Ahmed al-Osman
| Ahmed al-Osman | |
 | |
| Physical information | |
|---|---|
| Species | Human |
| Race | Babkhano-Jing |
| Gender | Male |
| Biographical information | |
| Father | Anthony al-Osman |
| Mother | Mei Ling al-Osman |
| Spouse | Shamsa Latifa al-Osman (m. XV.1751 AN) |
| Partners |
|
| Date of birth | 1693 AN (58 AN years) |
| Place of birth | Tiegang |
| Residence(s) | Blackfriars' Redux, Blackfriars district, Tiegang |
| Nationality |
 International Mandate |
| Allegiance(s) | |
| Order(s) |
 Knight of the Order of the Imperial Blood |
| Alma mater | School of the High Inquisitor of Tiegang |
| Occupation |
|
| Favourite animal | Straits Mastiff |
Ahmed al-Osman (born 1693 AN in Tiegang) is a prominent figure in the International Mandate for the Settlements in Apollonia, of mixed Babkhano-Jingdaoese heritage.
Biography
As the eldest son of Anthony al-Osman, a Babkhan exile descendant and longtime proprietor of the Blackfriars' Redux pub, and Mei Ling al-Osman, daughter of a wealthy Jingdaoese merchant, Ahmed grew up in a family deeply rooted in the Babkhan diaspora community in south-eastern Apollonia. He has three younger siblings: Fatima (born 1695), Ali (born 1697), and Zara (born 1699). The children were raised with an emphasis on respect, obedience, and education; all four passed the rigorous entrance examination for the School of the High Inquisitor of Tiegang and excelled in their studies there.
Following the death of his father Anthony in 1732 AN from a heart attack, Ahmed, named as the principal beneficiary in the will, inherited ownership of the historic Blackfriars' Redux, a fortified public house established in 1687 AN, along with associated interests. However, the day-to-day management of the establishment was largely delegated to the barman. Ahmed also inherited the family's business ventures as assigned by the Society for Benevolent Investment, becoming the Lord Proprietor of the Blackfriars' Estate Management Group LLC.
In 1751 AN, Ahmed married Shamsa Latifa al-Osman, who had been selected through the N&H Future Leadership Programme and sent to the International Mandate specifically to strengthen the bloodline. He also maintains partnerships with Huang Qing and Yan Jiulang.
Military career
In addition to his business interests, Ahmed al-Osman holds a significant military role as Colonel-Commandant (Lord Proprietor) of the Regiment of the Blackfriars', a mercenary unit formally known as the Worshipful and Honourable Company of the Blackfriars' Regiment. Established in 1697 AN and based in the Blackfriars district of Tiegang, the regiment is notorious for its recruitment practices, including impressment from local schools, asylums, and drinking establishments, and is heavily officered by descendants of Babkhan exiles.
Ahmed inherited command of the regiment upon his father's death in 1732 AN. To secure the loyalty of the officers and men, he was required to provide a generous donative payment before formally assuming leadership. Under his command, the regiment has maintained its mercenary operations, including being placed on retainer by the Directorate of Security of the Honourable Company in 1743 AN and deployed in 1748 AN for Operation Aglaia on Corum (concluded by 1750 AN).
Political career
His nationality is tied to the International Mandate, and he remains an influential figure on the Mandate Council by virtue of the place the Blackfriars' Regiment secured him as a de facto garrison commander.
Awards
Ahmed holds the distinction of being a Knight of the Order of the Imperial Blood, a Constancian honour, and is again a Knight of the Order of the Holy Lakes by marriage.
