Jade Lancers

Jade Lancers are the heavy cavalry of the Celestial armies, warriors of noble blood mounted on strong barded horses and armoured, like the finest of the empire's foot, in lacquered jade. They are the mailed fist of the Cathayan host, held in reserve behind the infantry until the moment the enemy line wavers, then loosed in a single disciplined charge that strikes home like a falling mountain. Unlike the wild cavalry of lesser nations, the Jade Lancers charge in perfect order, knee to knee, lances leveled as one, and the shock of their arrival can shatter a formation outright and roll up a battle-line from the flank. Proud, superbly trained, and gorgeously equipped, they embody the martial glory of the empire and the honour of its noble houses. When the drums of the Celestial host quicken and the jade-armoured riders lower their lances, the enemies of Cathay know that the empire's patience has ended and its hammer is about to fall.