Esul Handra and the Kaxep Lobsters

Part of Armies of Otheia
Part of Characters of Otheia
The Kaxep Lobsters are a 700-strong regiment of heavily armored cavalrymen from the Petty Realm of Kaxep. Founded by their current colonel, Esul Handra, they are the most noteworthy of the few remaining heavy cavalry units in Otheia. 
=== The Colonel ===
Handra is an eccentric man. Noted for a fondness for flamboyant clothing and an outspoken nature, he was granted permission to raise a regiment of cavalrymen by the Kara of Kaxep in 359 to fight in the Kaxep Civil War. Inspired by historic units of cavalry and the cavalry of Ariac, he chose to equip his regiment in extremely heavy armor. 
The colonel himself is known as a highly opinionated man, always ready to start an argument, in which he takes great pleasure. He wears gaudy clothes and large feathered hats when off the battlefield, and wears a set of black heavy armor when on it. He studied history in the city of Hihhill, which may have influenced the creation of his unit. 
=== History of the Lobsters ===
Raised in 360 by Handra, the unit first fought at the Battle of Eddiyll Bluff, where it saw adduce success, overrunning infantry in a shock charge, before storming the positions of the enemy mages and cutting them down, allowing none to flee. Soon after, however, they met with defeat at the Battle of Asras, where they were routed by a large formation enemy infantry, and fled down a sheer drop. Suffering 40% casualties from the engagement, and a further 10% (with 50% horse losses) during the rout and fall, they were reformed and fought successfully at the following Battle of Neyus, seeing the Colonel cut down the enemy commander in a duel, which brought the war to an end. 
Following the Civil War, the unit was placed into reserve, but was rapidly remobilized when their strength, such as their near-invulnerability on the battlefield, became apparent as a useful tool. Today they are stationed in eastern Kaxep
=== Equipment ===
What makes the Lobsters unique of all soldiers in the Augkarate is their equipment. They are enclosed from their heads to their knees in thick, black riveted armor, which is able to resist most small calibre projectiles thrown by mages, and also lends them the name of “Lobsters”. This armor is very thick and heavy, weighing over 30 kilograms, and is extraordinarily expensive, costing over 450 silver naudu. As such, the regiment is comprised primarily of those who can afford the armor, the wealthiest of Kaxep. Their horses are also armored, though in a lighter fashion. 
Aside from their signature armor, they are equipped with curved kilij swords for slashing at opponents, and some carry short pistols. 
=== Legacy ===
While other realms acknowledge the effectiveness of the Lobsters, they are hesitant to equip any of their own regiments as such. Most realms balk at the expense of equipping a regiment in such expensive armor, preferring instead to equip more, cheaper soldiers. In addition, the mixed success rate of the unit has some questioning its overall effectiveness
Category:Characters of Otheia
Category:Armies of Otheia