Angharite Janissaries

"It is always possible the records are incomplete."

- Proverb of the Azurejays, Scholar-Knights of San Sylvester

This article is incomplete and will require additional work.

The Angharite Janissaries are one of the more famous Martial Schools of the Former Petrenea, and one of the two major sacred militia of the city of Baghar, the other being the Paladins. Their organization is one part religious order, one part militia, and one part arcane academy - the arcane and occult counterparts to the divine spellcasting of the Paladins. Depending on the forces of history, their precedence alongside the paladins rises and falls, but they are always colloquially known as the "Left Hands of the Sultain". Angharite Janissaries are one of the rare forms of sanctioned adventurer originating in Baghar, and the regiments of Janissaries often leave the city on expeditions to one purpose or another.

The Janissaries are divine conscripts, an army leveed through the recruitment of orphaned or otherwise captured children, sometimes those of the enemies of the city of Baghar, and sometimes second or third children of noble families from within the city. These children are educated in the religion of Anghara and a locally-unique mixture of the Ars Magica and Way of the Elements schools of arcane magic, as well as given martial training, particularly in the use of cross bows, scimitar, and spear, the use of which are all famous hallmarks of the school. Children who successfully complete the programs of training as Janissaries are offered a free choice upon their 17th birthday to swear permanent allegiance to the order - beginning another two year period of intensified training before being consecrated into the order as a full Janissary, or to be returned to the city as a private citizen, albiet one with very little wealth and a unique education. Most who choose this road go on to become mercenaries or serve in the private guard militia of various local noble houses. Children who fail from the program are still granted citizenship within Baghar, though their prospects for employment are poor.

The code of conduct to which Janissaries are sworn includes common religious prescriptions along with admonitions to support and bolster their companions, to do what is right, and to protect the integrity of the city and the regiment over the success of individual operations. A janissary is never, ever to be seen in any manner of dress other than the gold-and-red uniforms of the order, and strict grooming standards - such as guidance on the trimming and maintenance of mandatory beards for those members whose face support them - are enforced.