Aserai Common Troop Tree
The commoner forces of the Aserai Sultanate can be divided into two categories- the tribesmen generalists line, and the Mameluke specialists line.

Aserai Conscript
Type: Recruits
Tier: 1
Offence: Stones, throwing spears, sickles, hammers, pickaxes
Defence: Robes and headscarfs

Be they desert tribesman or slave, these men are the rawest recruits available to an Emir. Although unwise to send them into serious battles, they are not completely incapable. Being residents of the Nahasa, they are accustomed to hardship and on occasion they bring stones and spears to hurl at their foes.

Aserai Tribesman
Type: Light Infantry
Tier: 2
Offence: Spears, javelins, hammers
Defence: Layered robes, padded armour and some shields

The mainstay of an Aserai host. These troops embody the Aserai's approach to foot combat, hurling javelins upon their foes to soften them up for a decisive charge. They are not well equipped however, and will struggle to face dedicated heavy infantry in shield to shield combat. And that's assuming they have a shield.

Aserai Skirmisher
Type: Skrimisher
Tier 3
Offence: Javelins, throwing spears, axes and swords
Defence: Leather armour and adaraga shields

Javelin throwing is a beloved sport in the Nahasa desert. It is therefore no surprise that the Aserai are capable of recruiting troops who are intimately with these weapons. And although they are light, they are more than capable of defending themselves in melee against weakened foes.

Aserai Archer
Type: Archer
Tier 4
Offence: Short bow, barbed arrows, swords
Defence: Leather armour

The archers of the South set the benchmark that all archers must compare to. Even Battanians respect the prowess of Aserai Archers, though you'll never hear it from them. With light armour and quivers of arrows, it should come as no surprise that these troops operate best from a distance.

Aserai Master Archer
Type: Archer
Tier 5
Offence: War bow, piercing arrows, swords
Defence: Robes and chainmail

The very pinnacle of Aserai Archery, matched only by the Fians of Battania. Although their chainmail armour and curved blades make them serviceable fighters, it would be a waste to send them into melee. Best they remain out of danger, where they can freely shoot with precision.

Aserai Infantry
Type: Shield Infantry
Tier 4
Offence: Spears, maces, swords, javelins
Defence: Lamellar, various shields and helmets

Although the Aserai are not known for infantry, that is not to say they completely lack them entirely. Amidst the waves of javelins, the rain of arrows and the beating hooves, these experienced soldiers are the stiff spine that all forces can fall back too. Well equipped, they can take on all foes.

Aserai Veteran Infantry
Type: Shield Infantry
Tier 5
Offence: Spears, maces, swords, axes, jereeds
Defence: Chainmail, lamellar, oval shields and helmets

Patience and discipline are sought after qualities in a veteran, more so than brawn or skill at arms. After all, these are the qualities you want in your elite reserves, or troop commanders. And although lighter than rival heavy infantry, they make up for it in the sheer versatility of their skills and equipment.

Aserai Elite Javelineer
Type: Skirmisher
Tier 5
Offence: Jereeds, maces, swords, axes
Defence: Robes, chainmail, round shields and helmets

These warriors form the most hot blooded and daring of Aserai forces. Indeed, most of the Banu Sarran's forces in the Battle of Pendraic consisted of them, beating back the Battanian ambush. With their deadly jereeds, the Elite Skirmisher may leave little left for the infantry to clean up.

Aserai Mameluke Slave
Type: Shield Infantry
Tier 2
Offence: Spears, maces, swords
Defence: Layered robes, helmets, round shields

Mamelukes form the Aserai's full time soldiers. Although their name means 'owned' these warriors are anything but expendable. Still, they are not truly formidable fighters yet, though they make serviceable enough infantry. Without the distractions of regular life, a mameluke has only to train and fight for their masters. 

Aserai Mameluke Regular
Type: Light Cavalry
Tier 3
Offence: Spears, axes, swords
Defence: Layered robes, helmets, adarga shields

Mameluke slaves, usually those of nomadic stock, are chosen for cavalry. In this role, they form an adequate light cavalry force, aiding in the duties of scouting, flanking and at times pursuing fleeing foes. In these roles, these riders develop their fundamentals of riding, eventually growing into different roles.

Aserai Mameluke Skirmisher
Type: Horse Archers
Tier 4
Offence: Bows, piercing arrows, swords
Defence: Ringmail, helmets

Regulars who show proficiency in archery are given bows and arrows. As horse archers, Mameluke skirmishers make the vanguard of an Aserai formation. Mounted on swift horses and armed with deadly arrows, these riders are capable of holding their own against rival cavalry. 

Aserai Mameluke Heavy Archer
Type: Horse Archers
Tier 5
Offence: War bows, piercing arrows, words, maces
Defence: Scale armour, helmets, adarga shields

The finest of mameluke horse archers are rewarded arms and armour to match their station. These soldiers are versatile, capable as horse archers and shock cavalry. For their service, it isn't unusual for these soldiers to be freed and yet continue to serve as loyal soldiers to their masters.

Aserai Mameluke Horseman
Type: Shock Cavalry
Tier 4
Offence: Spears, swords
Defence: Ringmail, helmets, shields

Not every mameluke is suited to mounted archery. This is no shame however, for these soldiers may still find a role as formidable shock cavalry. Armoured better than their counterparts, they are formidable on the charge. Their spectacular charges earn them the image of being the more 'glamourous' cavalry.

Aserai Mameluke Heavy Lancer
Type: Shock Cavalry
Tier 5
Offence: Lances, swords, maces
Defence: Scale armour, helmets, adarga shields

It is said that the origins 'heavy shock 'cataphract' came from the Aserai. While these Mamelukes are no longer known by that name, they are every bit as formidable. So great is their might that despite their status as 'slaves', they are seen as the true nobility of the Aserai, not unlike the knights of Vlandia.

Aserai Mameluke Axeman
Type: Shock Infantry
Tier 3
Offence: Two handed axes, axes
Defence: Leather coat, helmets

The biggest and strongest of prospective slaves are selected to become axemen. While their mighty physiques are ideal in their role as shock infantry, the real purpose is that of intimidation. So long as one could engage them from afar however, their size matters little- in fact it may work against them.

Aserai Mameluke Guard
Type: Shock Infantry
Tier 4
Offence: Two handed axes, throwing axes, swords
Defence: Ringmail, helmets

As axemen rise in the ranks, they learn new skills and don better armour to compensate for their weaknesses. They learn to lob throwing axes, if only to provide an answer in ranged fights. If that doesn't work however, then the bigger axe they received might just do the trick.

Aserai Mameluke Palace Guard
Type: Shock Infantry
Tier 5
Offence: Two handed axes, throwing axes, swords
Defence: Lamellar, chainmail, helmets

The Palace Guard are silent giants adorned in golden armour and armed with great axes. Their equipment is not just for show, as anyone who dares to threaten their beloved masters will learn. And should one manage to kill their masters, they will learn of what terrible vengeance the Palace Guard are capable of.