Highlord

There can only be one...
One thing then-young Takshi Anazhar disagreed with his beloved ancestor on was the use of the title "Supreme High Overlord" to denote the leader of the Thunthen as a whole. He felt it too grandiose and too strong a link to Das Anazhar's more impulsive nature before his encounter with Queen Danaetanera III of Thanged. When his family and followers evacuated to the Redali System, members of his clan-clutch debated who should lead the clan and who should lead the people. Takshi-still the eldest of the clutch despite his relative youth-thought why not do both? He had learned diplomacy and poise alongside his father, the previous Supreme High Overlord, and felt himself the best qualified to lead. He dared his siblings to challenge him and unsurprisingly they quickly backed down, hemming and hawing about building the new colony stations and outposts. In a nod to the use of Watch-Rider by the Thangiens to denote their leaders, he decided to call himself "Highlord" or "The Highlord".

Qualifications

A good balance of physical might and diplomatic skill, ability to project strength to enemies and allies but empathize with others if needed. Preferably a member of the Anazhar clan or another equally-renowned prominent clan.

Requirements

A member of the ruling Anazhar Clan, traditionally the eldest of the clan-clutch. "Eldest" is relative because Thunthen reach maturity relatively early by Earth-Time standards. Takshi was practically a teenager when he took the mantle.

Appointment

Self-stated. If no other challenger from the clan-clutch is able to oppose or unseat them, the holder remains in position.

Duties

Assessing the needs and wants of various outposts and colony stations, mediating with other friendly superpowers in the system and abroad.

Responsibilities

Final approval for lower-level decisions goes through the Highlord. For example if a new colony station is proposed and a ideal site chosen, the Highlord must weigh the needs of the people versus the effects on others in the system. The Sons-In-Exile view themselves as guests in the Redali System and prefer to avoid intruding on territory held by the Nines. Until the Homeworld is reclaimed or hostilities reach a conclusion or ceasefire, planetary colonization remains a low priority. Mining expeditions in the asteroid belt require escort and the Highlord signs off on how much forces to spare. If forces maneuver in place for a large-scale engagement, the Highlord appoints the most qualified commanders to the sectors.

Benefits

The Highlord's word is literally law. When he speaks, other Nobeyls listen. The Nines keep him informed to their movements and incursions by the Threes. If the day should come that the Daggur Clan is toppled and the Homeworld liberated, then perhaps the Highlord will meet with the Watch-Rider of Thanged and renew the dialogue Das Anazhar attempted to establish millenia ago.

Accoutrements & Equipment

Armor worn by Dasphati deviates heavily from the large padded pieces worn by their counterparts on the Homeworld. Takshi's regalia is comprised of smaller plates of red-glazed obsidian tile, giving him the appearance of a great old shogun.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

If a stronger, more suitable candidate presents themselves, the incumbent may either be deposed or step down.

History

(See Thunthen History and The Dasphat Revolution)

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The Great Old Highlord by Mardrena

Made with BlackInk

The evacuating Dasphati found themselves pulled out of the frying pan and into the fire upon arriving in the Redali System. The Thunthen would need more suitable habitations than staying packed in their cruisers and dreadnoughts like sardines. Takshi directed engineers and technicians to design and draft plans for colony cylinders, and no one sought to gainsay him when he started barking orders. There was no coronation, no pomp and circumstance, no grim solemn ceremony. Takshi took root in the soil of the system and by the time life had settled down for the rest of the Dasphati he'd grown into a formidible sapling.
By the time the first colony cylinder was completed, not a one of his siblings chomped at the bit to shoulder the immense responsibility Takshi had borne until then. To differentiate himself from being solely the leader of the Anazhar Clan, he decided on the monkier of "Highlord" to present himself to his people and the allied Nines. Because Dasphati faced slavery or death on the Homeworld, Takshi saw the plight of his people mirrored in the Fours. As much as he wishes to reclaim the Homeworld, he cannot ignore the conflict consuming the system, and so he must put aside his personal ambitions for now.

Cultural Significance

Because of the way Thunthen hatch and mature, many generations have grown up knowing only the one Highlord, and to them he appears as an ageless larger-than-life figure. Thangiens know Mal Daggur of the Daggur Clan as only an irredeemable villain, but Das Anazhar remains the only Thunthen Nobeyl publicly portrayed in artwork across Bainshaebo, and his descendant Takshi is viewed as an embodiment of that same honorable spirit exhibited thousands of years ago.

Notable Holders

Highlord Takshi Anazhar

Eldest of the clan-clutch as the Dasphat Revolution unfolded, Takshi has seen a lifetime of strife that shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. He is the last of his siblings still alive and he has invited his sons, their sons, and their sons-sons to try and unseat him, and none have come close. At this point his clan-clutch have resigned themselves to the fact that he will hold the position until the day he dies, because he shows no sign of growing infirm in his extreme old age. It is commonly joked that he is simply too stubborn to die and only when the Homeworld is liberated and reclaimed will he allow himself to rest.
With the presumed death of Rammaz Plaedarr the Bloodhun, Takshi now holds the standing record for oldest-living Nobeyl at one-hundred and fifteen years Earth-Time. He insists he is not a Rare and does not present himself as such, but some believe he actually is and attribute his longevity and youthful energy to a quirk in his DNA. He is the great grand-uncle of Bak Thraplek and clucks often how his nephew spends his time in the Sol System with the Humans of Earth, but as of late he's taken note of the contacts his nephew has established and their accomplishments. Perhaps these "Ronin Warriors" Hyra Sassun of the Blue Isis Crew spoke of might hold the key to securing the future for all good people.

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Highlord Takshi Anazhar by Mardrena

Made with Spectrum Noir Markers (AKA red-headed stepchild of Copics....) Background done in BlackInk.

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Das Anazhar (Story Window) by Mardrena

Made with Inkscape and BlackInk

Type

Self proclaimed

Status

Active

Creation

1900's Earth-Time

Form of Address

Highlord, Highlord (name)

Alternative Naming

The Highlord

Equates to

Watch-Rider (Thangien) Supreme High Overlord (Planet Thunthen)

Source of Authority

Self-proclaimed, merit and strength

Length of Term

Life long or physically viable

Related Organizations

• Sons-in-Exile