The Kessler

The Kessler is that part of the knight's equipage known as a destrier. The destrier is a warhorse, plain and simple. They are one of several breeds (Kipchaks, Ortharian, and Araks for example) bred for size, strength and ferocity. Araks are on the average larger bodied, and Kipchaks are faster, but Kesslers are simply more aggressive and fiercer than most other destriers. They are also the most expensive animal that can be bred, since by the time they are mature enough for riding, trained for war and equipped with saddle and armors, they will cost as much as thirty hides of good land. Some exemplary examples have commanded even higher prices. Kesslers are usually bred by the King and the Church, with some small herds known to belong to some of the nobility.

Their most comfortable pace is at the trot, and from that they accelerate slowly up to a steady gallop. They form the backbone of any Landsrue mounted contingent of heavy horse. In capable hands they are fearsome foes, riding down other horses and footmen and barely turning an ear at sounds that would have other horses in a panic. It is said that they are worth any two other steeds in a straight cavalry charge, but they need careful positioning and handling to be wielded well, as they are not nimble or fast.

They are typically bred and trained by expert horsemen and breeders, and require a very careful hand at the reins. Their cleverness allows them to train up very quickly to the standard level of Church drill. It is in part due to their natural viciousness that exempts any breeders from damages incurred by them during rutting season. They are easy keepers, however, and perform fine in the coldest of weathers, with little protection. They have good skin and conformation, and will endure armors and trappings with only normal amounts of resistance. The Kessler stallions and mares have a fiery nature and are hardy, durable and very alert horses.

(In case you didn't know, Armiger is a three year old Kessler, and exhibits all of the traits of this breed.)