With the Hazari seemingly resolved, the Sultan deems it appropriate to make sure that no such treachery can happen ever again. His first action as the new Sultan of Qarir is a complete reorganization and expansion of the military.
All citizens are now required to serve for two years in the military in order to acquire proper citizenship, four years to buy a piece of land over five acres in size, and five years to run for a position in government. Citizens are encouraged to sign up as early on as possible to get it out of the way. The minimum age for joining the military is sixteen, and the maximum is forty-five. Recruits are divided into groups based off of age and skill, those being:
Group A (15%): Between the ages of sixteen and twenty-two and/or new recruits. The recruits and younger soldiers are used as reserves and are trained extensively in one of countless boot camps throughout Qarir and its colonies. These cadets are equipped with short sabers and standard Qariri military uniforms (close-fitting tunic, trousers, cloak, baldric, belt, and boots)
Group B (55%): Between the ages of twenty-three and thirty and/or at least one year of training completed. This is the bulk of the army and are generally the light-to-medium infantry and ranged troops. They are the:
-Sabermen (light-to-medium armor)
Basic sword troop and most common of the Qariri warriors. Found in light infantry and cavalry
-Swordsmen (light-to-medium armor, occasional light-to-medium shield)
Another basic sword troop, also very common in both infantry and cavalry
-Spearmen (light-to-medium armor, occasional light shield)
Very common light infantry, sometimes appearing in cavalry
-Axemen (light-to-medium armor, small axes, dual-wield)
These troops are meant to be quick and flexible and though they are defensively inadept, they can oftentimes simply get away with using their low armor and double blades to dispatch opponents before they can attack.
-Bolamen (light armor, dagger, two bolas)
These troops aren't necessarily meant to kill as much as cause confusion. They can use their bolas to concuss enemies, tangle their feet, and dismount cavalrymen.
-Atlatlmen (light armor, dagger, atlatl and arrows)
Atlatls are one of the oldest ranged weapons in antiquity. As a result, it is widely known how to use them, and furthermore they are easy to make
-Bowmen (light armor, dagger, bow and arrows)
When in doubt, shower the enemy in arrows
-Fedayeen (light armor, sword, spear, light shield)
These troops are nothing less than berserkers. They charge into the heat of battle with nothing but their next kill on their mind. Their goal is to kill as many as possible without a care for their life.
Group C (38%): Ages between thirty-one and thirty-seven and/or two years of military service. These are the heavier troops, such as the:
-Heavy Sabermen (medium-to-heavy armor, larger saber, occasional medium shield)
These are most prevalent in standard and heavy infantry, though some can be found in cavalry units.
-Heavy Swordsmen (medium armor, broadsword)
Same as Heavy Sabermen
-Heavy Axemen (medium-to-heavy armor, large battleaxe, occasional medium-to-large shield)
These are among the most well-equipped soldiers on the battlefield. With so much arms and armor at stake, only the best of the axemen are made Heavies
-Pikemen (medium armor, pike, sword)
An improved spearman whose goal is defend the line and protect his comrades
-Halberdiers (medium armor, halberd, occasional shield)
Almost all are in standard infantry. Spearman meets axeman. It can be quite unpredictable for an axe blade atop a long shaft to suddenly fly towards an enemy's face.
-Crossbowmen (medium armor, crossbow, shortsword, occasional medium shield for cover)
Though they are no marksmen, the crossbowmen's powerful bolts can penetrate even the thickest of armor if aimed correctly
-Marksmen (medium armor, longbow, shortsword, mottled cloak)
The marksmen are the best sharpshooters in Qarir. They aim for soft spots in the armor like joints and help themselves to enemy officers. They prefer to remain hidden until they can get a shot off, hence the cloaks.
-Mechanists (medium armor, dagger)
Mechanists are not useful in the slightest when it comes to fighting hand-to-hand. However, they know a thing or two about siege machines and are responsible for both operating and maintaining siege machines (towers, catapults, Manglers, etc.)
Group D (2%): Ages between thirty-seven and forty-five. This is where things get a little loose. These are those warriors who were most outstanding during their time in the other groups and are required to have a career in the military. They are hand-picked by officers to become the elite of elites, such as:
-Hashshashin (heavy armor, weapon(s) of choice, medium-to-heavy shield)
The Hashshashin are among the most fearsome of all Qariri troops. They do what they want for most of the time, as not even their commanders can devise better ways of killing than the Hashshashin way.
-Elite Halberdiers (medium-to-heavy armor, halberd, medium-to-heavy shield)
These are typically used as guards for important meetings or ceremonies. They often mingle with the Royal Guards whenever the Sultan attends said meetings or ceremonies.
-Royal Guards (medium-to-heavy armor, sword, medium-to-heavy shield)
These are the Sultan's personal fighting entourage. They do whatever he asks without exception, and are infinitely loyal. No Royal Guard has ever deserted for being the bodyguard of one as powerful as the Sultan is an honor above all else in the Qariri military.
-Duneshifters (light or no armor, two daggers, four throwing knives, weapon of choice, mottled cloak)
Infamous for their clandestine ways and rumored to be possessing of dark magic, the Duneshifters are nothing less than the most deadly warriors in the Middle East. Their stealth is the stealth of a leaf in a forest, or a speck of sand in a desert. They are not called Duneshifters for nothing. Furthermore, their aim and skill with knives is impeccable, some would say uncanny. They are the rarest of all troops, and answer only to the Sultan himself. They are most commonly found (or, rather, dispatched) in the deserts of Qarir where they maintain a constant patrol and watch for anything out of place.
Units:
-Dathabam (Group of 10, commanded by a Dathapatis)
-Satabam (Group of 100, commanded by a Satapatis)
-Hazarabam (Group of 1,000, commanded by a Hazarapatis)
-Baivarabam (Group of 10,000, commanded by a Baivarapatis)
-Hamazakaran (Group of 100,000, commanded by a Sultan-appointed General)
(Note: Almost all troops can be put on horses and called "cavalry", with the exception of the Heavies)
Along with this complete reorganization comes promises for more focus on military and further military spending for development of better weapons, tactics, forts, and equipment. Qarir will also expand its navy and fund research for newer, faster, and better ships.
((And, no, I don't expect anyone to read all of this))
