Of the Array and Degrees of Command within the Royal Host of Albelond, in the Reign of King Philip the Fifth, by Grace of the Divine Diurnity

Here followeth the proper order and estate of those who bear rule and charge in the armies of Albelond, as observed in the campaigns of the most victorious King Philip V.

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Sovereign of the Royal Host

The King’s Majesty, Philip the Fifth, whom the Divine Diurnity hath raised to rule this realm in wisdom and might, beareth sovereign charge over all hosts and armies of Albelond. His word is command; his banner setteth the line. When His Grace rideth not in person, he appointeth by writ a noble of high estate as Lieutenant of the Sovereign Host, endowed with full power to order battle, grant mercy, and do justice in the king’s stead.

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The king commands the army himself unless absent, in which case a trusted noble, who is entitled Lieutenant of the Sovereign Host, leads in his place with full authority.

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Constable of the Royal Host

The Constable of Albelond, next under the king in military dignity, is chief in matters of arms and justice. He judgeth all quarrels arising within the host, both of honour and of felony, and keepeth the law of war as set forth in the ordinances. He holdeth court in the king’s name and hath power of life and limb.

The Constable is a noble with high authority who oversees justice, honor, and military conduct.

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Marshals of the Royal Host

The Marshal or Marshals of the Host hath governance of the camp, the order of march, the setting of watches, and the correction of offences. He appointeth officers under him whose rods of office signify his power. All captains and commoners must answer to the marshal’s voice.

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Marshals organize the army’s movements, watches, and discipline. They ensure order in the camp and on the march. There are usually 1-2 Marshals, who are often competent and trusted Earls.

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Captains of the Royal Host

The Captains be noblemen of name and renown, appointed to lead one of the three divisions of the host, whether it be the Vanguard, the Main, or the Rereguard. They bear banners of their arms and hold command over lords, knights, and freemen gathered under them. They be aided by squires, heralds, and standard-bearers.

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Each army division (front, center, rear) is led by a captain. Usually a powerful noble.

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Knights Banneret

Knights Banneret be those raised in the field by the king’s own hand, having right to bear a square banner and keep retinue. They command troops of men-at-arms and archers, and stand nearest in rank to the captains of battles.

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Where each division is commanded by a Captain of the Royal Host, the Knights Banneret are the captains of their own companies and retinues of men which they hire locally within their lands and holdings to bring on campaign.

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Men-at-Arms​

Men-at-Arms be the sinews of the field: well-harnessed and seasoned in war, whether mounted or afoot. They are esquires, landless knights, or mercenaries of good repute, often bearing the arms of their lord or master.

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Men-at-Arms are heavily armoured men who often own one or multiple horses. In Albelond, Knights and Men-at-Arms tend to ride to battle on horseback, but fight dismounted on foot with the common soldiery. All Knights are Men-at-Arms, but not all Men-at-Arms are knights or knighted.

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Valets d'Armes

Sergeants, called valets d’armes, do serve as squires, shield-bearers, and companions to men of higher rank. They may fight beside their lord, bear his spare horse, or guard the rear. Though lesser in estate, they be no strangers to blood or peril.

Valets d'Armes are trusted men of high standing with their liege lord or captain. Most are common men or yeomen while some may be lower nobility. They often act as the personal bodyguards of their lord and are in charge of the discipline and deportment of his men.

Archers

Archers, who form the greater part of the host, be yeomen and freemen trained from youth in the longbow. They serve under Knights Banneret and wear the Scallop of Saint Henry upon breast and back, that all may know their allegiance. Their wage is daily, their worth proven in many a field.

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Archer is a broad term encompassing every soldier employed to use the longbow, bow, crossbow, or gun. They are volunteer soldiers from cities, towns or rural households and serve in organized companies.. These men are paid 3 pennies a day for the length of their indenture (40 days). Every man in Albelond is commanded by the King to practice 2 hours of archery a week. Some men take this practice more seriously than others and are paid well for it.

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Footmen

The Footmen of the Host, drawn from towns, shires, and the retinue of lords, do bear the weight of battle upon their heels. Some wield bills, glaives, or spears; others fight with sword and shield. Though of viler station than men-at-arms, they stand in array by company, and are set in formation as the captain commandeth.

Footmen are common infantry soldiers who fight with polearms, swords, or other hand weapons. They are volunteer soldiers from cities, towns or rural households and serve in organized companies. These men are paid 2 pennies a day for the length of their indenture (40 days).