I am reading All Shadows Fled at the moment as was interested by a comment from Dalesman (military cavalry himself) that Elves "don't fight from the saddle". What do people think? Is this a local observation by someone who may not have seen Elven cavalry that exist in other parts of the Realms, or are there just no organised military units that ride horses.
I am aware of the Dragon riders of Evermeet, and possibly even Griffons (Waterdeep, I think) but horseme...horse-elves?
Also elven light calvary is mentioned several times in the Last Mythal series of books.
Lastly (I can't remember if this was 1st ed or 2nd ed) but Elven Cavaliers (a more elven variation on the Cavalier) were around. Pretty badass too. Was introduced in a dragon magazine issue (#114 to be specific)
But any ways on the topic of Elven Calvary, Im guessing around in the Dalelands Elves dont fight from the saddle very often, or at least not that any ones noticed. Theyre more woodsy elves so it would make sense for them to to be on foot. Else where in the Realms its probably a more common sight. I just started reading the Moonshaes Trilogy and an Elven Calvary plays an important part in that one.
There has been references to Elven Calvary in many FR books - the Darkwalker/Moonshae series references the Sisters of Sonnoria (spelling) which were a group of female elven knights who fought quite well on horseback.
Yes! thats the one.
I haven't read Last Mythal yet since I was slightly iffy about the loss of the Tree Of Souls from Auseriel but I shall endeavour to read it as soon as I have done with All Shadows Fled. I still intrigued to know what people think about the role of such troops in the Realms. Before and after the resettlement of Myth Drannor.
I would say looking at the eldarin and elves now, and how the elves were done in the past editions.
I would say that most humans in the realms idea of fighting from the saddle would in fact be heavy calvary; which... well I never seen or heard of to many elven warriors in full plate with warhorses in full plate outfits.
anyway there is and was the champion of corellon larethian in 3.x, it would constitute as elven light calvary route.
and then there is the 4e version too.....
There has been references to Elven Calvary in many FR books - the Darkwalker/Moonshae series references the Sisters of Sonnoria (spelling) which were a group of female elven knights who fought quite well on horseback.
I loved those books
I would consider it global.Considering that the armies mentioned in The Last Mythal stem from Evermeet, you can consider what you find there common practice. Not a one of them--regardless of origin--dons anything heavier than a tea cup for protection. ;)
Not a one of them--regardless of origin--dons anything heavier than a tea cup for protection. ;)
The Sisters of Synnoria from Darkwalker do:
"The ring of knightly riders slowly closed about the prince, and he saw fine, shining armor protecting each of them. Even in bulky plate mail, the riders seemed small atop the huge horses. They carried themselves and their weapons with the smooth competence of professionals."
and
"Her horse stood a full hand shorter than the stallion, but was equally sleek and well-muscled. Breast and faceplates of the same silvery metal as the rider’s armor protected vital areas of the horse."
This ain't light cavalry, even if you made a case that the armour was mithril (and I can't find a specific mention of the metal used) the fact that it is plate suggests that Elven heavy cavalry existed, and in the first Realms novel too! Now was this Douglas Niles going wide of the mark or are there more? Those in Mythal are light cavalry, you say? Then are the Llewyr alone in this aberration? Not only do we have Elves fighting "from the saddle" but we have them in plate armour. I am quite enjoying my little research project!
I understand shortening the quote, but that made things seem completely out of context. ;)
Anyway...
Trust me, I actually brought in an elf with full plate armor into a campaign and had to defend such a possibility though an FR novel I had actually read. I'm not saying such things don't exist.
But when you speak of "cavalry", I assume you mean a mass army. In your example, I am simply seeing a dozen or so in my mind.
And, no, I will not back any assumption that any elven force is going to march into any sort of conflict in plate mail stuck on their form--mithril or not.
Smaller--more "elite" groups--yes. Otherwise, no.
Here: Smell my butt. Bejebuz wants to speak to you. ;)
anyway you forogot griffons and hippogrifs.
elven calvary is not the same as tradition human calvary, so Im not saying elves in non mythral plate and chain dont exist either, it is just my oppinion that elves prefer movemement over standing around like humans do
Elves in full plate on horseback: I would guess that it would not happen a lot, as it is likely heavy on the horse. Mithral plate may be lighter, but it isn't weightless. So the sisters in Darkwalker are likely exceptions (and may have been armed up this way due to the conditions in the novel).
Gomez
More woodland type steeds are likely of the light cavalry type. Think steeds such as (dire) wolves, stags and moose are more often uses by mainland Fearuns elves because of their manouverability would not be compromised inside heavely wooded areas. They are probably seen more often and are thus more known to the average military commander.
They also have an aerial navy using skyships/spelljammer helms...
Elves of Evermeet for 2E - Eagle riders, Pegasus cavalry, dragon riders and unicorn riders!!
They also have an aerial navy using skyships/spelljammer helms...
DAMN!! Thwarted again! If it wasn't for your damn kids....
