Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Good Knight Abradatus

Abradatus Knight  Vs Paladin
In the HOTT rule book Cyropaedia list, Abradatus, mounted proudly in his scythed chariot, counts as a Paladin. 

This post is a companion piece to

The Army of the Cyropaedia



Now, according to the HOTT troop definitions, Paladins are squeaky-clean, pure of heart, saintly warriors. But in Cyrus’ epic battle with King Croesus, as told by Xenophon, Abradatus doesn’t particularly display any of these qualities. 


Although he volunteered to lead the charge, other Persian nobles also wanted that honour too and the decision was made by the drawing of lots. 

And sure, he dies heroically charging his scythed chariot into the enemy but so did the other Persian charioteers.

Abradatus was brave, but not, I fear, a Paladin. He's just a very impetuous knight.


However, his wife Panthea did equip him gloriously for the battle. Per Xenophon:
“And Abradatas's chariot with its four poles and eight horses was adorned most handsomely; and when he came to put on his linen corselet, such as they used in his country, Panthea brought him one of gold, also a helmet, arm-pieces, broad bracelets for his wrists—all of gold—and a purple tunic that hung down in folds to his feet, and a helmet-plume of hyacinth dye.” 

Let me know what you think about my ideas. 


If you like these posts, why not  

"Like"

Wargrunt Art on Facebook for updates

Just click here




No comments:

Post a Comment