Medjay

The Medjay are an elite unit of royal guards and state police. They are hand-picked from the mercenary armies of their Lord and are paid mass riches in exchange for their loyalty and talents. Many of these soldiers have served their employer kingdom for a long time, and so they often supplement the connection established through generous payments with a sense of almost genuine loyalty. To many of these soldiers, they serve for more than coin. As Medjay, their role is to act as guards for their respective Carrion King - a special unit forever vigilant for assassins and other threats. Outside of that, they also serve as a sort-of ‘special police force.’ When a problem comes along that the regular mercenary forces cannot handle, the Medjay are dispatched to take care of it themselves. In a fight, they attack with relentless ferocity. They have likely spilled the blood of countless enemies in their time, a sentiment that is shown through their ability and skill.
In times of open war, an event that is more common in the Dead Sands than many other parts of the world, the Medjay turn their blades from a defensive focus to one of offence and violence. In these times, their ranks are often split in two. One half remains at the Carrion King's side, providing the protection and security that they typically provide in peacetime. The other half, however, marches off with the army to fight in open battle. Unsurprisingly, when roused to the defence of their patron, the Medjay are unwavering and resolute warriors.
== Variants ==
Though they serve the same general purpose, some units in a country's military are given different equipment, in order to serve slightly different functions in the overall army. The severity and size of these differences varies on a case-by-case basis. Some units are given only slightly different weapons, whereas others are given new and unique technology.
=== Swordsmen ===
Medjay swordsmen wield khopesh swords in battle. They are similar to their halberd-wielding counterparts, except they are better suited for offensive actions. Due to this, many Medjay swordsmen serve in the police forces as opposed to being dedicated guardsmen. In times of battle, it is often the swordsmen that are sent to participate in open battle, where their skills in offensive warfare are truly devastating. These talented warriors know that their service and loyalty is rewarded greatly; and so they show again and again that they are worth the expense.
=== Halberdiers ===
Medjay halberdiers, as the name might suggest, wield great khopesh halberds into battle. These weapons are similar to khopesh swords except the blade is attached to a pole just as a spear would be. This means that they have better reach and are more suitable for defensive actions than their sword-wielding counterparts. Knowing this, Medjay halberdiers are typically employed as dedicated guardsmen rather than serving in the state police or as a part of an active army. Though they might not experience as much direct combat as some others of their ranks, they wield their weapons expertly and cut down any would-be assassin that dares threaten their employer.