Manual of Arms

General proficiency — see Proficiencies for the rules and the Proficiency Index for the full list.

The character is highly experienced in military discipline, physical fitness, and weapon drill. He can automatically identify the battle standards, equipment, great captains, military slang, and rank insignia of his homeland. He can identify those of other realms with a proficiency throw of 11+. He can fight as a regular (rather than irregular) troop in formed and loose units. He can begin play as a member of a legion, mercenary’s guild, or other military organization (Judge’s discretion).

If the character learns additional ranks of Manual of Arms, he can serve as a marshal capable of training up to 60 troops simultaneously as a dedicated activity.

• If the character has two ranks, he can train light infantry or slingers (1 month training period). If the character also has Mounted Combat or Riding, he can also train light cavalry (3 months). If he also has Fighting Style Specialization (missile weapons) or Weapon Focus (bows & crossbows), he can also train crossbowmen (1 month), bowmen (2 months), or longbowmen (3 months). If the character can train both bowmen and light cavalry, he can also train horse archers (6 months).

• If the character has three ranks, he can train heavy infantry (1 month). If he can train both heavy infantry and light cavalry, he can train medium and heavy cavalry (6 months). If the character can train both bowmen and heavy cavalry, he can train cataphract cavalry (12 months).

Once a character has trained troops, he can maintain them in a high state of readiness by inspecting them. Inspection takes one turn (10 minutes) per 60 troops and grants a +1 bonus to morale for one day. A character can only inspect troop types he can train.