Riders of Mistledale

The Riders of Mistledale were a group of thirty mounted militia in Mistledale, in the Dalelands.

Organization
They were rarely formed into one single unit, but regularly undertook patrols, with three to four riders being accompanied by ten or twenty mounted troops.

Equipment
The Riders would use black lacquered plate mail armor and a black helm, which displayed the white horse motif of Mistledale.

Headquarters
As of 1372 DR, the Barracks of the Riders was located at the north of the town of Ashabenford, in Mistledale. It was a walled compound with a courtyard used for training, and a small keephouse that was used as a jail.

Hierarchy
The leader of the Council of Six, the ruling council of Mistledale, was also the leader of the Riders of Mistledale. Between 1367 and 1372 DR, this was Haresk Malorn.

The Captain was the military leader of the Riders of Mistledale, in contrast to the high councilor's role as commander. The position of Swordar was second-in-command to the Captain. In the 1330s DR, there was only one Swordar position, but in later years, there might have been as many as three Swordars at one time.

Captains
There were a number of people by the name of Captain Baergil in the Riders of Mistledale, throughout its history, all of whom were blood relatives.
 * Ellusk Baergil (1156 DR–1180 DR) : Remembered as a good, just, and capable leader.
 * Horarn Baergil (1242 DR) : Remembered as a large, reckless man. Captain for only a few months before dying in combat with brigands in eastern Mistledale.
 * Ranthorn Hawkhar (?–1335 DR) : Forced to resign as Captain in 1335 DR when his family was murdered and his legs were cut off by raiders.
 * Darrask Baergil (1335 DR–1352 DR) : A farm-born man with strong strategy and a love for Mistledale.
 * Emrius Baergil (1477 DR–?) : A well-liked man with quick wit, who was remembered as a mediocre soldier but an excellent diplomat.

Swordars

 * Galaerak Darrowman (?–1332 DR) : Died of an infection after a fight with winter wolves.
 * Darrask Baergil (1332 DR–1335 DR) : Would later be promoted to Captain of the Riders.