Lion Pride: the Mahdros
The Mahdros is the largest pride in Felnova, and the most well known in all the Realms, with the Faen - their sister-pride - running in second. Their territory extends down below the Myrlands ruled by the wolves and into the vast Exodus Desert within Vystriana, up into the foothills of the Darklights and all surrounding scrubland. Similar to a miniature kingdom in itself, the lions of the Mahdros enjoy the support and respect of both the Myrland wolves and the Vystrian dragons, upholding laws of honor with a rich history of protection and valor.
Though no Mahdros lion lives full-time in cities and the pride is too large to inhabit a single den area at any given time, they often are seen by outsiders as being less of a gathering of lions, and more akin to a nomadic noble family. They are cultured, enjoy cooked food and comfort, and may be seen in an assortment of attire, jewelry, even armor for guards and warriors. For smaller objects they cannot make themselves, many lions will travel to and from local towns and cities, buying items and bringing them back to trade and sell themselves.
It is interesting to note that within the last decade, their coat of arms has changed; it was once a banner of white with purple, but has recently changed to be black with white and violet to represent the reborn version of their god Nebrielas - King Aular - and his great sacrifice.
Their unique ranks follow as thus:
Raizyn;; Is the leader of the pride and almost exclusively male. While occasionally the Raizyn is female, this only occurs when there is no suitable male heir. The Raizyn is war-leader, strategizing and always commanding during battles, however rarely participates in hunts. When the Raizyn becomes too old or weak to lead the pride, they will either step down to become a normal pride member or be challenged. The loser may be offered a place in the pride, but most often is exiled. May be called 'king' by outsiders.
Rahima;; Is the Raizyn's preferred mate and "sub-leader" of the pride, responsible for directing hunts and leading the pride when the Raizyn is otherwise occupied. All lions except the Raizyn and Rashidi defer to the Rahima. May be called 'queen' by outsiders.
Kokau;; Is the strongest lion under the Raizyn 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 Raizyn's sons. May be called 'prince' by outsiders.
Rashidi;; Is the pride healer, skilled in herbs as well as healing magic and highly respected by the pride. They are considered equal to the Rahima but rarely use their authority. As such, a lion cannot become the Rashidi until they are at least thirty years of age, except under extreme circumstances. The Rashidi is responsible for the health of the Pride and training their successor, which they begin searching for as soon as they gain the position.
Rhai;; Is the pride's apprentice healer, trained by the Rashidi to succeed them when they pass. The Rhai is a lion of usually magical ability - usually centered around healing - and is educated from a young age in the remedial arts.
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
A rather goofy King, the Raizyn to the Mahdros is a powerful lion that holds the lightning element. He is exceptionally protective of his pride and its members, and is a kind king and a loving mate.
The reincarnated soul of Panax, Eva has grown from a runt of a cub to a wonderful healer and helper within her pride. While still young, she has a great control of light magics, and is well known for her heritage to the Celestial Lion, Aular.
