Maces Treatise II

Description
"Customs and Traditions of Nistra: Part Two"

Effect
Teaches :



Acquired From

 * Sometimes sold by Gerlot, merchant in Mannshire.
 * Sometimes sold by Bert, merchant in Osbrook.
 * Always sold by Unar, scribe in Mannshire.

Book content
( . . . )

The Great Protector, a ruler and a patron of Nistra, is well versed in the art of war. Every year he makes sure to carry out a military parade to show the might of the Nistrian army to common people - I had a chance to attend one of them. i'd never witnessed a celebration this unifying in my entire life. Can you even imagine Aldorian nobles fraternizing with poor townsmen? Nonsense, right? In Nistra, however, it's a usual occurrence.

( . . . )

...The parade opened with a procession of cataphracts - the remnants of the ancient times when the Nistrian Empire stretched far to the east. The horses moved at a steady pace, heavy hooves hitting the cobblestones. The riders' armor resembled an exotic beast - fashioned together from a large number of shiny scales, it reflected the sun to a blinding effect. In their hands they carried hefty flanged maces gilded with ornaments.

( . . . )

People say it's almost impossible to hold your ground against a cataphract charge. Their wedge formations shatter enemy lines like a battering ram, overpowering even the most experienced pikemen. Those who escape death by trampling rarely live to tell the tale - a couple mace swings is all it takes to send even a heavy armored man-at-arms to his forefathers. Once dazed by a sudden heavy cavalry charge, the infantry becomes almost entirely helpless...