For non-military musicians, see Minstrels.
When an army marches, it does so to the beat of drums and the call of blaring horns. These instruments are used to announce a unit's presence on the battlefield, bringing fresh hope to friends and worry to enemies. More than this, a unit's Musician is crucial to keeping order when the unit attempts to change formation or should it need to rally. For trained troops, a prearranged sequence of notes can carry as much information as a bellowed order, and can do so more clearly and with greater speed.[1a]
State Troop Musicians[]
A regimental musician beats out a regular tattoo to aid marching, even speeding units along when the meter quickens. Regimental musicians play drums, horns, or maybe other, more exotic instruments. There are plenty of examples throughout history; the Wolfenburg Jaegers, for example, had a flautist who played an instrument made from the arm bone of a Catrazzian Birdman. In any case, a musician is there to play a tune to keep the men in time and boost their morale.[2a]
Mounted Musicians[]
Musicians on horseback help co-ordinate charges with a siren blast of the horn, ensuring a wall of hooves and lance approaches the foe! Those that that can beat a regular tattoo while their horse gallops or sound the horn at the Preceptor's command aid a unit's cohesion. A co-ordinated charge is always better than Knights acting individually, as they are wont to do on occasion for personal glory. However, should a Grand Master hear of such idiocy then the Knight responsible faces expulsion – told to go and join those vain, glory-hunting fools in Bretonnia.[2b]