Myrmidons


Name: Myrmidons.

Previous name: Lion Company.

Leader: Nero Argyros

Previous Leader: Ehrlen Saxton (Dead)

Location: Ken

Affiliation: Seven Shield Alliance.

Speciality: Versatile Warfare (Siege Warfare, Shock Assault, etc)

Colours: Bronze, red and some elements of white or green (Mainly on their plumes and pauldrons).

Symbol: Corinthian Helmet.


Summary

The Myrmidons; previously known as the Lion Company, are a large mercenary force led by Nero Argyros. Highly renowned and respected for their discipline, formation and versatility, they spearheaded many of the Seven Shield's campaigns against Gharan (Olga Discordia). They were ultimately betrayed and destroyed by the Black Dogs and whilst remnants of their forces remained fighting across the Seven Shield Alliance, till they were ultimately hunted down and destroyed.


History

Early Days

Once known as the Lion Company, they, like many others, were nothing short of insignificant and even negligible, seen as nothing more than a necessity to bolster the Seven Shield forces. (The aftermath of the Foetid Plague has caused much death and damage to the Seven Shield Alliance.)

They, alongside many other mercenary factions, were recruited into service at the behest of Lord Guilford (Maia's uncle). Such an action was undertaken as the Kingdoms that provide them with troops were either suffering from the Foetid Plague or were occupied with repelling the Skalva and Nerimites tribes from the east.

The Lion Company were tasked with defending supply lines and roads and soon were assigned to defend outposts. They would see some deployment in the frontlines, used as a vanguard to ward off potential flanking attacks. This is in part due to their heavy usage of pikes and crossbows, making them well-suited for defending.

Some time ago, the company would draft additional recruits to their service. Amongst these newbloods was a young scrawny many. Seeing as he was unfit for combat, he was assigned to the Stabbers section of the company. (Men who were made to clean up any enemy survivors with their short swords). Though weak compared to the others, he was trained and taught by Ehrlen; who taught the young man military tactics and strategy.

Stamford Hill

The company at some point deployed at the battle of Stamford Hill. It was here that the company nearly met their fate.

Stages of the Battle

- Alliance forces would clash against an army of Orcs and Goblins - accompanied by a Dark Elf retinue - near Stamford Hill.

- The Alliance commander was slain. Alliance troops were forced back to the hill, where reinforcements have occupied it. Sadly these reinforcements have turned traitors.

- Captain Ehrlen of the Lion Company was slain, leaving Nero in command of the remaining forces. He leads an organized retreat downhill, breaking into some nearby dead woods.

- Nero and the remaining troops held out against the enemy, using the trees and rugged terrain of the woods to establish defensive walls.

- Ansur Knights and Thorn Samurai reinforcements arrive to relieve them.

This battle had been bloody for The Lions, however, it had revealed Nero's true capabilities and strength. Thus he was appointed the new Commander of the Lion Company.

The Myrmidons

Nero would go one to reform the Lion Company and other depleted groups into The Myrmidons. The source of their reorganization and formation came from the Larissans, to whom Nero had visited prior to his enlistment into the Company. Using funds from the traitor mercenaries, he recruited Larissan Veterans into training the rechristened Myrmidons in their fighting style and tactics. Due to their training, the Myrmidons wouldn't see much service till five years later, returning to Alliance services as a highly disciplined and cohesive fighting force.

2nd Siege of Ken

Perhaps the most well-known battle participated by the Myrmidons was the 2nd siege of Ken. It was here that their discipline, fighting style and professionalism became widely known and feared.

Prior to the siege itself, a cult known as the Cult of Unremembrance would stage an uprising within the city. Supported by brainwashed and traitor soldiers, they were close to killing Celestine had it not been for the intervention of Nero and his Silver shields. The Myrmidons under Balthasar, Khairn and Ulfrik rallied the stupefied Alliance forces and destroyed the uprising.

With the uprising suppressed and the perpetrators dealt with, Nero aided by Lord Levantine were able to quickly reorganise the defences just as the armies of the Dark Queen arrived.

Stages of the Battle

- Bombardment from enemy catapults and ballista followed by siege towers and battering rams.

- Heavy fighting on the walls. Percival and a Syntagma of silver Shields were deployed to stem the tide.

- Attackers broke through the south gate, only to be met with rows of phalanxes. The attack was repelled and the breach secured. The Myrmidons anti-monster tactics were first demonstrated.

- Whilst hunting the last of the cultists in the sowers, Levantine Knights accidentally stumbled across a night goblin sneak attack force. When word of this reached Nero, he immediately deployed Jericho and three Syntagmas to the sewers. The battle in the Sewers had begun.

- Breach in the west gate by Beastmen. They rampaged across the western district, pushing the Ken footmen back. Kharn and his Regiment were redeployed there, where they brutally defend the gates leading out of the district.

- Despite holding the sewers for three days, Jericho and his forces were forced back to the main entrance. They barricaded it after Jericho was injured.

- On the fifth day, Lord Levantine was slain by a Dark Elf commander. His son (Claudia's father) avenges him. He becomes the new head of the family.

- Kharn duels against Khalgor Thunderhoof on the sixth day at night. Breaks the centaur in two with his axe. Takes his hooves as a trophy.

- Black Dog and Myrmidon calvary reinforcements arrive in the south, smashing into the attacker's rear. Byron would make a name for himself after slaying Thaire Nightborne.

- Halfling and Ansur reinforcements arrive at the West gate. Kharn, alongside a recently promoted Harold, would charge out and meet the reinforcements.

- Defenders across all fronts would push out, even going as far to the enemy camp itself.

- Last desperate gamble, the Dark Elf lord; Dugarth would teleport himself and remaining forces - including his elite guard to the White Palace. Fierce fighting broke in the palace.

- Nero and Durgath duelled in the throne room. Nero was nearly killed, only to be saved by Volt at the last second.

Betrayal at Judas

The company, now renowned and feared, would, unfortunately, meet its demise at the hands of the Black Dogs. Despite putting up an intense last stand they were all slain, with Nero and Ulfik being the only ones to survive from this initial slaughter.

The Shadow Wars

A few detachments of Myrmidons survived, though, this is due to them being garrisoned at different locations. When the news of the betrayal reached their ears, they immediately launched the Shadow Wars - a long and brutal guerilla campaign. Such fierce resistance only lasted for a year, mainly due to limiting supplies and manpower.

Even as the fortresses fell, they continued fighting, perishing either on their own accord, alongside the alliance defenders or side by side.

Nuremberg Long Rifles - The Syntagmatarch came close to blowing Byron's head off. They planned to assist the defenders at Ken but were ambushed by Byron and his warriors.

Carmine Blades - They alongside other Myrmidon regiments would ambush the Black Dogs at every turn. Perished in a battle near a lake.

Khasati's Syntagma - Khasati and his troops would perish in the final stages of the fall of Rad. If it weren't for traitor knights opening the gate, they and the defenders would have held them for another month.

Orpheus's Companions - Companion Cavalry detachment. Orpheus led one last charge against the Black Dogs as Geofu fell around them.

Brethren of Iron - An artillery detachment. They would be the ones responsible for fortifying Geofu. They sadly perished during its fall.

Corvus Company - They'd harass and disrupt the Black Dogs throughout their campaign. They would choose to stand and perish alongside other Myrmidon forces at Ansur.


Organization

Much of Myrmidon's structure is influenced by the Larissans themselves.

The Myrmidon army is divided into three different sections. The Pezhetairoi or 'Foot Companions', the Hetairoi or 'Companion Cavalry' and the Argyraspides or the 'Silver Shields'. The Myrmidons would make use of a mixture of regular infantry and auxiliaries.

The Pzhetairoi serve as the main bulk of the Myrmidon infantry force. Though such terminology is used by the Larissans to identify their elites, Nero used the term as an inclusive means; in other words, to make each and every soldier feel entitled and special. This same means is shown with the Hetairoi.

The Argyraspides or Silver Shields serve as the elite contingent of the Myrmidons and as bodyguards for Nero. Highly flexible and able to cover many roles. Veterans of many campaigns, they're highly distinguishable by their silver-coloured shields and silver ornaments.

Pezhetairoi & Argyraspides

A squad of Myrmidons is known as a Dekas (consisting of 16 men). Ten of these Dekas would form a Lochoi (consisting of 128 men) led by a Lochagos. Two Lochoi would form a Syntagma (consisting of 256 men) led by a Syntagmatarch. Finally, six Syntagmas would form a Tagma (consisting of 1536 men) led by a Tagmatarch.

Hetairoi

A squad of Companions - consisting of 200 cavalrymen - is known as an Hipparchy, who were led by an Hipparch. An Iliarch would be appointed based on merit and not by status, as the Larissans have utilized. A Hipparchy can be divided up into two squads of 100 men called Ile led by an Iliarch. These Iliarchs would be under the command of the Hipparch.

Auxiliaries & regular Infantry

Nero would make use of regular infantry and auxiliaries in his army. such forces include archers, peltasts, light cavalry and more. These would serve as an additional flexible force and fill niche roles within the army. They are similarly structured to the Foot Companions.


Regiments of Renown

Perhaps the most well-known aspect of The Myrmidons comes in the form of the Regiments of Renown. These elite special forces are highly distinguished units of various roles and battles. They are also given the freedom to customise their equipment and weapons, though as long as they meet reasonable standards.

Notable RoR

Ulfrik's Wolf Kin - A regiment of fierce northern warriors loyal to the wandering warrior; Ulfric.

Flying Gargoyles - A Lochoi of archers and crossbowmen equipped with experimental wings, enabling them to fly.

Brutes of the Hound - A syntagma of axe-wielding warriors led by Kharn. Expert flankers and line breakers.

Crimson Sons - A small band of magicians and alchemists led personally by Balthazar.

Carmine Blades - Prestigious and flamboyant Tagma of shield-bearers. Served as bodyguards for Prim at a time.

Iron Brethren - Small Syntagma of warriors, best known for their siege works and fortifications.

Nuremberg Iron Rifles - The Company's first handgunner company. Their rifles were enhanced with longer barrels and sights.


Notable Members

Nero Argyros: Leader of the Myrmidons and the current Overlord.

Balthazar: Head Wizard of the Myrmidon's small cast of magic users. Once the top wizard student of a magic academy in the Aurelian Empire until disgraced and deceived by his rival Kin. Joined the Myrmidons 5 years before the Betrayal at Judas. Has OCD.

Kira: Veteran Captain. An original member of the Myrmidons. A mercenary from Ansur, who decided to stick with the Myrmidons. In time, she climbed the ranks and fell in love with Nero, though she kept her feelings for him to herself; her duty before her feelings. She had a chance to finally confess, though…

Khairn: Leader of the Regiment of Renown; The Brutes of the Hound. An aggressive yet highly skilled warrior. Khairn follows a belief that only through sufferable pain or death will they be redeemed. He is in a relationship with the Princess Knight; Luu-Luu, finding true happiness for the first time in his life, before the Betrayal at Judas.

Jericho: A Captain of a Syntagma of Myrmidons. Recently promoted to lead the Regiment of Renown; the Alcatraz Company. However, before it was formalised, the Betrayal at Judas happened. He wishes to retire to be part of the Garrison at Asur for a much calmer time.

Asger: Once one of the Captains of Khairn's regiment before his promotion and was assigned with the Argyraspides. A soldier from the Kingdom of Grimwald, he left his home after being forced to murder innocents after the Siege of a City. He joined the Myrmidons in the hopes of finding reparation. His cooking goes unmatched by anyone in the Myrmidons.

Percival: Veteran Captain of the Silver Shields (Argyraspides). He was with the rest of the Argyraspides when the Betrayal at Judas happened. Died alongside them. Married 2 years before the Betrayal and was expecting his first child in two weeks. He plans to retire to Ansur, where he'll end up being a garrison captain.

Harold: Recently promoted Sergeant of a Syntagma. A bastard child of an Aurelian noble, thus he was abandoned by his "Father". Thus he wishes not to bring his past up. He joined The Myrmidons and was killed alongside them. For some reason, he could perfectly mimic other people's voices.

Ulfrik: Leader of a regiment of northern warriors; Ulfrik's wolfkin. Wandering northern warriors whose religion entailed them to fight glorious and honourable battles, so that they may receive a seat in The Halls of Feast and Glory. Joined the Myrmidons for a better chance to achieve this. Befriend and became close to Nero during their short service time with The Myrmidons.