Spirit Path Of The Stag

Spirit Path of the Stag

The Stag are commanders on the field. They are the marshals of the Empire – keeping the forces around them primed and ready. Through field tactics and versatility they turn fighters into soldiers, and when the tide is looking grim, they excel at turning things around.

Not content for a simple auditory role, they also are masters of taking down solitary targets.

Their wide range of equipment means that they also wield an unrivaled level of malleability in combat.

Primary Equipment: Dual Weapons with Back Shield
Primary Tactic: Command and Targeted Attacks
Path Leader: Ulfric Vilhjalmr Arngrimsson

Requirements:

  • Shield – One must show proficiency for all aspects of medium-to-full size round shields, including Strap and Punch style. Proficiency here includes the main-hand weapon.
  • Two Hands – Mastery of any combination of weapons wielded in both hands whilst wearing a shield on the back. Common combinations could include:
    • Red and Dagger
    • Dual Blue
  • Due to the defensive/offensive blend of the style, hand-guards are recommended to a Stag’s weaponry, to facilitate the ability to parry safely.
  • Armor – A Stag must balance mobility with defense.
    • Basic Lamellar with Splints and Greaves is recommended for all encounters.
    • Chainmail is a boon when marshaling larger forces where mobility won’t be as pivotal.
    • A Helmet is almost necessary, due to the risk that any vocal leader will face from Archers on the field.

Rules of Command:

  • Uncertainty is a deadly venom. Knowledge is the panacea.
  • Commanders must be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of those they would lead. A passing familiarity with EVERY path of the Empire is required.
  • The call to action must be a roar, not a whimper.
  • To able to project himself to all upon the field, whether in passing orders or signaling attacks. If one cannot command attention, they certainly cannot be a marshal.
  • When all else fails, a cornered Stag must use his antlers as well as his mind.
  • The ability to fend off multiple attackers, and bide time for his forces to regroup. Whether this is with strategy or sheer ferocity is dependent on the situation and the individual.
  • Ever observant is the Stag that survives the hunt.
  • Anticipation of field motion, differentiating threats from mere distractions… this can mean the difference between victory and failure.
  • You must be both bastion and beacon to those who would seek your leadership.
  • At all levels, emphasis must be placed on quality of gear, and attention to aesthetics. To lead, one must be a representable inspiration.

Ranking

Ranking:

  1. Calf – Initiates to the Path
    • Demonstrate familiarity with any combination of sword and shield
      • Block 10 Strikes
      • Avoid 5 Shield-Break attempts
      • Kill 10 combatants whilst holding a shield
      • Kill 10 combatants without a shield in hand (back-shield allowed)
      • Exhibit Knowledge of the Path by reciting at least one of the Rules of Command to an Ealdorman.
  2. Brocket – One who has begun to show merit to the Path
    • Complete the following challenges
      • Win 10 team battles while commanding your team
      • Successfully perform 5 stratagems
      • Lead 5 field command drills
    • Own a shield with a back strap and at least two single handed weapons
    • Recite all of the Rules of Command to an Ealdorman
    • Begin work on a Book of Tactics (Consider it a personal "play book")
    • Own a pair of bracers and greaves.
    • Pass a 1st Degree Leadership Exam given by the Royal Hart
  3. Stag – A full member of the pack who has shown competence.
    • Complete the following challenges
      • Must win a Holmgang challenge of at least 5v5 versus another Stag Commander.
      • Successfully perform at least 5 strategem in a single day of fighting.
      • Exhibit a field demonstration with at least 6 fighters.
      • Kill or disable 15 combatants with a javelin.
    • Karl Status in the Empire is required
    • Own a javelin
    • Fight at least 3 full days of Event fighting in a leadership capacity.
    • Must own a Helmet, Bracers, and Greaves.
    • Pass a 2nd Degree Leadership Exam given by the Royal Hart
  4. Grand Stag – High ranking members of the Path. Veterans of War.
    • Complete the following challenges
      • Must win a 2 out of 3 Holmgang challenge of at least 5v5 versus another Stag, once, and then again having switched teams. (This demonstrates an ability to win regardless of the hand dealt)
      • Command (and win), a team battle at three different Events.
      • In one day of fighting:
        • Block 10 attacks
        • Land 10 strikes
        • Avoid 5 shield break attempts
        • Kill or disable 5 combatants with a javelin
    • Fight at least 6 full days of Event fighting in a leadership capacity.
    • Have a finished and refined Book of Tactics
    • Own a piece of jewelry or embroidery depicting the Stag
    • Pass a Final Degree Leadership Exam given by the Royal Hart
    • Must own a Helmet, Bracers, Greaves, and Torso Armor
  5. Hart – The highest ranking Stags. Masters of the Hunt, Leaders of Men.
    • Complete the following challenges
      • The Trial of Antlers – A three-team scenario battle with Stag Commanders (or approved surrogates) leading each team.
      • The Royal Hunt – A scenario battle in which the commander begins on the far side of the battlefield, with his team starting on the other side, with the enemy team between. They are allowed to talk tactics beforehand.
      • Successfully Command (and win) a field battle at Ragnarok.
    • Requires Award of Arms in the Empire of the Wolf
    • Fight at least 12 full days of Event fighting in a leadership capacity
    • Write a treatise on field strategy to be approved by the Royal Hart
    • Must have a personal war banner to denote their presence in Camp of at Battle.
  6. Royal Hart – The single leader of the Path of the Stag and all that entails
    • This position is only attainable by challenge.
    • The current Royal Hart, as is tradition, determines the challenge.
      • The challenge MUST be a form of team battle
    • If the Royal Hart cannot attend a Ragnarok, he MUST challenge any and all attending Harts before the event.
      • After testing their mettle, the Royal Hart will make a decision and appoint

their replacement.

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