The Riders of Khazalet were the city's elite militia and diplomatic corps, tasked with both defending the settlement and representing its interests beyond its walls. Comprised of highly skilled combatants and scouts, the Riders were drawn from the city’s population through a combination of merit, reputation, and the endorsement of the people. They patrolled the surrounding wilds, intercepted raiding parties, and served as the first line of defense against incursions from the Forest of Stone Tooth or the distant reaches of the Mark of Elteos.
Each Rider was trained in a range of disciplines, from mounted combat and survival skills to diplomacy and negotiation, reflecting the dual military and political role of the order. The First Rider led the corps, while Second and Third Riders were appointed according to the city’s immediate needs or the scale of threats faced, giving the order a flexible command structure suited to the unpredictable dangers of the region.
Serving as a Rider was considered both a prestigious honor and a deadly responsibility. The post required constant vigilance and frequent exposure to mortal danger, with the average Rider rarely surviving more than a few years in service. Despite this, the position carried immense social and political influence, allowing Riders to act as emissaries for Khazalet in negotiations with neighboring tribes or other settlements.