Mamluk (Zakhara)

Mamluks are the forced conscription soldiers of Zakharans society, either brought into the fold as orphans of war or abducted from foreign lands and impressed into service to the Caliphs of Zakhara. As a mamluk, you bear the markings of your Caliph, rank, and specialty as tattoos or brands on your face.

Mamluks serve the different Caliphs in a vast number of ways, some as palatial guards, foot soldiers, elite cavalry, or even explorers and sailors. When a player takes this background, they should decide how exactly their character came into the mamluk fold and how they served. 

Some examples are below:

The Dauntless: specialized in exploration, they range far into the harsh deserts of Zakhara.

The Defender: these mamluks are based in Qudra and are focused on defending the city.

The Dutiful: this is the largest sect of mamluks, comprising the vast majority of armies in Zakhara.

The Honored: a specialized society of mamluks that are bodyguards for the Caliphs and their harems.

The Parched: mamluks that are focused on protecting the water supplies of Zakhara.

The Studious: a specialized society that focuses on communication and espionage.

The Valiant: specialized in lighting raids and ambushes both on land and water.

The Wanderers: these mamluks are based in Qudra and are focused on naval exploration

The Wondrous: parade and palace guards of the Grand Caliph in Huzuz.

Skill Proficiencies: Intimidation, Perception

Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (land) or vehicles (water)

Equipment: An insignia of rank, a trophy taken from a fallen enemy (a dagger, broken blade, or piece of a banner), a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp

Suggested Characteristics

The horrors of war combined with the rigid discipline of military service leave their mark on all soldiers, shaping their ideals, creating strong bonds, and often leaving them scarred and vulnerable to fear, shame, and hatred.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I’m always polite and respectful.
2	I’m haunted by memories of war. I can’t get the images of violence out of my mind.
3	I’ve lost too many friends, and I’m slow to make new ones.
4	I’m full of inspiring and cautionary tales from my military experience relevant to almost every combat situation.
5	I can stare down a hell hound without flinching.
6	I enjoy being strong and like breaking things.
7	I have a crude sense of humor.
8	I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to success.

d6	Ideal
1	Greater Good. Our lot is to lay down our lives in defense of others. (Good)
2	Responsibility. I do what I must and obey just authority. (Lawful)
3	Independence. When people follow orders blindly, they embrace a kind of tyranny. (Chaotic)
4	Might. In life as in war, the stronger force wins. (Evil)
5	Live and Let Live. Ideals aren’t worth killing over or going to war for. (Neutral)
6	Nation. My city, nation, or people are all that matter. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I would still lay down my life for the people I served with.
2	Someone saved my life on the battlefield. To this day, I will never leave a friend behind.
3	My honor is my life.
4	I’ll never forget the crushing defeat my company suffered or the enemies who dealt it.
5	Those who fight beside me are those worth dying for.
6	I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

d6	Flaw
1	The monstrous enemy we faced in battle still leaves me quivering with fear.
2	I have little respect for anyone who is not a proven warrior.
3	I made a terrible mistake in battle that cost many lives—and I would do anything to keep that mistake secret.
4	My hatred of my enemies is blind and unreasoning.
5	I obey the law, even if the law causes misery.
6	I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong.