Askar Class

Askars (AH-skarz) are the most common warriors of the Land of Fate, native to permanent settlements of any size. Intelligent and social, they are the backbone of defence, protecting their families, homes, and eventually even their countries.

Role: Askars are citizens with fighting skills. Most warriors start this way - from rank-and-file soldiers to caravan guards to palace officials. Usually of common beginnings, Askars can rise to well-respected positions through ability and prowess. Some even become rulers.

Members of this discipline are more urbane and socially acceptable than other breeds of warriors. Even Askars of rival villages, cities, or states share the bond of a similar background, which facilitates trade and communication. Askars tend to be more literate than warriors who are less settled. Merchants in particular hold Askars in high regard, as they are dependable, predictable, and straightforward. In general, Askars can be entrusted with missions of great import.

These warriors have but one flaw worth noting: a tendency toward chauvinism and provincial attitudes. Most Askars believe that their respective homelands and cities are the finest in the world, to the exclusion of all others. At times the result can be serious, particularly in drinking establishments where patriotism runs as thick as the koumiss (a fermented drink) runs thin. This is normally a minor fault, however, easily forgiven by the wise.

Equipment: Askars are not formally limited in their selection of weapons or armour, but common sense should dictate which equipment is appropriate to a warm clime. They prefer the scimitar and spear as armaments.

Restrictions: Members of every race are represented among the Askars. They work side by side; there are no special units or quarters for any given race. Askars tend to judge others by where they come from instead of their height or facial characteristics. To them, an educated, urbane background matters much more than one's race.

Hit Die: d10
Base Attack Increment: As Fighter
Saving Throws : Reflex (Good), Fortitude (Poor), Will (Poor)
• Class Skills: Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis).
• Skill points at each level: 2 + Int modifier.

Class Features

All of the following are class features of the askari class.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Askaris are proficient with all simple weapons and martial weapons as well as light and medium armor and with shields.

Bonus Feats: Like a fighter, the askar gets bonus feats at first level, second level, and every two levels thereafter. These are choosen from the same selection as the fighter uses. See PH, p 37, for more on this.

Weapon Specialization: Like a fighter, the askar can choose to specialize in a weapon at fourth level, using the same rules. See PH, p 37, for more on this.