The Order of the Tabardariyya, or Tabardariyya for short, is the personal guard and bodyguard of every Kyrenaian Royal and their estates. Existing since the Kyrenaian Middle Ages, 1005 to be precise, this corps of bodyguards numbers in the hundreds, independant and devoted to the protection of the ruling class against each other and foreign invaders, but not so much against the people's wrath.
One of their other duties nowadays includes carrying out the execution sentences of criminals, namely by beheading.
History
- founded in 1005 - 1309: The Tabardariyya takes up the Protection of the Handmaidens in their Palaces
- Military History during the Kyrenaian Middle Ages (942-1463): Fought mounted and dismounted
Organization
The Tabardariyya stands, contrary to popular belief, outside of the military command structure and sustains itself by its own landholdings.
Each of the Five Halls, and thus the subordinate palaces of the respective Ilkhanates, have their own House. There are:
- The Palace of the Azure Hall, in Utica, Ilkhanate of Utica, has the Mamluk-House under Captain Fara al-Tabar.
- The Palace of the Emerald Hall, in Ruspina, Ilkhanate of Fenchu, has the Hajib-House.
- The Palace of the Ruby Hall, in Megido, Ilkhanate of Megido, has the Akhur-House under Captain Nuri Sayalmub.
- The Palace of the Golden Hall, in Ugarit, Ilkhanate of Sarepta, has the Silihdar-House.
- The Palace of the Silver Hall in Sabratha, Ilkhanate of Kyrene, has the Sanjaqi-House.
Equipment
While the Tabardariyya has modern equipment in its arsenals, mostly radios other communications equipment, but also bullet-proof body armour, they are most notable in their traditional set of armour, in which they appear at all occassions.
Centre of that equipment is the Tabar, their namesake. As a secondary weapon, they carry a sabre, usually of the Type 1 for Sergeants and Officers. Officers and men of the Tabardariyya also receive training with firearms and carry them when on active duty.
The armour is traditional as well, adapted for modern times. The foundation is a padded tunic with long sleeves and a hood, in the colours of the Ilkhanate they served in, worn beneath a lamellar armour, which in previous times was made of steel plates, but nowadays uses kevlar. The shins are protected by greaves, the arms by vambraces, which also hide a dagger underneath each. Heavy boots complete the ensemble.
Last, but not least part is the helmet, much akin to a kettle helmet, the back of the head hidden and protected by the tunic's hood, while a neckerchief pulled up to cover mouth and nose covers the lower half of the face. Usually, the helmet is pulled down far enough to cover the face's upper half as well, making the Tabardariyya faceless soldiers with large axes, usually to an intimidating effect. Officers and mounted Tabaradariyya are allowed to substitute the kettle helmet with a Kulah Khud Helmet.
That also hides the radio button in the ear.