Torchbearers

Purpose
Late in ATA 627, a group of black wildlings attacked Fastheld - injuring many and burning East Leg. Amongst those injured, as well as poisoned, was Varal Mikin, once the Captain of the Ducal Guard of Light's Reach. A devout Mikin and hater of wildlings, he swore revenge. Given that the Imperial Watch is spread thin as is, he decided that were he to take action against the wildlings, it would have to be a force of his own making that would do so - and thus he began recruiting.

The stated purpose of the Torchbearers is to eliminate the wildling threat to Fastheld. In addition, they are also expected to kill bandits and hostile manifestations of the Shadow. While technically a mercenary unit akin to the Ducal Guards, they are employed by Varal Mikin and expected to be pious and loyal to the cause.

The Torchbearers are available to lend assistance to any worthy endeavor that requires violence.

Roster
There are currently sixteen members of the Torchbearers, not including Varal Mikin. All are presently represented by retainer markers. Fourteen are located at Light's Watch, and two at Wedgecrest Falls.

Light's Watch is the headquarters for the unit.

Recruiting!
Any and all PCs are welcome to join, be they new or existing. If you're interested in a military character, this might be a good organization for you. Also, look into the Havensguard of Farrel Lomasa.

PC recruits, if they don't already have their own equipment, will be provided with weapons, armor, and a barracks to stay in.

Contact Varal in game if interested.

Divisions
Heavy Infantry: The core of the Torchbearers. Trained to work as either a shield wall or a spear hedge/phalanx. Made to take punishment and give better than they get.
 * Equipment: Medium Armor, Shield, Shortsword, Polearm.
 * Skills: Weapon and armor skills (see equipment). Secondary skills as desired.

Archers: These soldiers provide a ranged punch, able to thin out the numbers of foes or hold fortifications. Expected to be able to defend themselves if the shield walls is penetrated.
 * Equipment: Light or Medium Armor, Bow, Sword or Dagger.
 * Skills: Weapon and armor skills (see equipment). Secondary skills as desired.

Scouts/Skirmishers: Quick and vigilant, these brave men and women seek out the foe and bring them to the fight. The eyes and ears of the Torchbearers. Often skilled with a bow, supplementing the archers during a battle. Presently the Torchbearers have no attached scouts or skirmishers.
 * Equipment: Light Armor, Weapon of choice.
 * Skills: Weapon and armor skills, wilderness survival, stealth, scouting.

Healers: Soldiers get hurt. Healers put them back together. Presently the Torchbearers have no attached healers.
 * Equipment: Healing kits, weapons and armor if needed.
 * Skills: Herbalism, Alchemy, Healing, Weapon and equipment skills if desired.

Sunkissed: With the goal of hunting wildlings, and by extension the Shadow, Sunkissed provide important support from negating the powers of mages to providing healing. They may serve as auxiliaries to the force, or within the various divisions of the Torchbearers. Varal Mikin is presently the only Sunkissed in the Torchbearers.
 * Equipment: Weapons and armor as desired.
 * Skills: As desired.

Notes: Nobles are allowed to serve, and in general will be given higher ranks. No nobles presently serve. The Touched are generally looked down upon, but it is possible for rare exceptions to be made - but difficult.

Ranks
While Varal Mikin is technically in command of the unit, he has no formalized rank. The Fist of the Torchbearers reports to him, but is given free reign.

Fist: The overall commander of the Torchbearers. 

Castellan: The individual in charge of a keep where a Torchbearer unit is stationed. 

Shield Captain: Commander of the heavy infantry. 

Bow Captain: Commander of the archers. 

Scout Captain: Commander of the scouts and skirmishers. 

Sergeant: Leader of a group of men. Most likely PC rank. Default rank for healers and Sunkissed. 

Soldier/Torchbearer: Basic soldier within the Torchbearers. Will be predominantly represented by retainers.

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