Dog Cohort

AKA: "Dog Soldiers" or "Dogs"

The Dog Soldiers are a cohort of the Heidoran unit.

Introduction

The Dog Cohort, also referred to as the Dog Soldiers, or simply the Dogs, is a cohort in the unit Heidoran. Heidoran, captained by Macintosh the Large, is a unit that specializes in pole arms in the realm of Numenor.

Heidoran was formed at the behest of Sir Kegg of Numenor, under the leadership of Haardgrim Bonebreaker roughly around the turn of the Millenia. It was established as a permanent realm-based unit with the intent of complimenting the already-existing Army of Numenor. The few men who could be rounded up by Haardgrim were trained in the use of pole-arms and given the colors of the Army with a new insignia to call their own. Though not a very large group, it soon gained recognition in its devastating strikes using spears and glaives.

Heidoran is divided into cohorts, such as the Cohort of the Bat, the Cohort of the Phoenix, and the Dog Cohort. The Dogs are happiest in the thick of battle. For them Paradise is in the very middle of the line fight, making sure no enemies break through the center. Their causalities are often high because of this, but they welcome this fate, and give thanks to the God of War for the opportunity to serve His blood-lust.

As a part of Heidoran the Dogs are expected to be very familiar with the Spear and Glaive, but are only required to fight with whatever weapon they are most comfortable with, except for battles when they are to be tested for promotion. They are expected to be proficient shield bearers and will be called upon to defend the glaivesman at the heart of the cohort.

The motto of the Cohort, "Fidelitas et Ferocitas" (Fidelity and Bravery/Ferocity) is what the Dogs live by. They are ferociously loyal to the Dog Cohort, the Heidoran Unit, and the Realm of Numenor.

Ranking System Within the Cohort

The Dog Soldier who sets a good example for others, and who continually shows improvement as a warrior can expect to make higher ranks. Those ranks and their expectations are described below.

Canis Minor – Recruit

The rank of Canis Minor is an initiate in Heidoran. It is an automatic rank given to the newest members of Heidoran and the Dog Cohort.

Responsibilities: The Canis Minor is expected to train her/his skills with all weapons classes, but to especially train with the weapon he/she is most comfortable. The Canis minor is expected to listen to and learn from his/her superiors, both within the cohort and Heidoran.

Guard Dog – Private

After official induction into Heidoran, the Dog Soldier automatically makes the rank of Guard Dog.

Responsibilities: The Guard Dog is expected to set a good example for the Canae Minor. He / She should continue to develop as a fighter, and should be familiar with the Spear and Glaive, and prove to be a good shield bearer. The Guard Dog will be tested by leading packs of Canae Minor in battle.

Time to Rank: About 6 months.

Hound – Private First Class

The Dog Soldier who makes the rank of Hound has demonstrated a continuing effort to better him/herself as a warrior and leader. He / She has led packs of Guard Dogs and Canae Minor into battle, and has been successful with the Glaive and Spear. The Hound is an excellent Shield bearer. The Hound has attended practices regularly and has attended at least 1 major event.

Responsibilities: The Hound continues to set a good example for other Dogs. The Hound will be asked to lead a pack of Guard Dogs and Canae Minor in battle. The Hound continues to develop as a Glaivesman and Spearman, as well as a Shield Bearer.

Time to Rank: Depending on the Dog's development it can take anywhere from 9 to 11 months to gain the rank of Hound.

Rottweiler – Corporal

The Dog Soldier who has made the rank of Rottweiler has successfully led packs of Hounds, Guard Dogs, and Canae Minor into battle. By this time she/he will have become highly skilled Shield Bearers, Glaivesmen and Spearmen. The Rottweiler is a model warrior, someone newer members of the Cohort look up to and seek out for advice. They are humble in the face of defeat, and modest in victory. The Rottweiler will have attended practices regularly and attended at least 2 major events and other smaller events.

Responsibilities: The rank of Rottweiler brings much responsibility with it. The Rottweiler is expected to always maintain calm and control. She / He is expected to be both a fierce combatant as well as a well spoken diplomat. The Rottweiler is a leader within the Cohort. She / He will be expected to regularly lead packs, and will be tested by leading the entire Cohort itself into battle.

Time to Rank: The rank of Rottweiler is a difficult one to achieve. The fighter who wishes to make Rottweiler must attend practices consistently. If the fighter is injured, he/she can watch during practice, and the attendance will be given the same weight. The time it takes to achieve this rank is variable, but at the minimum it will take at least a year and a half, but usually longer.
Cerberus – Under-Sergeant

Cerberus is the Right Hand of Orion. The Dog Soldier who has made this rank is someone the Sergeant greatly trusts, and holds in high esteem. Cerberus is a mighty warrior, a humble diplomat, a strong leader, and a gracious listener. Cerberus never backs down from a fight, but is merciful in meting out justice.

Responsibilities: Cerberus must be prepared to be the leader of the Cohort while sacrificing the title. Cerberus will work closely with Orion in handling the affairs of the Cohort. Cerberus hardly ever misses practice, and attends major events regularly. The rank of Cerberus demands more service than glory, and the Dog Soldier who wishes to become Cerebus must accept this graciously. Cerberus will frequently, if not always, be in command of packs during battle.

Time to Rank: The time it takes to make the rank of Cerberus is entirely variable, and is completely up to the discretion of Orion. Most Dog Soldiers will never make this rank, often of their own choosing. Those who do will have proven themselves time and time again. It is highly unlikely, though not impossible, that there would ever be two Dogs of the rank of Cerebus at the same time.

Orion, The Dog Tamer – Sergeant
Orion is the unquestionable leader of the Dog Cohort. The Dog who makes this rank will have proven him/herself to the Captain of Heidoran to be an exceptional warrior, and a humble, gracious leader.

Responsibilities: The ultimate responsibility of all actions of any Dog lies at the feet of Orion. The mistakes of the Dogs are the mistakes of Orion. It is Orion's responsibility to lead the Dogs in battle, to delegate the Cohort's affairs to trusted members, and to maintain the highest standards of behavior within the Cohort. It is also Orion's responsibility to guarantee the Cohort's presence at major events. One of the most important responsibilities of Orion is to train his/her replacement as Sergeant of the Cohort.

Time to Rank: Making the rank of Orion is entirely at the discretion of the Captain of Heidoran. The Captain decides on this under the advisement of the outgoing Sergeant. Most Dogs will never make this rank. There can only be 1 Orion within the cohort.

Awards and Honors

There are several different awards that the Dog can be honored with. These awards can only be given by either Cerebus or Orion.
The Golden Shield

The Golden Shield is awarded to the Dog who has impressed either Cerebus or Orion with his/her shield work, especially in defending a Glaivesman or Spearman.
The Club of Hercules

The Club of Hercules is awarded to the Dog who has shown great strength in battle, having defeated many enemies at once.
The Collar of Cerberus

The highest honor a Dog can achieve is the Collar of Cerberus. This is awarded to the Dog who has shown overall excellence in every aspect of the game of Belegarth, including fighting, defending, leading, etc. The Collar of Cerberusis not necessarily awarded because of one battle, as the Golden Shield and Club of Hercules sometimes are. This is an award for achievement over time.