Dromaeo-Cataphrax Regiment

"'No infantry force, no matter how well trained, can survive a cavalry charge. When the Primacy needs to break an enemy line, we're the ones they send in first.' - Achaeus Corinthus, on the necessity and continued relevance of shatha as a military unit." The Dromaeo-Cataphrax Regiment is the Turian Hierarchy's oldest and most prestigious cavalry regiment, founded by Primarch Aurelion as part of his eponymous military reforms. Like other Turian cavalry regiments, the Dromaeo-Cataphrax Regiment utilises shatha as mounts, weaponising the creature's predatory adaptations.

The regiment's official motto is "Our teeth to their throats", while its sigil is an orange shatha charging upon a blue field with a white border. In addition to its use in warfare and peacekeeping operations, the regiment also fulfils ceremonial duties on state occasions. Its headquarters are located at the Imperial Mews in Cipritine, Palaven.

Etymology
The correct translation of "Dromaeo-Cataphrax" is difficult to discern, as the exact meaning does not translate easily into alien languages. "Dromaeo" is a taxonomic affix used in the scientific classification of Palaven's native fauna, namely the family of flightless predatory birds which the shatha belong to. Its closest equivalent translation is "runner", though the word's overall meaning is lost when translated, thus this should not be taken as a literal translation.

"Cataphrax" is somewhat easier to translate. Exact translations vary but ultimately the core meaning of the word is "armoured". This eludes to the light armour and kinetic barriers all trained shatha are outfitted with to protect them during frontline combat.

A literal translation of both words would therefore be "armoured runners". While crude, it does sum up what the Dromaeo-Cataphrax Regiment does best; charging enemy lines astride armoured mounts, capable of reaching speeds of up to 40mph.