References: Laws and Customs

[Mercy]

Here are all the slave pride/flock laws, customs, and ranks as well as those for the Pride Premier. I would highly recommend reading over each of these at least once if you plan to join the role-play. Thank you. 

[Mercy]

Slave Pride/Flock Laws as dictated by the Emperor Exalted; Supreme Sovereign of the Pride Premier:

1.) Slaves may not kill other slaves. 

Any slave that kills another, no matter their position, be they cub or adult, bird or beast, will be killed. Terminal slaves are permitted to kill each other only when given authorization by a Pride Premier official and only when witnessed by six or more Pride Premier members.

2.) Any slave that develops powers will be put to death.

Any slave that develops powers, be they cub or adult, bird or beast, driver or imperial slave, will be put to death. Slave lions are encouraged to monitor those around them and report directly to a Pride Premier member if they suspect any of their fellows to have or be developing powers or abilities of any sort. Slaves who report such developments will be greatly rewarded.

3.) Orders from slave masters, centurions, or any other member of the Pride Premier are to be followed at all times.

Any slave who fails to follow an order will be tortured in Mt. Amun. Slaves can be killed for failing to follow orders if a Pride Premier member so desires.

4.) Rebellion of any sort is prohibited. 

Slaves that attempt to attack any member of the Pride Premier will be sent to Mt. Amun for torture. Slaves caught engaging in rebellious activity such as mocking Pride Premier members, threatening Pride Premier members, or trickery of any kind will be beaten by their centurion.

5.) Runaway slaves will be returned to their centurions or masters, scarred publicly, and then escorted to the Vartan Desert.

Slaves that attempt to flee the Pride Premier's empire will be returned to their respective pride, reported to their centurion or master, and then bear the scar mark on each cheek (they will then bear one scar going from right eye to right muzzle, and one scar going from left eye to left muzzle). Scarred slave lions will be known as the Caitiff Scarred, and will serve in the Vartan Desert for as long as their master or centurion sees fit.

Slaves from the slave flock will be killed and eaten.

6.) Slaves caught in acts of subterfuge will be beaten publicly and then starved for three days, unless a lesser punishment is decided by their master. Centurions are required to carry out this punishment. Spymasters must simply claw their slaves.

Slaves caught in fraud, lying, cheating their workload, being deceitful, or in any other terms of false pretense will be beaten and then starved for three days unless a lesser punishment is decreed by their master.

7.) Slave cubs may stay in the slave cub den up until adolescence. Upon reaching adolescence, lions must move to the main slave pride den. Cubs who do not leave will be punished as their centurion or spymaster sees fit.

Nursing mothers and mothers of young cubs may stay in the cub den up until their cub is old enough to eat meat. Mothers and cubs who refuse to leave the cub den will be punished as their centurion decrees.

Slave chicks are allowed to remain in their nests until they can fly. 

8.) Fathers and mothers of slave cubs/chicks who try to hide their cubs/chicks or their powers will be sent to the Vartan Slave Pride.

If a slave mother or father is caught hiding cubs or their powers will immediately be sent to the Vartan Slave pride.

If a slave mother or father is caught hiding chicks or their powers they will be sent to the Vartan Slave Pride.

9.) Any slave caught committing treason, cowardice in battle, or meeting with members of other prides will be tortured unless a lesser punishment is decreed.

Slaves caught committing treason, cowardice in battle, or meeting with members of other prides will be tortured unless a lesser punishment is decreed by their master or centurion.

10.) Slave pride members are forbidden from touching a Pride Premier member unless permission has been given. This is only for members of the slave pride, not the slave flock.

Slaves that touch a Pride Premier member are considered offensive and can be struck by the offended Pride Premier member if they so desire.

      So shall it be proclaimed, so shall it be done, by order of the Emperor Exalted; Supreme Sovereign of the Pride Premier

[Mercy]

Pride Premier Ranks (Highest to lowest)

Some ranks have the same number meaning they are considered equal in terms of rank, power, and influence. This will probably be edited.

1.) Emperor/Empress Exalted
The leader of the Pride Premier, the Emperor/Empress Exalted controls the entire pride by issuing laws, executive commands, and serving as the figurehead of the pride. There have been many Emperor/Empress Exalteds over the years, some crueler and some kinder than others. The Emperor/Empress Exalted lives at the top of Mt. Rukor in the great cave Elmas.

2.) Imperial Family
The mate and heirs to the throne of the Pride Premier are the second in line to the throne of the Pride Premier. The highest of the noble families, the imperial family is treated with the utmost respect and lives near Elmas at the top of Mt. Rukor. If the Emperor/Empress Exalted dies, one of the imperial heirs will ascend the throne. The imperial heirs are trained by masters of battle, foreign affairs, leadership, and territory control in their cubhood/adolescence, and their adulthood can be spent in a specialty area such as spymaster on Mt. Haides, advisor/magistrate on Mt. Jakira, or military general on Mt. Amun. The imperial Emperor/Empress of the Pride Premier assists the Emperor/Empress Exalted in their commands and council. The imperial mate is usually found with the other noble families in the lower regions of Mt. Rukor.

3.) Noble Families
Noble families live a life of leisure. They can pursue many different careers in the Pride Premier or simply live their lives in luxury.

4.) Magistrate
These members of the Pride Premier help advise and council the Emperor Exalted in his plans and policies. They can be found on Mt. Jakira and Mt. Rukor. Most must spend many years being educated by praetors on Mt. Deo.

4.) General
Generals of the Pride Premier control military outposts, raid new territories, control the slave prides, and conquer new prides. They usually begin service as a warrior/guard on Mt. Amun, then serve as centurions, commanders, and then achieve the rank of general. They meet with the spymasters and Commander of the Flock on Mt. Haides to develop battle tactics and strategies.

4.) Commander of Flocks
The leader of the spymasters and slave flock on Mt. Haides, the Commander of the Flocks controls spy missions, executions, and spy monitoring practices. They usually begin as lesser spymasters, then become greater spymasters, and can then be appointed as Commander of Flocks. The Commander of Flocks will meet with the generals on Mt. Amun to collaborate on raids, battles, slave recovery, and tactics.

5.) Consul
Consuls work on Mt. Deo, Mt. Jakira, and Mt. Rukor and work with magistrates, generals, the Commander of Flocks, and the Emperor Exalted by providing feedback on life in the slave prides, food shortages, droughts, and other concerns. They usually travel wherever they want and send reports back to the Emperor Exalted.

5.) Commander
Most commanders are found in Mt. Amun training warriors, centurions, and guards. They usually report back to their generals on the progress of their trainees and will then send them to their assignments in a certain pride. Commanders will sometimes go on secret patrols around military outposts to make sure guards, warriors, and centurions are following their orders.

5.) Greater Spymaster
Greater spymasters work on Mt. Haides and are usually in control of a flock of about seven birds. They help monitor the slave flocks and help the Commander of Flocks plan actions based on spy reports. They also make reports on lesser spymasters to the Commander of Flocks.

6.) Praetor
Praetors serve as educators on Mt. Deo and teach cubs and adolescents the ways of the Pride Premier. They usually come from a variety of backgrounds and careers. They help cubs and adolescents choose their future careers.

6.) Centurion
Centurions are the primary guardians, leaders, and executors of the slave prides. There is usually one per pride but there can be more. Centurions pass orders from generals and other high ranking officials on to the slave prides and make sure those orders are carried out. Centurions are usually responsible for claiming slaves as Caitiff Scarred and killing slaves.

6.) Lesser Spymaster
Lesser spymasters work on Mt. Haides and are in control of a flock of about three to five birds. They help monitor the slave prides and work on small spy missions. They help report information to the greater spymasters and Commander of Flocks.

6.) Warriors/Guards
Warriors and guards are trained in Mt. Amun and rotate around the slave prides military outposts. They help the centurions keep control over the slaves prides and prevent slaves from running away. They also stop other prides from attacking. They can also serve as troops in battle.

[Mercy]

Pride Premier Customs

Regarding the death of the Emperor/Empress Exalted:

When the Emperor/Empress Exalted passes away, the entire empire shall go into a three day period of mourning. The body of the Emperor/Empress Exalted will be taken to Mt. Du'an and will be buried in The Tombs of the Premierby the imperial family, and the Emperor's closest magistrates, generals, and the Commander of the Flocks.

Regarding the ascension of the Emperor/Empress Exalted:
After the burial of the Emperor/Empress Exalted, the imperial heirs will begin to concern themselves with the ascension to the throne of the Pride Premier. Should only one heir be present, that heir will ascend the throne. If there is more than one heir, the preceding Emperors magistrates, consuls, generals, and the Commander of Flocks will meet for one week to decide on the most viable heir. Should there be no heirs, the preceding Emperor's magistrates, consuls, generals, and the Commander of Flocks will meet and vote on the most viable one amongst them. When an heir has been determined, approximately two weeks after the death of the Emperor/Empress Exalted, the heir shall ascend Mt. Rukor and take up residence in Elmas.

Regarding the mate of the Emperor/Empress Exalted:
When the Emperor/Empress Exalted takes a mate, the mate will be recognized by the Emperor/Empress Exalted's magistrates, generals, consuls, and the Commander of Flocks. The new mate will then take up residence near Elmas by the Cliffs of the Premier.

Regarding the birth of an Imperial Heir:
When a cub(s) is born to the Emperor/Empress of the Pride Premier, the empire will enter into a three day period of celebration, full of feasts, songs, and celebration. The cub(s) will be formally introduced to the empire after it's/their first month alive.

Regarding the death of a member of the Imperial Family:
When an imperial heir/imperial mate dies the empire will mourn for three days. The body will then be sent to Mt. Du'an to be buried.

Regarding the death of a member of the Pride Premier:
When a member of the Pride Premier dies the immediate family and friends may mourn for two days and be relieved of duties. The body will then be taken to Mt. Kotori to be buried.

Regarding the birth of a member of the Pride Premier:
When a cub is born in the Pride Premier the immediate family and friends may celebrate and be relieved of duties for two days. The cub will then be presented to the Emperor/Empress Exalted after it's first month alive.

Regarding love in the Pride Premier:
When a member of the Pride Premier takes a mate the two, and their immediate families and friends may celebrate for three days and be relieved of their duties.

Regarding the generation of powers:
When a cub/adolescent begins to develop powers they will be presented to their nearest praetor. The praetor will then help tutor the cub in the ways of the Pride Premier.

Regarding the education of cubs and adolescents in the Pride Premier:
After their first two months of life, Pride Premier cubs must start to attend classes in which praetors help educate them on the ways of the Pride Premier and help them learn to control their powers. They must attend these classes until they have either complete control of their powers, or have become young adults. After this, they will choose whether they wish to pursue their education or become part of the nobility.

Regarding the induction of new cats to the Pride Premier:
Any cat is welcome to join the Pride Premier so long as they have powers and swear allegiance to the Pride Premier and the Emperor/Empress Exalted. For their first year in the pride they may be subject to exile or death if they are found breaking the law or causing suspect.

Regarding sickness or injury among the Pride Premier:
Healers are found among the noble families and may treat members of the Pride Premier and take apprentices. Sick and injured lions must stay in the healer's den.

Regarding the breaking of a law:
If a member of the Pride Premier breaks one of the laws of the Pride Premier he will be subject to trial and questioning by members of the pride on either Mt. Jakira, Mt. Rukor, or Mt. Amun. The ruling Emperor/Empress Exalted will oversee the court and will decide on a ruling for the member.

[Mercy]

Slave Pride Ranks (From highest to lowest)

1.) Imperial Slaves
These slaves usually serve the Imperial Family and the noble families of the Pride Premier. They most commonly serve these Premier members by grooming them, fetching them food, delivering messages, helping with the cubs, and cleaning their dens. They are usually proud of their positions and fear falling to lower positions in the slave prides.

2.) Upper Slaves
These slaves usually serve as the personal slaves of the Pride Premier's magistrates, consuls, generals, greater spymasters, centurions, commanders, and praetors. They most commonly serve these Premier members by grooming them, fetching them food, serving as their personal assistant, cleaning their dens, traveling with them, and serving as their personal spies. Most of the time these slaves are mute or have some other handicap so that they cannot repeat information they overhear. Like the Imperial Slaves these slaves fear falling into lower positions in the slave prides.

3.) Slave Drivers
There are usually two-three slave drivers in every slave pride. These slave drivers receive better treatment from the Pride Premier and the potential to move to a higher rank in reward for spying and monitoring their fellows. They are usually the first of the slaves to get food and other rewards. They are usually hated by the rest of the slaves in their pride. The slave drivers lead the slave pride on hunts and report any incidents to the slave pride centurion.

3.) Domestic Slaves
These are all the slaves in the slave prides, from cub to elder. Forced to hunt for the Premier Pride, these lions are forced to eat less than their fill, and must drag food back to the noble families or military outposts nearest them. They hope to ascend to higher slave ranks but the outlook isn't likely. They are usually lead by a slave driver; one of their own who reports to the Pride Premier's warriors and centurions.

4.) Caitiff Scarred
These are domestic slaves that have attempted to escape the Premier Pride Empire and have failed to do so. They bear scars across their right and left cheeks and are usually abandoned by their peers who mourn and pity them. They are usually feared by their fellows and are ignored. Premier Pride members hate them with a passion. Caitiff Scarred have no hope of rising in slave ranks and most would rather kill a slave than become a Caitiff Scarred. Caitiff Scarred are sent to the Vartan Desert pride where they usually spend the rest of their days.

5.) Terminal Slaves
These are slaves who have been arranged to fight to the death for the Pride Premier's amusement. They are found primarily in the Vartan Slave Pride and are usually kept separate from other members of the pride.

6.) Vartan Slave Pride
The lowest of the low, these slaves look more like evil corpses than lions. These lions are worked to death on purpose, and are sent scouring the land for food that simply doesn't exist while the Pride Premier watches from afar. They are also forced to fight each other to the death sometimes in oases while the Pride Premier watches in sport. They are forced to bury their dead in graves across the desert but most die on the trip there. This pride is primarily made up of convicts, rebels, terminal slaves, and Caitiff Scarred. Most consider themselves cursed if they survive for more than two months in this pride.

[Mercy]

Slave Flock Ranks (From Highest to Lowest)

1.) High Wings
These members of the slave flock serve the greater spymasters and commanders of the slave flock. They fly during the day and are extremely proud of their positions. They are usually birds of prey such as ravens, crows, and eagles. They usually fly alone but are sometimes seen in flocks. They are very fierce and loyal to their masters.

2.) Low Wings
These members of the slave flock serve the lesser spymasters and fly during the night. They are usually owls and nighthawks. These spies usually patrol the slave prides at night and it is rare to see more than three together at a time. They are very intelligent spies. These birds have been disappearing the most.

3.) Bright Wings
These members of the slave flock fly out only during the day. They are usually small sparrows or chickadees and their information is most of the times at risk for being inaccurate.

[Mercy]

Slave Pride/Flock Customs

These are the general customs for all slaves of the Rukor, Jocasta, Vartan and Haides slave prides. Similar customs abide for the slave flock.

Regarding the birth of a cub/hatching of a chick:
When a cub is born the slave driver will report the birth(s) to the centurion who is currently securing the pride. The parents can choose whether to formally name the cub(s) directly after the birth or after it has survived it's first few days/weeks alive. Most parents choose to formally name their cub(s) after a week or two have passed since most cub(s) die within their first few days after being born. After one month in the cub den, the living cub(s) must be brought to their current centurion/master to be presented.

When a slave chick hatches their mother or father must inform their current spymaster. Parents expecting eggs will be able to take time off to build their nest and watch their egg(s) and keep it warm etc. When the egg hatches the parents may watch the chick in it's first few weeks of life but must then return to their duties. Then the chick will be educated in the ways of the slave flocks and the Pride Premier until it is able to fly and assume a position in the slave flock.

Regarding the sick and injured:
Sick or injured slave lions must inform their centurion/master of their weakness and may seek help from the pride healer (usually just a domestic slave with an unusual knowledge of herb remedies). They are allowed to take time off to recover but if they fail to heal with the aid of a healer they are usually sent to the Vartan slave pride. The same goes for members of the slave flock.

Regarding the death of a pride/flock member:
Mourning of the deceased may take place for one day. The deceased's immediate family may be relieved of duties during this time if acceptable to their centurion/master. The deceased will then be taken to the slave pride graveyard or buried in their place of death. The same goes for members of the slave flocks.

Regarding the hunt:
The slave driver leads the hunt, followed by the advanced hunters/huntresses, then the amateur hunters/huntresses, and then the adolescents close the hunting party. After a kill has been made the hunting party must drag the prey back to the pride den or carrying chunks of the kill back home. The centurion will then have some slaves take the choice parts of the kill back to the homelands of the Pride Premier or to military outposts nearby. The centurion will then choose a small part of the kill for himself and then leave the rest of the pride to the leftovers.

The slave flock is allowed to hunt wherever and whenever they so choose, but they must take part of their kill back to The Roost.

Regarding lovers in the pride/flock:
Mates are required to tell their centurion/master who they're partners are. The same goes for members of the slave flock.

Regarding healers:
Lions/birds in the slave prides/flocks who have any sort of skill with herbs and medicine may become healers and are not required to go on hunts. They may take on an apprentice if they so choose.