The Royal Hounds

The Royal Hounds are an Etrandish military unit. In times of war, they serve as a light cavalry unit - in times of "peace", they serve as a sort of police force, military police or gendarmerie, their main purpose is to be deployed in areas with a rebellious population and terrorize the unruly peasantry into submission.

The first incarnation of the Royal Hounds was created by King Corlagon I of Etrand, recruiting exclusive among people of West Etrandish stock, as they were the most loyal to the regime. Following the end of Aelfwaird's Insurrection, the Royal Hounds were disbanded as a sign of King Symon's goodwill and reconciliation between West Etrand and East Etrand. The notorious organization would be recreated three centuries later primarily in order to maintain order in the Viceroyalty of Etrancoast (but also other parts of Etrand), this time recruiting primarily from Crainers.

The Royal Hounds are still active, though their relevance has somewhat faded after Rikwi's Pagan Rebellion.