Kasentas

The Captain of the Guard, also known as the Kasentas, is the most elite warrior a desert city state has to offer. They are the commanders of the Kasene, the Ramaltas' Personal Guard, and are unmatched in martial prowess. Captains are promoted to this aristocratic position not for their tactical acumen but because they can best every other Kasene in single combat. This is further proven in the semi-annual Challenge Festivals that the Ramaltas host to determine the best fighters in their cities. Kasentas must accept any challenge given to them, both in these festivals and beyond. Additionally, The Kasentas often display their skills in battle by fighting in the field with no support around them. A Kasentas has no personal bodyguard for this reason and as a result, being a Kasentas is considered to be one of the most powerful warriors in the world. Likewise, it is also one in the most dangerous profession.

The life of a Kasentas is one of wealth and control over all the Kasene Guard in their City State. They wear special white attire in city streets to identify their position. They are considered an inspiring presence and the Ramalne people greet them openly. When not at war, the only job of a Kasentas is to carry out executions of Kasene deserters and, of course, to continue to train. The discipline and military training of the Kasene is enforced by several subordinate lieutenants known as the Copa, whom take orders from the Kasentas, as the Kasentas rarely gets involved with the day-to-day affairs of the Kasene Guard. This is intentional, since the Kasene's isolated role in battle can easily get them killed, and the Kasene must be able to function without their Kasentas should that situation arise.

Kasentas are free to go to war wearing whatever they desire. The only consistent trend is to wear the white cloth given to them and to wield the traditional war halberd of the Kasene. Some Kasentas will wear many forms of armor since they will be in battle, alone, with multiple foes, but others prefer to be light on their feet and cool in the hot sun. If they choose armor, it is usually custom made chain mail with plates woven into the chains around the hips and the chest areas. It may be decorated with a few etched or emblazoned insignia to represent their city state or personal heraldry.

## Challenging the Kasentas

The life of a Kasentas is one that may end at any moment, since they are expected to accept all challenges issued to them. A challenge can be declared simply by pointing at a Kasentas with an outstretched arm and declaring it. The Kasentas is then required to stop whatever he or she is doing to respect the one-on-one duel. A straight duel with a Kasentas, unlike challenges in the lower Kasene, can end in death, and thus very few attempt this brash act. However, if the challenger succeeds in slaying a Kasentas, he or she would be declared the new Kasentas for the City State.

The Challenge Festivals are another way to declare a challenge but these are normally held to surrender, rather than death. Blunted weapons are used at these festivals and thus some consider this a great opportunity to practice. However, if openly declared, they could challenge a Kasentas to the death and attempt to gain their title.

The only place a Kasentas may not be challenged is in their own home. Due to this tenuous lifestyle, a Kasentas who is sick or injured very rarely leaves their home. Instead he or she is surrounded by servants who would do everything on the Kasentas's behalf. However, as their presence is required at all Challenge Festivals, and of course on the battlefield, they will rarely be home for long.

**Back to** Ramal Nations Back Story

--Neil (talk) 17:41, 19 October 2016 (AST)