Katapeltes
The Katapeltes (literally shield breaker or shield smasher) was a type of infantry employed by the Makedonian Empire sometime between the 3rd and 8th Centuries, though similar types of soldiers were utilized prior. The Katapeltes were not an official unit of the Ancient Makedonian army like the Companions, hypaspists, or phalanx, but rather an informal group of heavy infantry noted for the high quality and durability of their weapons and armor. They were most frequently seen during the so-called Hegemonic Wars, conflicts between the Makedonians and the other major powers and empires of Siduri, and they largely disappeared from history following the Burning Plague.
History
The exact origin of the Katapeltes is uncertain, and it is likely there was never an formal introduction to the concept. The Katapeltes were usually the product of mixed Makedonian-Ruvelkan marriages, when minor Makedonian nobles and aristocrats married into the royal houses of Ruvelka's petty mountain kingdoms. Reasonably wealthy, these offspring would have nevertheless struggled to find placement with the high ranking Companions of the Makedonian Basileus (King) owing to their Ruvelkan heritage. Mainly originating within the Kurilla and Matra Mountains of Ruvelka they would have lacked easy access to horses, and as a result would have likely defaulted to fighting on foot. Backed by their own considerable wealth and estates however, the Katapeltes would have been able to afford their own high quality personalized armor. In keeping with Ruvelkan traditions of heavy infantry, they largely forsook the shield and spear combination of Syaran hoplites in favor of pole arms.
The Katapeltes were never incorporated into the Makedonian army as an official unit formation; there were no squadrons or battalions of Katapeltes. Rather Katapeltes were individual warriors, and due to their wealth and social standing would have likely been tasked with commanding detachment of soldiers of lower social standing. Because many of them were fluent in both the Makedonian and Ruvelkan tongues (and given their access to education, likely more) Katapeltes were often used as sub-commanders for detachments of Ruvelkan and other levy troops. Clad in their expensive and protective armor, they likely would have played the role of both commander and standard bearer, being easily identifiable on the battlefield by local troops.
Despite their separation from the rest of Makedonian upper society, many Katapeltes emulated Makedonian social standards, including going clean shaven and dyeing their hair bronze, red, or golden.
Katapeltes fought throughout most of the Hegemonic Wars, including the Discovery Wars, the Makedonian-Hannashka Wars, and the conquest of Quenmin. They are most frequently mentioned in the historical record during the Sabrian Wars, where they were known as the Securii by veterans of the Sabrian Empire. Following the Burning Plague the Katapeltes entered into decline before largely disappearing; the loss of wealth and manpower caused by the Crisis of the Ninth Century and the transition to a equestrian-based army all contributed to their decline.
Equipment
There was no standard for what constituted a Katapeltes beyond being heavily armed; while pole arms are the most frequently mentioned when referring to the weapon of a Katapeltes, they were by no means the only ones. The armor of a Katapeltes was typically a combination of various sources, mostly Ruvelkan and Makedonian but could take inspiration from Mansuri, Hannashka, Han, and Quenminese style. It was not uncommon for a Katapeltes to strip the armor off fallen enemy soldiers and add it to their own, though this was dependent on the armor fitting and its utility. Katapeltes armor could be highly personalized and inscribed with personal commendations or messages. Some examples recovered by archeologists include oaths to deities or family names.
Weapons were typically pole arms, though swords, spears, and even javelins and bows were employed. The preference for heavy weapons like pole arms or similar two-handed weapons was likely the result of limited usage of a shield, with most Katapeltes relying on the strength and quality of their armor for protection. High enough quality armor could deflect the swinging of swords and missile fire, making both a melee and ranged engagement difficult for opposing soldiers. Several accounts from the Sabrian Wars make mention of Katapeltes shrugging off missile fire and deflecting sword strikes with their armor; countering Katapeltes typically required the usage of large, blunt weapons like maces or war-hammers.