An emir of Araby battling an Imperial knight. (Golden Daemon Awards)
An Arabyan General is the generic name for the leaders of the armies of Araby who are can be drawn from any number of noble ranks, including a grand vizier, an emir, sheikh or perhaps even the Padishah, also known as the "Great Sultan," the Emperor of All Araby himself.[1a][4a]
Role
Few sultans would be so bold as to take to the field personally but throughout history there have been notable exceptions, such as the mighty Sultan Jaffar who led a powerful army into Estalia and besieged the Tilean city of Tobaro. Subordinate to the overall commander are marshals and commanders of lesser rank within the palace hierarchy, such as noble emirs, and the sheiks who lead the nomadic tribes of the desert. These military leaders often ride upon elephants as befits their exalted rank.[1a]
All sheiks are hardened warriors, living in the burning hell of the desert and having to constantly fight off bandits, members of rival nomad tribes, and the evil Undead of Nehekhara. They are respected and trusted by their fellow Arabyans, for their word is law and they obey without question, such is their custom. Only very rarely will another member of their warband, who is of noble birth, challenge the commander's leadership. In these instances, a duel is fought to determine who has the divine right to lead their people into battle.[2a]
Notable Arabyan Generals
- Mehmed-bey - Mehmed-bey was one of Sultan Jaffar's greatest generals during the Great Crusade.[5a]
- Suhedir al-Khazem - Suhedir was a Prince of Bel Aliad of the past, known as the Keeper of the Hidden Paths.[6a]
- Wazar the Cruel - Wazar was the Arabyan emir charged with conquering the city of Magritta in Estalia. He was defeated during the siege of Magritta, ending the Arabyan presence on the Estalian peninsula. The emir himself was crushed to death alongside his Black Scimitar Guard under the weight of a statue of Myrmidia, at the moment when Wazar appeared to be tracing the battle.[3a]
Miniatures
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Trivia
Padishah, sultan, grand vizier, emir, and sheikh are all titles in use in the Islamic world. They were utilised in Persian, Ottoman and Arabic society.
- Padishah - A Persian title meaning "Master King" or "King of Kings." Widely used in Persian (Iranian) and Mughal contexts to denote emperors or sovereign rulers.
- Sultan - Originally an Arabic term meaning "authority" or "power." Adopted widely in the Islamic world to signify sovereign rulers similar in rank and status to a Christian king, particularly in the Seljuk and Ottoman empires. These titles often overlap due to cultural and political exchanges among Persian, Ottoman, and Arabic societies. Their specific application could vary by region and historical period.
- Grand Vizier - Grand vizier was an Ottoman title for the chief minister or highest-ranking official in the sultan's court. It was used in the Ottoman Empire, ansd heavily influenced by earlier Persian administrative systems.
- Emir - An Arabic title meaning "commander" or "prince." Used broadly in the Islamic world for governors, military leaders, or rulers of smaller states, and often considered similar in rank and authority to a Christian duke or count.
- Sheikh - An Arabic title meaning "elder" or "leader." The title was often used to denote tribal leaders, Islamic scholars, or other respected figures in Islamic societies, and in some cases, even local rulers.
Sources
- 1: Warmaster: Armies (Specialist Game)
- 1a: pg. 49
- 2: Town Cryer 20
- 2a: pg. 16
- 3: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (8th Edition)
- 3a: pp. 41-43
- 4: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition: Enemy Within Campaign - Volume 3 Power Behind the Throne (RPG)
- 4a: pg. 79
- 5: The Red Duke (Novel) by C. L. Werner
- 5a: Ch. 7
- 6: Nagash The Sorcerer (Novel) by Mike Lee
- 6a: Dramatis Personae