Vefali Sultanate
The Vefali Sultanate is a nation born from Valra’s first Crusade. The royal line and many of the nation’s prominent noble families trace their legitimacy back to leaders of the Zycharian rebellion.
The Vefali Sultanate is a culture of faith, poetry, architecture, medicine and mathematics. Its capital is home to the great Library of Khosrau - the pride of the Sultan, which contains works from all over the world. The Vefali often dress in blue or gold, and wear white headwear to indicate social standing.
The Vefali Sultanate shares lands north of Zycharia with the Salvatorian Empire, and are the nations only great rival. The Vefali Sultanate also maintains a colony on the Antoran Peninsula, based out of Kirilmaz Castle. It is administered by the regional governor Beylerbey Hasmet, who has spoken openly about commissioning settlements in the area. Unlike their Salvatorian counterparts, the Vefali colonies were established peacefully.
The Vefali Sultanate commands one of the most respected militaries in the world. Comprised of both the Janissaries Core and the Mamlukes. The Janissaries are elite infantry units armed with sabers and supported by skilled archers. The Mamlukes are the slave knights of the Vefali Sultanate, they are renowned the world over for their talents with a bow, their terrifying shield splintering maces, and their equestrian skill. They are frequently deployed as cavalry, but double as fearsome infantry.
While there are many ranks, positions and titles within the Vefali Sultanate. The most common and recognizable are listed below:
Sultan - There is only one Sultan of the Vefali, and they are the supreme head of state. This hereditary position is currently occupied by His Imperial Majesty Sultan Alemshah the Unbreakable. He is advised by Grand Vizier Muharrem, and is expected to be succeeded by Crown Prince Osmed
Beylerbey - A Beylerbay is a regional Governor appointed by the Sultan or his advisors, these are often hereditary roles, but ultimately even a Beylerbey serves at the whims of the Sultan. Beylerbey Hasmet was appointed by the Sultan to administer Bozulmamis colonies on Antora.
Amir - An Amir is a local Governor or lord. They manage small to large fiefdoms and hold roughly the social status of a Baron or Count, depending on their favor, standing and appointment.
Effendi - An honorific title, an Effendi has some recognition as a noble, but is generally low ranking.
Mamluk - Mamluks are highly revered slave knights, and receive much the same respect as their Antoran counterparts, but lack the same rights. They are chosen by and bound to a ranking lord, who may rescind their status as a slave for good service. Mamluks make up the professional core of the Sultan’s military. Mamluks may instead be bound to the Church of Valra, their status not considered a title which would prohibit them from serving as Paladins.
Originally, Mamluks were chosen by sending prospective candidates into the desert armed with a bow and arrow. Those who came back with a fox were trained as Mamluks, those who did not died trying. Today, this tradition is rarely practiced, though archery still makes up a significant portion of a Mamluks training.