Hoplite

Hoplites are the soldiers of the Heralds of Ash; proficient in combat and scouting.

## Overview

The most numerous of the Heralds ranks, Hoplites are combatants, scouts, and messengers; but also guards and peacekeepers. They spend a lot of their time either training, or in the field, away from the relative safety of Hrag-Ba’al. Despite their fierce reputation, Hoplites come in all shapes, sizes and skill levels - all that is really required is an able body, and a will to fight. Many do not have a military background, and only gained their fighting experience during God’s War, without any kind of formal training until their resurrection. This makes them no less dangerous, but means many of them lack the discipline and martial ability of a trained soldier, relying more on reputation, wit and fierce fighting spirit to take them through a bout of combat.

Due to the faction’s inherent need for as many combatants as possible, Hoplites are not the equivalent of the ancient military orders of Dragon and Armored Hoplites, although they do share similar names. Requirements to joining the Hoplites are low, and the training period before going out into the field is short at best. Hoplites are expected to be quite independent when it comes to training - sparring and training with fellow Hoplites is encouraged, but past the trainee phase, there is very little mandatory tutoring to attend. Fellow Hoplites are often the ones to exert pressure on the lazier comrades, as the failure of one may be the failure of all.

Hoplites may work in a number of duties, with the most common being a rank-and-file combatant. These Hoplites work as part of the patrols traveling across Eithne, raiding Aodh positions and attacking any non-kirins discovered within the area. They fight with a variety of weapons depending on their proficiency. Regular combat duty is usually the first one a new Hoplite is assigned to, as it is considered the most basic.

Slightly more experienced combatants may find work as scouts and messengers - being alone or with a smaller team means kirins with fleet feet and keen senses are favored. Scouts are generally expert combatants, and are encouraged to fight any smaller groups they encounter, while messengers are expected to not be distracted by the thrill of combat, and keep to their task (but should obviously defend themselves, if necessary).

Some Hoplites stay within Hrag-Ba’al or its immediate vicinity to work as the city guards and peacekeepers. This is generally assigned to Hoplites who are recovering from injury, or considered a bit too “passive” for more active duties.

## Rank

A Hoplite can advance through a number of ranks within the military, should they prove themselves in combat, or otherwise show great promise as a fighter. Those who were previously in the army of the ancient kirins have a much easier time obtaining accolades, and will be entrusted with more important tasks far quicker than the average kirin.

Please note that all of these ranks fall under the Hoplite rank, and do not require a rank change.

### Hoplite **Squire**

A young (under 18) kirin with an aspiration to become a Hoplite. Squires spend a few months in training with adult Trainees in Hrag-Ba’al, before being assigned to join an adult troop. They generally act as background support, help maintain weapons and assist the adult Hoplites in whatever way they can. They may join combat at their own risk, but are not expected to do so.

### Hoplite **Trainee**

An in-training adult Hoplite (18 or older) who is yet to go through their mandatory training. They remain in Hrag-Ba’al, their training directed by more experienced Hoplites and the occasional Kingsguard. Typical training time is about 1-2 months. Kirins who served in the military during ancient times are not required to undergo a Trainee phase, but may do so if they wish.

### **Hoplite**

The average rank and file of the Hoplites; the most numerous by far.

### **Hoplite Elite**

The more experienced, trained and combat-hardened Hoplites. They are used to patrol high risk areas, and conduct more dangerous missions (such as assaults on armed opponents), as well as a supporting backbone to less experienced Hoplites. Although they bear no marker of their status, Hoplites in their unit will know who is considered Elite - and their presence acts both as an inspiration, and a morale booster. Most Hoplite Elites come from a military background, or have otherwise proven themselves beyond the usual rank-and-file in their conduct.

### **Hoplite Sergeant**

Hoplite Sergeant is a military rank under Kingsguard, but above all other Hoplites. They’re not necessarily better combatants than the Elites - what they have is an eye for the flow of combat, and the skill to lead others. Sergeants are selected from among Hoplites and Elites by the Kingsguard (or rarely, the General personally), and act as scouting team leaders, or team leaders within a larger patrol. Their main duty is to keep troops in order and on target.

## Rank Rewards

* At 25 AP | Are you the sort of soldier who thinks on his feet, or plans carefully? Receive your **Tier 1 Talent** early (for your first talent only).
* At 50 AP | The blade makes the soldier, and the soldier makes the blade. Receive **a Bladed Weapon** of your choosing for free, and a **Shield** to go with it.
* At 75 AP | What is your fighting style? A quick rogue, hitting from the back, or a tank who charges in? Receive **+15 SP** to speed or strength.
* At 100 AP | A companion who can fight at your side would be useful. Receive an **Aodhian Level 2 (except rare) Familiar** for free, should your familiar slot be empty.