The Structure and Command of Cavalry
Cavalry are superior troops, and they also tend to feel and act much superior. It is not unusual for them to argue with their commanders (note that most cavalrymen are Status +1 or +2, giving their commanders meager reaction bonuses).
In addition to equipment and steed adjustments, noble cavalrymen get a +2 to Troop Strength for inborn virtue and hardiness.
The cavalry deploys on the field more loosely than infantry, not least because warhorses do not get to well along with one another.
All cavalry commanders carry gonfalons on their lances, while non-ranking noble cavalrymen carry pennants on theirs, only serjeants (cavalry of Status 1) have bare lances.
This is the basic unit of cavalry. A lance consists of 10-30 (cirka 20) cavalrymen, trained to work as a unit. Unlike the drab rank and file infantrymen, every cavalryman is a spectacle. The majority are of noble blood, and carry pennants on their lances, panaches on their helmets, and have shields emblazoned with their coats of arms.
A squadron, which is the cavalry equal of a company, is composed of 4 to 8 lances, averaging about six lances with 130 cavalrymen altogether.
A squadron is commanded by a captain, who is assisted by one or more lieutenants and or sergeant-majors.
The Standard and its Carrier: Like a company's standard The standard is composed of a banner and a crest. The crest is usually crafted from wood or metal, and is an animal, human or monstrous figure, often the charge or preferred animal of its founding captain. The crest is held to be the shelter of the squadron’s protecting spirit. It is given worship by the squadron's men, and is hailed by them before battle. The banner of the company is usually the coat-of-arms of its captain, though well-established squadrons have their own distinct banner.
Bearing the standard is as coveted as that of a lieutenant. It is a perilous task, as there is great honour to be had by capturing an opposing squadron's banner. The bearer carries the banner pole affixed upright to his war saddle, so that his hands are free to fight for its glory. The position of standard bearer is not fixed, it shifts with reputation and accomplishment.
Usually, cavalry squadrons mix with companies of infantry in forming regiments. However, the Cargan empire has had separate regiments of cavalry attached to each legion. Such regiments are called alae, and consist of between 500 and 1000 cavalrymen.
Regarding Flags
Pennant: A small triangular flag carried by on the lance by a non-commanding knight, charged with his arms or another device (e.g. badge).
Gonfalon: A small square flag with three tails, carried by a noble commander (knight-sergeant, lieutenant or greater) on his lance, charged with his arms or another device (e.g. badge)..
Banner: is a rectangular flag, about twice as high as wide. They are used for companies’ standards, but may also be carried into battle (or socially) by a nobleman of banneret rank or greater (i.e: not by knights, but by baronets) to show his coat-of-arms. A company’s banner is carried by its standard bearer, while a nobleman’s banner is usually carried by his squire.