Great Warhorse

Lore & Background

Legends speak of Great Warhorses being bred from ancient bloodlines that once served the great empires before the current kingdoms rose. These horses are not born with their superior traits; they are the result of generations of careful selection by master breeders who prioritize heart, muscle fiber density, and intelligence over mere size. In the courts of Aghart or the steppes of Khergit Khanate, a foal showing promise is often raised alongside future generals, forging an unbreakable bond between rider and beast. The reputation of the Great Warhorse is built on its performance in the heat of battle. While lighter horses might tire after a long pursuit, these mounts can sustain a full gallop for miles, allowing riders to strike from unexpected angles or retreat before heavier forces can encircle them. Their sheer presence often unnerves enemy infantry and lesser cavalry before a single lance is thrown. To see a squad of knights atop Great Warhorses charging across the plains is to witness the pinnacle of Calradian martial tradition. Beyond the battlefield, these horses are symbols of prestige. A lord riding a Great Warhorse commands immediate respect, signaling that he possesses the resources and influence to maintain such a high-maintenance asset. They are often gifted as diplomatic presents between rival factions or awarded to heroes who have proven their worth in critical sieges and skirmishes.

In Their Own Story

The dust of the plain rose in choking clouds as the Khergit Khanate's cavalry line advanced, but it was the Vlandian flank that held the true threat. At its center rode Ser Jory, his armor gleaming under the midday sun, mounted upon a Great Warhorse named 'Storm'. The beast snorted, steam rising from its nostrils, sensing the fear of the enemy infantry below. As the horn blew, Storm did not hesitate; he exploded forward with a speed that blurred the horizon. The ground seemed to shake beneath his hooves as he closed the distance in seconds. With a final, thunderous leap, Jory drove his lance into the gap between shields, and the Great Warhorse's momentum carried them through the line, leaving chaos and awe in their wake.

Reader's Guide

Great Warhorses are top-tier mounts that excel in shock tactics due to their high speed and charge damage. While they lack the raw bulk of heavy destriers, their agility allows them to outflank slower enemies effectively. Acquiring one is difficult; they rarely appear in standard markets. Players usually find them as rare loot from high-level bandit leaders, rewards for completing major quests, or by purchasing them at expensive prices in capital cities like Arthwain or Sargoth. They may also be gifted by lords upon reaching high relationship levels. In combat, utilize their speed to perform hit-and-run strikes against enemy archers or to break light infantry formations. Avoid prolonged engagements with heavy cavalry where their lower weight might be a disadvantage compared to destriers. Always ensure your riding skill is high enough to maintain control during intense charges.

Did You Know?

• Great Warhorses are often the only mounts capable of keeping pace with the fastest light cavalry while still delivering significant impact damage.
• In many factions, owning a Great Warhorse is restricted by law or custom to those of noble birth or proven military merit.
• These horses require significantly more feed and care than common steeds, making them expensive to maintain in large armies.
• The breeding techniques for these horses are closely guarded secrets within the families that produce them.