Schwurzen Hunderz
The Schwurzen Hunderz (Singular: Hundersin) were elite Baltishtin soldiers, created sometime in the mid-15th century. Their creation is mainly due to one Lord Gresmir, who was the last remaining Lord of the Baltishtin from 1407-1429. The Hunderz were traditionally cavalry units, usually trained from birth to ride and fight with either spear, sword or mace. Hunderz would only be commanded by the Lord of Baltishtin himself, or an elite Hundersin General referred to as a Reiterwin. Besides acting as cavalry, they would also often serve as bodyguards of either the Lord of Baltishtin, or lesser Great Families, although the honour of assigning Hunderz would fall strictly to the Lord of Baltishtin himself. Additionally, they would often serve as Horse trainers and breeders, and on occasion, Reiterwin Generals would command and advise the many cavalry armies of Baltishtin. Some notable Hunderz includes Hinz Fulmer, the first Reiterwin commander, who served in the Battle of Tyver, and would valiantly lead a charge against the forces of Lord Bjornjin of Jorvar.
Hundesin Service
Hunderz were elite soldiers, and as such, they would follow strict practices and training and be sworn to obey orders only from the High Lord of Baltishtin. When not participating in war, Hunderz would often train and breed horses, patrol roads to and from Goja, serve as bodyguards of the High Lord and occasionally advise and train other Hunderz and lower cavalrymen. Once a Hundersin was given the title, he was unable to forgo it. Those who reached the age of 40, or were especially good in their service would be awarded land and minor titles. These “Eternal Hundesin” would be highly praised and trusted, often acting as judges and loyal stewards. Meinher Meingold for example served as a Steward for Lord Hunrer of Folsbrock after becoming an Eternal Hundesin in 1438.
Hundesin numbers would begin to dwindle by the end of the 14th century, mainly because new Hunderz could only be created by the High Lord, and of course the Order of Baltishtin would be dissolved in 1429 and reformed into the Kingdom of Baltish. When the new King Sigband would come into the position of King in 1432, he stopped the practice of appointing Hunderz, although the remaining ones continued to exist and serve the same roles as before, although now it was mainly for Lesser Dukes and Princes or as private hires.
The last Hundersin would die in 1472, this being Elite Hundersin Wilhelm Rubin, who managed to achieve the title of Baron of Kazura, being the only Hundersin to ever do so. After his death, the Hunderz would be memorialized in myth, thanks largely to the famous " Charge of the Old Men", a very popular book written in 1615. By the death of Wilhelm Rubin, Hunderz would be replaced by Ritermen, Knights who would come to serve similar purposes to the Hunderz, although never achieving the same fame.
Modern Depictions
Hunderz are a very popular cultural icon in modern Baltica, often used by Baltic Dolch as a somewhat nationalistic symbol. They can be seen in popular media of all sorts from books, movies, video games and comics. Many statues of former notable Hundesin can be found all over Baltica, most predominantly in the South East. Many names of former Important Hodesin, like Hinz, Fulmer, Meinher, Meingold and even Hunders remain very popular names among Dolch in Baltica. Most importantly of all, a Hundesin can be seen on the new Baltican Federations Coat of Arms, riding a black Arkli, a historic War Horse breed used by Raskians.