From humble beginnings in South Jersey to fighting among the best in the nation, the Company of the Pale Horse has quickly carved out its place in the medieval combat world. With a fierce commitment to teamwork, a never-say-die attitude, and a brotherhood forged in the lists, this team is determined to rise to the top.
The Birth of the Pale Horse
The Company of the Pale Horse was founded by Brandon Sauder in South Jersey, driven by the desire to build a team that prioritized competitiveness and growth. The pivotal moment came during the 2023 Grapes of Wrath tournament, where Brandon teamed up with Mike Guiliani and Alexander (Xander) Straub as mercenaries for the NY Sentinels. Realizing their potential as a unit, they recruited likeminded fighters: Michael Sloma, Kyllian Twiss, and Sean Kennicott, who shared the dream of becoming the best. Pale Horse was born as a home for those with an unrelenting drive to excel.
The Fighters Behind the Name
While every member of the team contributes equally, a few names stand out. Mike Guiliani often acts as the team’s heart, setting the tone and keeping everyone focused, while Xander Straub steps into leadership roles during events as a line captain. Blade Pool has earned a reputation for pulling off near-impossible victories with his unmatched strength and determination, embodying the team's fearless spirit.
The Meaning Behind the Pale Horse
The team’s name draws inspiration from the Bible:"And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him."
Although most members are not Christian, this reference captures the team’s fearlessness and relentless pursuit of victory. Their heraldic logo, designed by tattoo artist James Raven (@icantattoo), is a striking combination of traditional heraldry and modern edge.
Defying Expectations: A Season of Milestones
In their inaugural competitive season, the Pale Horse exceeded all expectations by taking 3rd place at the 2024 Cincinnati Siege. Despite being the underdogs, they secured a spot in the Tier 1 division at Carolina Carnage 2025. One of their most memorable moments came at Carnage 2024, when Brandon Sauder and Blade Pool turned a 2v4 disadvantage into a victory against Cerberus, a perfect example of their unyielding determination.
Overcoming the Odds
Distance is one of the biggest challenges for the Pale Horse, with members spread across the U.S. Despite this, they make the effort to train together regularly. Another challenge is their relative inexperience compared to top-tier teams, but they combat this by taking on tougher opponents and training harder. The Pale Horse knows they’re not great yet, but they’re committed to becoming the best.
Training for Glory
The team’s training regimen includes Sam Wride’s Stay Deadly fitness program, a brutal yet effective workout designed for combat athletes. They also incorporate strategies shared by the Dallas Warlords, refining their techniques to maximize efficiency. Before every fight, the team gathers to armor up, spar, and listen to words of encouragement from their captain to prepare mentally and physically.
The Relentless Spirit of the Pale Horse
What sets the Pale Horse apart is their refusal to give in. They don’t kneel or reset; they fight their battles in the moment with unwavering grit. Every victory they’ve achieved stems from their ability to overcome the odds, proving that no man advantage against them is ever safe.
Motivation in Brotherhood
Morale is never an issue for the Pale Horse because of their close-knit bond. They genuinely support one another and thrive on their shared love for the sport. As Kyllian Twiss sums up their motivation: “Boys, I need to hit somebody.”
Eyes on the Future
The Pale Horse has one clear goal for the upcoming season: to challenge Dominus and solidify their place among the best teams in the sport. While individual members have personal aspirations, their collective mission is focused on dominance in the lists.
Join the Pale Horse Journey
Fans can support the Company of the Pale Horse by following them on Facebook and Instagram. Check out their merchandise and join the chants of “5 axe line” at Carolina Carnage 2025.
Article based on the material from Brandon Sauder All photos provided by The Company of the Pale Horse team Edit Aleksandra Lebdowicz