Paladins of the Zang

The **Paladins of the Zang** is Zangvebari organisation formed around 7th century AR. It rose to the position of warrior order with aim to exterminate all the threats to the human race in the Zangvebari jungles.

## Characteristics

Skilled in weapons and simple combat magic, driven by zeal, the Zang Warriors can be compared to both witchers and Nordling witch hunters. The days of they glory and fame vanished however; long after the liberation of Zangvebar, they are perceived more like fascist enforcers than noble heroes.

At their height the order was 1500 members strong, but that number has since reduced.

In their native tongue they are called the Mashujaa wa Zang, meaning the "warriors/heroes of (the) zang". The name 'Paladin' was attributed to them by Nilfgaardians who saw their overzealous nature as something similar to the tendencies of Knight Errants. Originally used to mock them and their fanaticism, over time the term was absorbed into Sauti, without alteration.\*

## Combat Style & Gear

Most warriors wear light armor at most, as the heat makes anything that covers their bodies during daylight unbearable. Cloaks are often employed to grant shade to bare skin, but are not standard issue. All Mashujaa fight wearing masks, creating the image of union amongst each other and making it harder for outsiders to notice any casualties that may have been taken.

   Due to teachings of Karuri the warriors of the order have adapted to using Upangarefu, "long-swords" made of steel that is then alchemically coated in silver. While being called "long-sword", in truth their size qualifies them as a bastard sword.

Each Mashujaa is given their own Upangarefu when they graduate. It is customary that the weapons of those that died are taken back and purified in a ritual honoring the former owner, the restored blade then given to their 'successor' - a pratice that came about due to scarcity.

Each hunter walks into the wilds fully geared: bandages, clotting powder, gutting knives, rations, soldier pills, often even repellents against insects or pheromones to mask their scent. Some master bombs, nets, crossbows or javelines, though almost every member knows how to use a bow. Mfungaji and above also often wear magical bracelets imported from Ofir or even magic rings/amulets. Unlike Witchers, who can deal with most monsters alone, Mashujaa rely on their team works, forging deep bonds with one another.

Each member of the order must ensure their gear is ready when a hunt is called, though true maintainance is done by the Mikono.

## History

   The tradition of warriors coming together and hunting monsters to ensure the safety of the people existed ever since Zangvebari recorded their history. Originally, the village chiefs would come together to form a war council and organize their strongest warriors into hunting parties that would exterminate monsters and wild beasts anywhere near the zivilised world. Over the centuries many argued that these parties should become a permanent institution, one that should make specialized tools and teach their techniques to younger generations.

It was the arrival of **Karuri**, who had studied medicine and alchemy in the far land of Ofir, that turned these wishes into what would become the Mashujaa wa Zang. Using his knowledge certain hunting methods were perfected, casualties reduced and monster nests destroyed that were previously out of their reach. For his wisdom and experience Karuri was named the Kiongozi, leader of the Mashujaa. Many of his techniques are still in use to this day.

The order began to establish strongholds, took the tradition of early monster hunting over and became established as a para-military group that avoided involvement in politics. This latter part, however, changed over the generations. With the arrival of Ofiri and Nilfgaardian envoys, many traditions of Zangvebar were shaken, and when the Nordlings and even a Witcher or two appeared in these lands many fundamental believes were put to the test.

Leaders of the order began to enjoy their status as 'heroes' and the riches they accumlated on the side more than the thrill of the hunt. Some members began to sell their services on the side, and before long the image of the Mashujaa shifted. The noble idea of defending the prople from monsters had shifted into increasing personal power and forging alliances for political gain, the old oaths of neutrality forgotten.

## Order Structure

The order has a very simple hiearchy, which goes back to the days of their founding.

The Kiongozi (Leader) commands all, sitting uncontested. The Kiongozi delegates matters such as hunts to the Mfungaji (Packleaders), who can rely on each others aid if it serves the command of the Kiongozi. Regular members who passed their initiation ritual are called Wawindaji (Hunters). Mfungaji usually leave with up to 20-30 Wawindaji to hunt monsters, with larger creatures being hunted by the Kiongozu personally who may take up to 100 Wawindaji and several Mfungaji with him.

Mfungaji often pick a certain color as "their" marking. All Wawindaji under their command mark themselves with that color as well. When multiple Mfungaji are on one hunt together it is customary that the Wawindaji only obey "their" Mfungaji, the one they wear the color of, and downright ignore orders from other packleaders (unless it is a life and death situation).

The Msaada (aid) became a rank only after the Mashujaa began operating outposts and bases, tending to menial tasks and keeping the troops fed and equipped. The helpers of the Msaada are called Mikono (Hands), which range from those that prepare food to the ones that buy it/stash it. They are not considered members of the order, only the Msaada is, but they do receive pay and protection.

## Initiation Ritual

Neonates are taken along to a hunt, which is usually a designated "newbie" hunt where smaller monsters that are less dangerous are the target. These less dangerous monsters are then cornered, the neonates given a simple silver sword to strike them down. Only after they have ended the life of a creature that normally preys on man flesh are they elevated to the rank of hunter. Nine out of ten neonates achieve this, some leaving disgraced or die trying. Mashujaa never allow monsters to eat the corpses of those that failed, for they have paid the price for their mistake with their life. Their families also do not go unrewarded. Anyone who can hold a weapon is allowed to join the order, at least that is how it used to be.

## Death & Retirement

Unlike Witchers, many Mashujaa do retire instead of dying to monsters. Those that die and leave families get paid a very generous sum, for the service their dead loved one performed. Those that retire (usually around the age of 40, though some voluntarily stay longer) also get a generous sum on top of all they have earned until then. Due to the strong bonds between the hunters many members often return to active duty temporarily, to avenge fallen friends or help a friend in need.

## Notable members

* Kobe "The Exiled" [ Exiled ]
* Abel
* Aketi
* Sambo [ Founder ]
* Baba
* Suluku
* Hossu Bowelle
* Biko
* Isiro
* Ziio
* Makiso
* Kampade
* Lubao
* Duse
* Ezana
* Nkrumah
* Badru Lara
* Karuri, the first Kiongozi
* Lonana, the first Mzuruaji that ever joined the order.
* Mepoho Wa'Sonba, a Mabaharia sorceress that joined the order for about a century before moving on.
* Kimnyole Samoei, the Kiongozi of the order around 1200.

## Trivia

* Putnam Pitch in 1279 would ally with the Paladins of the Zang to kill the hunter of Zangvebar.
* Badru Lara was also an important zangwebari poet.