Lion Pride: the Faen
Located in Khankirae, the Faen pride is an offshoot of the Mahdros that fled hundreds of years previously from an unknown cataclysm. Though smaller than their father-pride, they are led much more traditionally, and hold governance over much of Khankirae. Allies with the veldryn, they often aid their allies in battle - though recent loss has made them wary and standoffish around strangers.
Due to their more traditional way of governance, male lions are few, and most male offspring that do not either become Heirs, Menders or Guards are outsted from the pride to create their own smaller prides under Faen leadership in Khankirae. Most often, no more than ten males - all unrelated, save for Princes or Kings - are allowed in the pride at any given time. Elder males who are retired Guards/Shamans/Kings are allowed to stay.
If the Guard, Menders/Shamans or Heirs are too related, Guards and Shamans are often asked to leave, and unrelated males are elevated to take their place. There exists an agreement between the Faen and the Mahdros to exchange interested adolescents every few years, just to keep bloodlines clean.
The Faen pride is near half of the Mahdros' overall size, and rules a much smaller area, responsible for the continent of Khankirae, some of Alubria (working with the gryphons of the Anarya), and some of western Nimravus (with tenuous allies amid the deathcat prides). Smaller prides and lesser kings or queens will often meet with the Faen king, discussing news, cubs, bloodlines, hunting and more. Often, the Faen may be called to oversee claims, disputes or wars, but rarely take sides beyond an objective view of justice.
All ranks are listed below.
King;; Is the leader of the pride and almost exclusively male. The King is war-leader, strategizing and always commanding during battles, however rarely participates in hunts. When the King becomes too old or weak to lead the pride, they will either step down to become a normal pride member or be challenged and, if defeated, exiled.
Queen;; Is the King's preferred mate and "sub-leader" of the pride, responsible for directing hunts and leading the pride when the King is otherwise occupied. All lions except the King and Shaman defer to the Queen.
Heirs (Prince/Princess);; Is the strongest lion - or lioness -under the King and Queen and the likely successor. This position is fluid and subject to change based on the outcomes of battles for dominance but is usually held by one of the King or Queen's offspring.
Shaman;; Is the pride healer, skilled in herbs as well as healing magic and highly respected by the pride. They are considered equal to the King and Queen but rarely use their authority. As such, a lion cannot become the Shaman until they are at least thirty years of age, except under extreme circumstances. The Shaman is responsible for the health of the Pride and training their successor, which they begin searching for as soon as they gain the position.
Mender;; Is the pride's apprentice healer, trained by the Shaman to succeed them when they pass. The Mender is a lion of usually magical ability - usually centered around healing - and is educated from a young age in the remedial arts.
Guard;; A small group of mostly-male lions who protect the pride, patrol the borders, and keep the lionesses safe from attack. It's said that the Guard was founded to stave off deathcat attacks many years ago. Generally, the Guard will have around three to four male lions in it.
Pride members who do not hold position are simply called thus; the elders and cubs are generally included in this group, as well as the hunters and any lions that are considered invalid but can perform duties like minding cubs.
Pride Members
As stalwart a guard as a pride could ever hope to have, Zilar is a prime example of what a pride guard should be. Unwaveringly loyal to his pride, and unfailingly courageous in the face of danger, he is always ready to stand between them and danger. Outside of his duties, he is quiet but warm-hearted towards those who have managed to befriend him.
The Faen's odd trader. Zan is fascinated with other species, especially humankind; she regularly visits a nearby village, studying their ways and habits. Living thus, she's gained many human friends, and has even begun to learn other languages as well - such as elven and drow. Some say she holds the spirit of something far more than a lioness... but that has yet to be seen.
As her name pertends, her taking of risks is well known in her pride. She is still very loyal, and this half-aurum lioness is willing to do anything to save her fellow members of the Faen.
