Khagan
The Khagan is a recently created, extremely important title for the leader of the Great Terruk State. Established after the death of Chingis Terru to mark his successors as rulers of a new, and assumed permanent state beyond even the largest tribal confederations that came previously, and a truly major player in Galisean geopolitics.
Qualifications
The Khagan is necessarily an accomplished military leader, having served at least as head of one of the Zuuns that make up the Terruk Army. Otherwise there are few formal qualifications required, but a lot of tradition surrounding the office that limits further the number of Terruks that can become the Khagan except under exceptional circumstances. Most noteworthily, Khagans traditionally have been descendants of Chingis Terru, though a few times, this soft requirement was ignored when no such descendants were suitable candidates for the office.
Appointment
The Khagan is elected by a subset of the itinerant court known as the Khanala either after the death of the previous Khagan, or if the Khanala successfully challenges the authority of the Khagan, usually after a failed conquest, or some other disaster for the Great Terruk State.
Duties
The Khagan is, nominally the nearly autocratic ruler of the of Great Terruk State, its primary protector and defender, organizer of its courier network, and "they who hold the Great Vision". Essentially the Khagan is the Terruk State made flesh, embodying the will and favor of the gods of the Terruk people, and executor of divine will.
Responsibilities
On a daily basis, the Khagan is functionally responsible for managing affairs of state, using their mobile itinerant court to make contact with the various governors of Terruk territory, collect taxes, conduct whatever censuses can be conducted, and hiring capable people to manage the highly important courier network that keeps the vast territories of the Terruk-Mal within contact. The Khagan is also the primary military leader of the Terruk-Mal responsible often for leading large armies on important campaigns when possible.
Benefits
The Khagan benefits heavily from the trade networks, pillaging, and tribute that ensures the flow of wealth into the Terruk-Mal. The Khagan's court is often extremely wealthy, with tonnes of gold following the Khagan's caravan wherever they go. The Khagan often also has access to the exceptionally rare breeding facilities for Dire Wolves, as well as elite horse breeders allowing them access to some of the finest mounts available in all of Galisea.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The Khagan's chief symbols of office are, befitting a nomadic ruler, a set of tack and saddle that has been passed down by the various Khagans since the death of Chingis Terru. A Khagan is also allowed to choose for themselves a mastercrafted (and often magic weapon) to bear as a badge of office, with most preferring either an ancestral bow, wielded by many Khagans, and many great Terruk Khans before the establishment of the Terruk-Mal, or a similarly ancient Hunting Lance.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
An incompetent, incapable, or insane Khagan can be challenged by the Khanala under certain conditions. If a challenge is made, the Khagan must accept a trial by combat against the selected Champion of the Khanala. If the Khagan survives the trial, it is thusly deemed that they still have divine favor, if they fail, then the Khanala is to elect a new Khagan. The regnant Khagan has been challenged thrice since the establishment of the Terruk-Mal, with the Khagan surviving one challenge, and two others being removed.
History
The Office of Khagan was founded just under three centuries ago after the Death of the Great Chingis as the Terruk-Mal started its evolution from a loose tribal confederacy into a decentralized, but recognizable state. The Office of Khagan, in its short history has largely been held by a string of capable warlords who have furthered the conquests of the Terruk state, while entrusting the administration of the realm to more capable hands.
Type
Nobility, Military
Alternative Naming
Great Khan
Equates to
Emperor, Basileus
Source of Authority
The Khanala
Length of Term
Life, or until removal by the Khanala
Current Holders
Related Organizations
