[RANKS & EXPLANATIONS]

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Satriya is live! (7.30.25)

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Standing high and alone in the desert is a truly rare spectacle - an enormous pyramid of unknown origins. Attempting to reach its apex is an exhausting feat, especially in a land forever baked in the sun’s harsh light, so most typically only reach its peak at nightfall. Somewhere, hidden cleverly within its four imposing walls is an opening, perhaps where someone might live… but the entrance remains a mystery and a trade secret to those who can find it.
Inside Satriya, large rooms of hewn stone provide a honeycombing of activity, shrines, apartments, and throne rooms. The walls are painted pleasantly with accents provided by plant dyes, and an underground garden provides a heavy, pleasant scent of desert flowers throughout the palace. Time will tell how deep the great obelisk runs.

— territory description written by admin & ebony.

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· Charmion is Wedjat
· Mesen-ka is a Neb
· Sapair is Jodai
· Taliba is Medjay
· Arcana is a Mazoi
· Setemhotep is Sesh
· Sitamun is a Fellahin
· Ra is a Mazoi

Given the nature of the BWP, the Skyspear is currently uninhabitable. After making temporary camp in Dawn's Cuesta for some weeks, Satriya is now in noble procession. Intent on making allies as well as forging paths through lands unknown, they have camped in Westmoor Wakes.

Pharaoh, Queen, and Vizier seek a first meeting with the leaders of Jakten.

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RANKS & EXPLANATIONS

Pharaoh is considered the link between god and mortal, considered to be the Current Iteration of Amun. A queen of royal blood is considered the same, a shining counterpart to holy spouse. Their children are entitled to the same respect at birth.

UPPER

Pharaoh: Leader; divine intermediary between the deities and mortals

Queen: Divine consort to Pharaoh

Amiir: Prince

Amiirad: Princess

Wedjat: Advisor; supervisor of the security of Pharaoh and the palace 

Neb: A lord

Nebet: A lady

MIDDLE

Hem: A male priest. They serve as spiritualist, counselors, and chroniclers

Hemet: A female priest. They serve as spiritualist, counselors, and chroniclers

Jodai: A captain, chief of Pharaoh's guard & overseer of the mazoi

Medjay: Chief of the Divine Consort's guard 

Yaret: A highly specialist rogue who acts as an assassin

Mazoi: Guards, warriors, scouts, rangers and hunters

Sesh: Doctors, physicians and those with medical knowledge


LOWER

Hebsut: Mistress/master of the house; the highest rank for a fellahin

Fellahin: Servants and peasants; often the rank of coyotes or their offspring

RELIGION

Satriya worships a pantheon of gods through ritualistic prayer, offerings, and the construction of temples in order to maintain Ma’at, the order of the cosmos. Pharaohs are believed to possess divine powers by virtue of their position and blood.

MAJOR GODS & GODDESSES

Amun– A creator god

Ammit— Devourer of the dead

Anubis— The god of funerals and protector of the dead

Apis— Bull god symbolizing strength and fertility

Bastet— Cat goddess, linked to protection from evil

Hapi— Personification of the river

Hathor— Goddess of love, sexuality, fertility, music and dance

Horus— Falcon god of Pharaonic kingship, linked to the sky and the sun

Iset— Wife of Osiris, goddess of motherhood, protection, and magic

Khonsu— The moon god

Maat— Goddess who personifies truth, justice and order

Osiris— God of death and resurrection who rules the Duat (death realm)

Ra— The sun god; father of every Pharaoh

Sekhmet— Lioness goddess of war

Set— An ambivalent god characterized by violence, chaos, and strength

Sobek— Crocodile god, protector of the river

Thoth— God of knowledge and scribes

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priests

THE PRIESTHOOD

Pharaoh is divine. The priests carry out rites of blood and material so that their figurehead may contemplate Amun and Atum.

· Pharaoh is considered the Most High Priest, and takes forefront in any important rites
· Cleanliness is imperative. Regular bathing is required, along with rituals of cleansing on feast days and ceremonies
· The priesthood sings each morning before dawn to glorify Ra as He is reborn
· For priestesses, dancing, singing, and keening are part of worship
· Priests & priestesses take an authoritative hand in schooling the children of royals and nobility
· Priesthood is hereditary. Appointed by Pharaoh, the High Priest and/or Priestess can pass the role down to an heir of blood or choice
· New priests are called we'eb. They have little say in anything and are appointed as sem-priests, those holy ones who prepare a body for embalming. With longevity, a sem-priest might graduate to a priest or priestess of Ka, one who sings the chants and the hymns. Astronomers, astrologers, magicians, and those claiming to perform the dark heka (magic) of sorcery or necromancy are several of the paths a trained priest may take

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nobles

THE NOBILITY

The nobles are the epicenter of intrigue, drama, betrayal, treason, and wealth. Their marriages are often decided by Pharaoh and/or Queen, and particularly loyal subjects may have a chance to marry into the royal family.

· Gossip is the most powerful weapon a noble can wield, destroying or uplifting at will. The power of combined nobility can be enough to pressure the change of a dynasty.
· Nobles are judged upon their appearance and attitude
· Spending one's days in pursuits such as hunting, drinking, pleasures of the flesh, or military activity are encouraged
· A noble can be summoned at any time of day or night by royalty. Failure to arrive could result in social demotion
· Nobles may marry fellahin, but the most arrogant among them vie for a chance to marry even lesser royalty
· When a noble dies, unless they were also employed in a trade, their titles can revert to Pharaoh's whim. Viziers and royal physicians also fall under this category.
· Nobility may be appointed with agreement to the harem*. This gives a small chance of marrying Pharaoh as a Second Wife
(*pending interest/member count)

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military

THE MILITARY

The military is the physical backbone of Satriya, standing very close to Pharaoh and Queen.

· Officers of all ranks are expected to look to royalty for final say. They are not to question orders
· A rugged mien is needed for soldiering. Sparring, patrolling, fighting mock battles, and hard travel are all ways that soldiers might be trained in the desert
· The Jodai after consistent service may be called upon to become a royal officer. Refusal does not have a punishment
· A soldier follows a hierarchy. He may report to one above him. Complaints should be made to the Jodai.
· Soldiers can expect to enjoy some leisure time. They may also marry fellahin or nobility in a love match. In years of conflict or battle, a portion of any tribute belongs to them as well
· Devoted military may find themselves two choices: retreat to the smaller outposts outside Satriya, a force unto oneself, or choose to become part of the royal guard, assigned to the protection of divine ruler
· A retired soldier may enjoy the respect of Pharaoh in two ways: to be dismissed from service altogether based on injury, or the appointment of said officer to a position of royal commentary

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viziers

THE ADVISORS

The vizier, also known as Wedjat, has the pulse of Satriya. No message, event, or word passes without address.

· The vizier knows what Pharaoh had for breakfast and where the Queen will walk that day. Working with the higher-ranked officers and the Chief Steward of Servants, the vizier ensures each day goes well
· Expected at most ceremonies and all royal, the vizier has the ear of royalty. In their heart there might exist a bias, but never should this be shown
· Called away to travel, on journeys of state, and to royal births, the vizier’s life is rarely their own. They must be as available as any other servant, indeed more often
· The Wedjat may accomplish a network of knowledge through spying or spies
· Being so close to the royal family means that the vizier is the gate through which all nobility passes. Ingratiating oneself with this office is important. If marriage is desired, a member of the royals will arrange it
· In the case of poisoning, the vizier may be detained for questioning by the Jodai, exempt only by a royal word. To protect against any such event, the vizier is given the proverbial keys to all chambers and can petition to replace guards in the most sacred areas.
· The Wedjat is expected to be seen as pious at least in ritual regards. Marriage is permitted with fellahin though encouraged with nobility
· Should Pharaoh die with no heir or too young an heir, the vizier will become Highest Advisor to both the young ruler and the Dowager. In times of extreme duress, the Dowager may seek to legitimize the vizier through a royal marriage.

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sesh

THE PHYSICIANS

The physicians, or sesh (both plural/singular use) of Satriya are greatly important. They tend both the servant and royalty with the same care and skill. A High Physician, one who is very well-trained, may be called upon to live closer to one court or another.

· A physician may have two apprentices at once. Specialties include midwifery, wisdom of poison, knowledge of herbal medicine, and ability to procure rare plants when needed
· Skilled sesh expect more responsibility, appointed to the harem or even royal births
· Waiting upon Pharaoh is understanding that this intimacy is not permitted to all. A physician should keep their own counsel. Gossip over Pharaoh's state may have large repercussions for the palace at large
· Priests and physicians can expect to have constant overlap, as treatment includes both medicine and prayers
· Sesh may marry fellahin or up into nobility if it is agreed, though sometimes a physician without a family is preferred, being able to be called upon at any time
· In the case of poisoning, the physician may be detained for questioning by the Jodai.
· Sesh are expected to be humble and diligent, devoted to their work and to their own prayers

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fellahin

THE SERVANTHOOD

The fellahin of Satriya perform all the difficult and sometimes unpleasant tasks inside and outside the palace. Their position is chosen, not forced, and it is lifelong.

· Fellahin are skilled laborers who may have a background of ignorance or crudity. Those outside the culture are also kept as servants and may speak their own tongue, provided they learn Egyptian
· A servant might also work up from the most humble dung-cleaner to become the personal body servant of even royalty. They are allowed to marry one another with little interference, and may be chosen to become nobles through marriage as well. On occasion, a servant might catch the eye of Pharaoh.
· Silence, a listening ear, and humility are highly demanded. Fellahin report to the Hebsut, Chief Steward of Servants. In the absence of a Hebsut, the next highest role in the hierarchy may be called as decider
· Fellahin dance, sing, and serve at festivals and gatherings. Nobles, soldiers, and royalty alike may wish to enjoy the company of fellahin who catch their eye, but this must be agreed upon
· At times, private messages must be carried. The servant is expected in these moments to act as scribe, memorizing the message and carrying it who must hear. They risk themselves as spies and treasoners if the situation is dire
· In the case of poisoning, the servant(s) may be detained for questioning by the Jodai.
· Fellahin are expected to be humble and diligent, devoted to their work and to their own prayers. They are to assist priests and physicians when necessary, and ensure that soldiers are fed. The most skilled midwives often come from among fellahin.

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royalty

THE GODHOOD

Divine Iterations of Gods Upon Earth, all heads must bow and all backs must bend before the Royal Family. Amun has chosen Pharaoh and Queen as His Gilded Voice.

· It is a lifelong appointment. Royals are expected at every shrine, every feast day, every ceremony, and every minor rite. It is they who call the days and they who are risen by hymns. The entire court is to anticipate their wants. They are to be approached with great aplomb, and almost never by low or new servants.
· The practice of intermarriage between members of the royal family is their divine creed, to preserve a fiercely defended lineage dating back through several pharaonic names
· Respect for those beneath them must be observed, firmness rather than cruelty. Cruelty, however, remains a whim. Provoking it is not advisable.
· Pharaoh has sovereign judgement over all military movements. It must be Pharaoh who makes the great sacrifices at ceremonies as well. These things are related by the bloodshed that the Mighty Bull must judge as necessary for the kingdom.
· Nobility are most likely to become companions and trusted friends of the royal family. Ingratiating oneself through becoming a Royal Nurse or joining Pharaoh's hunting-court is recommended. Praise and worship that is not forced will be treasured, and gifts of rare yet consistent items will be remembered.
· Pharaoh may marry two lesser wives. It is recommended that these be of political requirement. Neither will approach the Queen nor the Queen's power, who becomes Empress upon Pharaoh's second marriage and retains not only her first titles, but is Blessed of Hathor by the High Priest/ess in a ceremony.
· In the event that Pharaoh should die in war or of disease and has appointed no heir, the Queen shall become Dowager Empress and choose the successor. If they are still young, it is the Dowager and the ministers who shall steer the country until the heir has come to adulthood
· In the event that the Queen should die in war, in childbirth, or of disease, Pharaoh must choose to continue or to step down for the first daughter.
· The Crown Prince must take a year's tour with the military and on expedition, to see more than the land they will inherit.
· In the case of many princes/sses with equal claim to the Horus Throne, Pharaoh must be pressured to appoint a successor. Failure to do so must then result in the nobility forming their own factions of support among the heirs.

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A Day's Glimpse

this is by no means a comprehensive list or one of requirements, simply suggestions of what each satriyan in their rank is doing

PRIESTS

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· at dawn pharaoh is sung awake by Prayers to Ra
· maintain shrines, meet for personal worship
· work with scribes/soldiers/viziers as needed
· daily gathering of herbs
· more prayers
· sleep in afternoon when sun is hottest
· the laying of new shrines
· visit queen and pharaoh separately
· oversee tomb building sites
· high priest attends every audience
· gather for evening meal with palace
· evening prayers, late bedtime

NOBILITY

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· wake with/not long after pharaoh
· expected to be ready to meet the day
· stay in attendance on royal family all day
· observe prayers where needed
· laughter, games, hunting, gifts for the royal family are encouraged/expected
· sleep in afternoon when sun is hottest
· gather to eat evening meal and drink
· present for all births, rituals, celebrations, shrine-laying, and holy days
· there may be celebrations well into the morning, nobility are expected to host and/or attend

SOLDIERS

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· all day/night patrols
· stationed outside rooms/near individuals as necessary
· report to jodai
· jodai makes daily report to pharaoh
· observe prayers where needed
· handle military training of heirs/nobility
· sleep in shifts in afternoon when sun is hottest
· expected to be silent and obedient but not foolish
· gather to guard evening meal
· eat afterward, bedtime in shifts

VIZIERS

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· up before dawn
· never far from pharaoh
· handle all correspondence/messages
· hands down any orders pharaoh does not wish to do
· travels anywhere on behalf of royal family
· sleep in afternoon when sun is hottest
· present for all births, rituals, celebrations, shrine-laying, and holy days
· attends evening meal
· may have business or teaching afterward
· awake any time the royal family calls

SESH

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· up at/before dawn
· attends pharaoh for morning checks
· examines royalty and nobility for any complaints
· daily herb gathering
· in cases of noble or royal family, physician is close at hand
· sleep in afternoon when sun is hottest if possible
· attends evening meal, offers nutritional advice
· visits royal nursery on regular basis
· has some power over guardianship of patients
· awake any time the royal family calls

FELLAHIN

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· up before dawn, early breakfast
· handles morning meal
· may work with vizier for food tasting, may work with sesh for nutrition
· has control of gardens, fishing, and the dispersement of hunted meat
· present for all births, rituals, celebrations, shrine-laying, and holy days in roles of silent service
· sleep in afternoon when sun is hottest if not needed/in shifts
· attends evening meal in roles of service
· eat afterward
· awake/asleep in shifts so someone is always available

ROYALTY

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· awake with Prayers to Ra
· never seen without kohl/adornments/perfumed
· eat delicately in morning
· morning prayers at main shrine
· queen and pharaoh (and heir, later) hold audience
· appearances at each shrine
· education of royal children
· hunting if the day is long
· afternoon sleep followed by more prayers
· they may walk their land with nobility in attendance
· court for nobles is held
· present for all births, rituals, celebrations, shrine-laying, and holy days
· evening meal does not end until they say

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COURT SYSTEM

Satriyans have the opportunity to divide themselves between two courts: that of Pharaoh and that of the Queen. Each court may have its own servants, priest or priestess(es), guards, vizier, nobles, and officials. These individuals have a second loyalty to protecting the privacy of their chosen court. Spies may be a future option for further intrigue between courts.
Currying favor with the royals is the swiftest way to move up in the ranks. Each skillset – servant, noble, military, official – has its own High Rank, to which all others beneath would be answerable to a sort of internal leadership. Keep in mind that regardless of court, an inhabitant of the palace is still subject to Pharaoh’s final say.

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TRADE

Trade is key to the success of wealth-gathering for Satriya. Historically, precious stones, minerals, pelts, spices, meats, feathers, ‘liquors' derived from fruit, flower, or fermentation, fresh flora, plant dyes, and so on and so forth.
Especially prized in the palace are things not found in the desert, and these items will be sure to remind a noble or royal who brought it to their attention. Trade is the first thing sought when making alliances, with an eye to preserve routes between Satriya and its new ally.

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