Saracens

 Saracens (Early, High and Late Middle Ages)

Army composition: Saracen infantry are all are Light troops, a high percentage of which are Archers armed with short bows (15" range). Saracen cavalry is predominantly Light Cavalry, with elite units being Medium Cavalry.

Behaviour: Saracens will take no prisoners from religious orders of knighthood (Templars, Hospitallers etc.).

“Saracen” was a catch-all term used for Arabs and Muslims by Europeans. In the 8th century, Arab-Berber forces crossed into Iberia, opening the door to the Muslim takeover of Spain. From the 11th century onwards, Middle Eastern Muslims defended against the European Crusades.

Saracen warriors on the cover of Chainmail.

NOTE: The Saracens of Chainmail are represented in by two “monster” entries in OD&D: the Desert Nomads and Dervishes. The Desert Nomads seem to represent the “typical” Saracens. Rules-wise, they are similar to OD&D's Bandits in most aspects except for composition of forces. OD&D’s Dervishes, on the other hand, seem to be inspired by Dervish Warrior Fraternities, semi-military, semi-religious brotherhoods, known for their asceticism, zeal, and sometimes ecstatic battle rituals. They blended Sufi spirituality with frontier warfare and were active from Anatolia to Syria during the Crusades.