Askar

Askar are citizens with fighting skills from rank and file soldiers to caravan guards or town militia.  Usually of common beginnings, they may rise to greatness through the ranks of their organization or even step into a leadership role in times of strife.

Many citizens hold them in high regard, especially merchants because they are dependable and fulfill their duty.  They usually believe in their town or organization above all others and are willing to fight or even die to defend it.

An Askar traditionally begins play as a fighter with a scimitar and spear as the traditional weapons of an Arabian guard.  Armor can vary, and they will often carry a shield.

Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Intimidation

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set, Craftsman’s tools - smithing

Equipment: Smith’s tools, an insignia of rank, a trophy taken from a fallen enemy (a dagger, broken blade, or piece of a banner), a set of bone dice or deck of cards, a set of common clothes (often a uniform), and a belt pouch containing 10 gp

D8	Specialty
1	Palace Guard
2	Town Militia
3	Caravan Guard
4	Marketplace Protector
5	Temple Guardian
6	Palace Official
7	Bodyguard
8	Soldier

Feature: Hometown Defender

You are a member of the local defense structure for your town.  When you begin play, choose a town to hail from.  Whenever there, you are included in all of the news from the local guards, and they regard you as one of their own.  In your hometown, you can usually requisition basic equipment or local transportation.  If you visit another town, the town guards will view you as one of a similar standing, and they will be more inclined to trust you.  You can usually bunk in the barracks and get a meal in the common hall.

D8	Personality Trait
1	The city is my home.  I defend it as fiercely as I would protect my own home and family.
2	I know my position is prestigious, and I welcome the chance to show the rabble how a true Askar behaves.
3	Achieving the highest ranks requires discipline and hard work, and I am determined to work my way up.
4	It’s not what you know but who that determines your position in life.  I enjoy getting to know the right officers to benefit my career.
5	Every day is a new adventure! Action, adventure, all in the life of an Askar.
6	A crime is a mystery waiting to be solved.  I love a good challenge!
7	I like to face problems head-on.  The best way is the direct approach.
8	Work is a means to an end, even as an Askar.  My true passion lies elsewhere.

D6	Ideal
1	Greater Good The greatest death a person can have is to lay down his life in defense of others. (Good)
2	Responsibility It is necessary that the defenders of the law follow it if they expect others to do the same. (Lawful)
3	Equality Power corrupts – absolute power corrupts absolutely.  We must defend the people, not the one who rules over them. (Chaotic)
4	Power Those with the greatest strength may demand compliance to those weaker than themselves. (Evil)
5	Patriotism I fight for my home – that is what matters. (Neutral)
6	Duty I fulfill my job from a sense of responsibility, not because it is my passion.  My heart lies elsewhere (Any)

D6	Bond
1	I would lay down my life for my comrades at arms.
2	Someone saved my life in an attack.  I will never leave a friend behind.
3	My honor is my life.
4	I’ll never forget my unit’s crushing defeat or the creatures who dealt it.
5	I would risk life and limb for the others in my unit.
6	I fight to defend the defenseless.

D6	Flaw
1	I fear a great monster, either who I faced or simply of legend, who leaves me quivering and afraid to attack.
2	I have difficulty following anyone who has not proven himself my superior.
3	I made a misstep in my past that could destroy my career if anyone found out.
4	I believe my town is the greatest in all the land and will even fight to defend its good name.
5	I obey the law, regardless of any harm it might cause.
6	I am always right – I would go to extraordinary lengths to avoid admitting I might not be.