perusal. Feel free to comment.
Palmyrion Knight of the Shield
While not strictly speaking a knight in the traditional sense, this is the name given to the highly respected standing army of the Palmyrion Republic. They have the honourable distinction of being one of the few nations of Magnamund never to have been defeated in battle while defending their realm. Their skill and courage in combat rivals that of the Sommlending Knights of the Realm and they are justifiably proud of their reputation for excellence.
It is traditional for the second born son of all Palmyrion families to train with the Knights of the Shield from their fourteenth birthday and spend two years with them. At any time the instructors at the military academy can send home anyone they deem to be not of the high standard required by the Captain of the Knights of the Shield, however it is no disgrace as the standard required is very high and only a small percentage of those sent to train are accepted. Those returned to their families do so after receiving basic training and return to their lives as farmers, craftsmen or whatever roles they are best suited for.
Those that are accepted train in earnest for those two years learning to march and fight in perfect formation as that is the foundation on which the reputation of the Knights of the Shield is built. For seemingly endless days and weeks the recruits can be seen marching back and forth across parade grounds around the plains of Palmyrion perfecting their timing and synchronising their actions so that each soldier in formation acts as if he were an extension of the soldiers around him. This discipline has won the Knights many battles against foes that may have defeated lesser armies.
The Palmyrion leaders have always given as much resources as possible to their standing army as their location has placed them close to several uncertain borders and nations with acquisitive natures. Their troops are well equipped and trained and are well respected by the population they defend. They are well looked after by their superiors and because of this many soldiers sign up for several more years of service after the compulsory two. While mainly composed of infantry the Knights have several companies of cavalry and archers that often accompany the foot soldiers into battle when the situation requires their presence. Veteran Knights of the Shield have served in many campaigns in different locations and as such are well travelled and often knowledgeable about the customs and cultures of the nation’s whose borders they patrol.
At present many Knights of the Shield are based in Palmyrion’s main ally Talestria. Some say that there are too many soldiers stationed outside Palmyrion and that the army is stretched to thin and that an attack by Palmyrion’s enemy now would break their record of perfect defence. At the moment the government seems to be ignoring this but the voices of discontent among even the Knights themselves are growing in number and something is bound to give.
Adventures
While the majority of the Knights of the Shield are based in their home nation an increasing number are sent to protect Palmyrions allies. At the moment a large number of soldiers are stationed in Talestria defending their lands and people. Many Knights are sent to fight for their country in foreign lands and can gain much knowledge and experience from these duties. Veteran Knights of the Shield will have served in different locations in their own nation as well as those considered allies of Palmyrion. As a result they will have had the opportunity to test their skills against many different foes.
Characteristics
Like all warriors, a Knight of the Shield relies first and foremost on his training and discipline. Over the first year of their training the young warriors are instructed on how to maintain their composure under battlefield conditions. An emphasis is placed on discipline and focus and the ability to carry out their orders. After the initial training period the soldiers are trained to a high standard with all one handed weapons, only after their initial two years service are they considered for any kind of specialist training.
Religion
As with most martial professions the majority of the Knights of the Shield are not particularly religious. However, with the diverse range of backgrounds come a similar range of beliefs. As a result a large variety of local and world wide deities are worshipped by the ranks of the soldiery of Palmyrion. While sometimes this can cause conflict it is always resolved swiftly any fairly by the ranking officers within the army. In many cases however, this diversity helps the standing army as there is usually someone in their ranks with a common religion to help smooth over any problems with the locals in the town in which a unit its stationed.
Background
A soldier in Palmyrion’s standing army can come from almost any walk of life. As all families are required to send their second born son’s to train for two years it creates a unique mix of class and culture. From high born aristocrat’s sons from Vanamor to the son of a farmer from the plains near Vellino, there is a mix of skills and talents that make the Knights of the Shield one of the most adaptable and resourceful armies in all of Magnamund.
Other Classes
Over the centuries the Knights of the Shield have had cause to work with a wide variety of classes from around Northern Magnamund. They have no problems in serving along with other warrior classes and relish the opportunity to compare their abilities with those of the Sommlending Knights of the Realm – with whom they are often compared. They also have a great deal of respect for the Kai Lords as their prowess in battle is also legendary. Many Knights of the Shield have served with the Dwarven Gunners in their neighbours of Bor. They are slightly wary of magic users as there are few in their lands, but they are respectful of their abilities. They have no time however for the Shadaki Buccaneers as they have a reputation for impulsiveness and recklessness as well as one for piracy and ill discipline.
Palmyrion Knight of the Shield
While not strictly speaking a knight in the traditional sense, this is the name given to the highly respected standing army of the Palmyrion Republic. They have the honourable distinction of being one of the few nations of Magnamund never to have been defeated in battle while defending their realm. Their skill and courage in combat rivals that of the Sommlending Knights of the Realm and they are justifiably proud of their reputation for excellence.
It is traditional for the second born son of all Palmyrion families to train with the Knights of the Shield from their fourteenth birthday and spend two years with them. At any time the instructors at the military academy can send home anyone they deem to be not of the high standard required by the Captain of the Knights of the Shield, however it is no disgrace as the standard required is very high and only a small percentage of those sent to train are accepted. Those returned to their families do so after receiving basic training and return to their lives as farmers, craftsmen or whatever roles they are best suited for.
Those that are accepted train in earnest for those two years learning to march and fight in perfect formation as that is the foundation on which the reputation of the Knights of the Shield is built. For seemingly endless days and weeks the recruits can be seen marching back and forth across parade grounds around the plains of Palmyrion perfecting their timing and synchronising their actions so that each soldier in formation acts as if he were an extension of the soldiers around him. This discipline has won the Knights many battles against foes that may have defeated lesser armies.
The Palmyrion leaders have always given as much resources as possible to their standing army as their location has placed them close to several uncertain borders and nations with acquisitive natures. Their troops are well equipped and trained and are well respected by the population they defend. They are well looked after by their superiors and because of this many soldiers sign up for several more years of service after the compulsory two. While mainly composed of infantry the Knights have several companies of cavalry and archers that often accompany the foot soldiers into battle when the situation requires their presence. Veteran Knights of the Shield have served in many campaigns in different locations and as such are well travelled and often knowledgeable about the customs and cultures of the nation’s whose borders they patrol.
At present many Knights of the Shield are based in Palmyrion’s main ally Talestria. Some say that there are too many soldiers stationed outside Palmyrion and that the army is stretched to thin and that an attack by Palmyrion’s enemy now would break their record of perfect defence. At the moment the government seems to be ignoring this but the voices of discontent among even the Knights themselves are growing in number and something is bound to give.
Adventures
While the majority of the Knights of the Shield are based in their home nation an increasing number are sent to protect Palmyrions allies. At the moment a large number of soldiers are stationed in Talestria defending their lands and people. Many Knights are sent to fight for their country in foreign lands and can gain much knowledge and experience from these duties. Veteran Knights of the Shield will have served in different locations in their own nation as well as those considered allies of Palmyrion. As a result they will have had the opportunity to test their skills against many different foes.
Characteristics
Like all warriors, a Knight of the Shield relies first and foremost on his training and discipline. Over the first year of their training the young warriors are instructed on how to maintain their composure under battlefield conditions. An emphasis is placed on discipline and focus and the ability to carry out their orders. After the initial training period the soldiers are trained to a high standard with all one handed weapons, only after their initial two years service are they considered for any kind of specialist training.
Religion
As with most martial professions the majority of the Knights of the Shield are not particularly religious. However, with the diverse range of backgrounds come a similar range of beliefs. As a result a large variety of local and world wide deities are worshipped by the ranks of the soldiery of Palmyrion. While sometimes this can cause conflict it is always resolved swiftly any fairly by the ranking officers within the army. In many cases however, this diversity helps the standing army as there is usually someone in their ranks with a common religion to help smooth over any problems with the locals in the town in which a unit its stationed.
Background
A soldier in Palmyrion’s standing army can come from almost any walk of life. As all families are required to send their second born son’s to train for two years it creates a unique mix of class and culture. From high born aristocrat’s sons from Vanamor to the son of a farmer from the plains near Vellino, there is a mix of skills and talents that make the Knights of the Shield one of the most adaptable and resourceful armies in all of Magnamund.
Other Classes
Over the centuries the Knights of the Shield have had cause to work with a wide variety of classes from around Northern Magnamund. They have no problems in serving along with other warrior classes and relish the opportunity to compare their abilities with those of the Sommlending Knights of the Realm – with whom they are often compared. They also have a great deal of respect for the Kai Lords as their prowess in battle is also legendary. Many Knights of the Shield have served with the Dwarven Gunners in their neighbours of Bor. They are slightly wary of magic users as there are few in their lands, but they are respectful of their abilities. They have no time however for the Shadaki Buccaneers as they have a reputation for impulsiveness and recklessness as well as one for piracy and ill discipline.
