BARSOOM RACES CODE

In times of war such panthans within the domain of a belligerent nation are compelled to don the insignia of that nation and fight with her warriors. In the intervals they wear no insignia, their war-worn harness and grim weapons being sufficient to attest their calling. When their service is over they discard the metal of the nation they have been serving until they shall have found a new master. Panthans sell their services wherever war exists, and in the occasional brief intervals when there is no organized warfare between the red nations, they join one of the numerous expeditions that are constantly being dispatched against the green men in protection of the waterways that traverse the wilder portions of the globe. The wandering soldier of fortune or panthan is common upon Barsoom, where most men love to fight.

Some nobles find it wise to keep a skilled mentalist on staff, appointing them as “psychologists”.

The mentalist or toonlat possesses superior psionic talents. Major nobles will have a personal guard, comprised of multiple bodyguards, such as Tul Axtar’s Black Guard or Kadar Kil or the former Zodangan’s jeddak’s force, The Guard or O Kadar. A bodyguard is responsible for thwarting assassination attempts. The personal bodyguard or kadar protect nobility or the wealthy.

BARSOOM RACES CODE

The members of this ancient fraternity are guided by a code of ethics which they scrupulously observe and seldom, if ever, can anything persuade or force one of their number to divulge the name of his principal. Even though their activities are illegal and punishable by death, these organizations exert political influence within a city-state. Most assassins belong to a specific guild or udak. Particularly notorious assassins are looked upon by the common people as national heroes. When a notable person hires a bodyguard the hireling is expected to also serve as his personal assassin. While their skill in firearms is questionable, gorthans are handy with swords. The professional assassin or gorthan kills others without compunction, relying mainly on stealth and using a dagger or poison.

Barsoom races