Post by Shahrokh on Feb 27, 2007 21:24:40 GMT -5
The Shahrivar
Premise:
War-loving and militaristic, the Shahrivar feline clan has made its home East of the mountains for as long as its historians can remember. Its royal family consists strictly of leopards, but any cat that makes its home in Shahrivar territory is considered a member – and therefore under its rule. Even though the leader of the clan has always been a male, the gentler sex (with the exception of slaves) enjoys the same status, power and respect as its counterpart. This said, membership in the royal army is compulsory for all males upon reaching adolescence unless they are selected specifically to become guards, charged with the protection of the clan’s homeland and royal family. Although females are well-respected, they are not allowed to fight in wars or territorial disputes; instead, they are expected to carry, birth and nurture the next generation of soldiers.
The current Shah is a young panther named Shahrokh who has only recently ascended to the throne, having murdered his brothers and their sons to secure the position. Although the Shah's authority hinges on his personal commitment to justice, members of the Shahrivar are not above taking slaves; indeed, a large percentage of the Shah's personal harem resides unwillingly in the crumbling temple occupied by the royal family.
Ranks
The Shah
The central function of the Shah is to guarantee political justice in his land, protecting all occupants-be they of hoof or claw-from unfair taxation, corrupt magistracy and inequitable courts. Its members are free to worship any of the five dragon gods, but the Shahrivar's passion for justice and lawfulness is so strong that its rulers have almost always elected to follow either Kiet or Huang-Jin. When the Shah dies, the crown falls to the most worthy inheritor; each individual in the hereditary line, brothers and sons, are equally entitled to the title of Shah. This means that successions are almost always major struggles among contending parties. Leopard.
Grand Vizier
The Grand Vizier is the first minister of the Shah with absolute power of attorney and, in principle, dismissible only by the Shah himself. When the Shah is absent, it is the Grand Vizier who is in charge of the clan. Leopard.
General
Leader of the Shah's army. Appointed by either the Shah or the Grand Vizier. Any big cat species.
Valideh Shah
Mother of the Shah. The Valideh Shah possesses authority over the Shah's household and harem, and is charge of making sure that things run smoothly. Leopard.
Bas Kadin
The first of the Shah's wives to give birth a son. May or may not be considered his favourite. If there is no Valideh Shah, it is the Bas Kadin who is in charge of the household and harem. Leopard.
Kadin
A wife of the Shah. The Shah may only have four kadins at any time, including his Bas Kadin. Leopard..
Prince
Either a son or brother of the Shah. Leopard.
Princess
Either a daughter or sister of the Shah. Leopard.
Sheikh
A trusted member of the clan who has been given his own territory to look after, protect and/or conquer. May be sent to foreign territories as a diplomat, or to aid allies of the clan. A noble. Any big cat species.
Head Guard
Leader of the temple guards, appointed by either the Valideh Shah or the Bas Kadin. Any big cat species.
Guard
Responsible for guarding the temple and its occupants, specifically the royal family and the harem. Guards report directly to the Head Guard. Any big cat species.
Soldier
Member of the Shah's army. Any big cat species.
Matron
Female member of the clan. Any big cat species.
Concubine
Member of the Shah’s harem. Leopard.
Slave
Servant of the clan, owned by a higher-ranking member. Any species.
What is Needed
We have an acting Shah, but we're in need of everything else. Because Shahrokh has just ascended to the throne, he lacks wives; the kadin positions (including Bas Kadin) will be determined through RP. Most important are the Grand Vizier and Valideh Shah roles, which I'm looking to have filled before the game officially opens.
I would prefer that the Grand Vizier be a childhood friend of Shahrokh's--his name, personality, parentage and appearance would be up to you. Shahrokh's mother, the Valideh Shah, is named Fahriye. Her personality, appearance and backstory would be up to the player.
Head Guard and General will also be determined by RP, unless someone really, REALLY wants one or the other and has a fantastic character concept that they're itching to use.
If you want to play a sister of the Shah (his brothers are all dead), you're more than welcome. Just make note here. In fact, make note here regardless of what you do; I'd like to get to know everybody.
Note: Members of the Shahrivar typically have Turkish/Persian sounding names, but it's definitely not a requirement.
