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Post by ϞSymreeϞ on Jun 30, 2010 14:03:05 GMT -5
~The Kingdom of Sunthara~
This Unicorn Monarchy stretches across miles of sandy grassland between the lower Helgrar Mountain Chain and the Mortigi Desert. Pegasi are slaves, even their breeding monitored by the unicorns. They use small, magick-infused stones, called Curyants, as tokens of trade. More on them can be found here: Curyants
Social Hierarchy
The Royalty and the Nobility lead Sunthara, followed by the Lords & Ladies who are usually outranked by Rangers.
~ Rangers ~
The Rangers are the Suntharian army. They track down and bring back runaway slaves, repel outside attacks, and if need be, step in to keep the peace between territories and herds. In the Central Territory at the Lavark Institution for Ranger Cadets a two year, highly demanding program gets the trainees out in field quickly. After the non-stop course, they finish their training under a mentor over the next year. An elite branch when trained, the Trang Rangers are chosen upon completion of the basic course to undergo an additional two years to become the very best at stopping whatever comes their way. They are a small but top-notch force only called out in times of boredom or extreme need.
~ Guardians ~
Guardians are a couple steps below the Rangers, they tend to work in smaller groups, guarding a specific herd or a group of pegasi. They double as lookouts and try to stop any kind of trouble. The more trusted pegasi slaves can be hired out by their owners to preform these duties, but are never allowed to watch over a group of other pegasi unattended. "Bankers" are trusted guardians who protect cashes of Curyants.
~ Protectors ~
All equines can do this, and they protect anyone who has the money to pay them. Usually ex-Rangers or skillfully trained others, they protect one unicorn.
Spiritual and Political Leaders
~The Royal Family~
The King and Queen lead the Royal Council, which runs the Kingdom. They double as spiritual leaders to secure their subjects' souls in the afterlife. The princes and princesses are symbolic figures who represent the future of the kingdom, and they welcome new foals into the world. They speak at funerals and bindings, using their knowledge collected from walking among their subjects.
~Nobility of the Territories & Leaders of the Herds~
The Dukes and Duchesses run their appointed territories, and deal with minor disputes. They act as approachable spiritual leaders, giving advice to those who ask for it.
Each herd is run by a Lord and a Lady, who rule and keep the peace. They act as the eyes and ears of the nobility, and are generally respected because of their connections with those in power. All unicorns have a 'home herd,' to which they answer.
Ethical, Moral, and Spiritual Beliefs
It is generally believed that, although pegasi are born with a certain corrupt nature, they can partially redeem themselves in the eyes of the royal family, which will secure their souls in the afterlife. Each equine must prove themselves to the royal family before they die, or else each is bound to roam the earth forever as a disembodied spirit, never to reach the afterlife, known as Avalon.
Most pegasi never even learn to fly, as the flight feathers are regularly clipped, limiting them to short glides. It takes about four months for flight feathers to grow fully back, and pegasi who cannot be tamed are called 'Rogue,' and their primaries are burned off at the base, leaving them permanently flightless.
Traditions and Rituals
~ Unicorns ~
They have a coming of age ceremony at the age of four, with the wealthier families usually giving a pegasi to the new adult. They are now do not need parental consent, and are considered fully independent in the eyes of the leadership.
~ Pegasi ~
Pegasi foals only remain with their dams for three months, at which time they are branded with the master's family crest. They are generally kept with other foals their age until six months, at which time they are sold. Brand locations are on the left shoulder or either side of the rump. The neck is reserved for the royal or noble families. When sold, the new owner's brand is placed next to the old one.
Some pegasi are 'bloodied,' or belong to well-known lineages. The 'Line Brands' are on the right shoulder. A pegasi's rank is displayed painted on the wing primaries. Kingdom acceptance: golden sands.
Registered Brands
Pegasi Lines
Pegasi Ranks (to be made)
Particular Characteristics
The equines of Sunthara are a very mixed culture, from the smallest ponies to the largest drafts. There are also many of mixed heritage with multiple breeds in their ancestry. By far Sunthara has the widest variety of appearance and the most breeds in the Southern lands.
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