Dora Milaje
The Dora Milaje are the personal guard of the Black Panther. They also serve as the realms most elite military force, and the head of the Dora Milaje is traditionally the General of the nation's armies in times of war.
Equal numbers of trainees are chosen from each of the tribes, although the make-up of trained warriors may not be equal due to retirements or injuries in battle. In ancient times, an unmarried King would chose his bride from among the Dora Milaje, to ensure the Queen would not always be a member of the Golden Tribe. Dora Milaje were therefore required to remain unmarried. This requirement was dropped due to Wakanda's medical advancements leading to an increase in life expectancy, meaning most Kings were older and already married when they ascended to the throne.
Until the 18th Century, Dora Milaje were encouraged to refrain from socialising outside the order. This was intended to encourage them to develop strong bonds with their fellows, and to focus their attention on their duties. This requirement was dropped after a member of the Dora Milaje, Ayo, presented an argument to the Taifa Ngao that it would be beneficial for the wellbeing and performace of the warriors to have stronger bonds with the communities they protected. However, as a result of the centuries of semi-isolation, among themselves the Dora Milaje speak a dialect of Wakandan which borrows heavily from the ancient Alkemite language from which modern Wakandan evolved.
The name Dora Milaje means 'Adored Ones'.
