Lion

Lions are members of the top tier of the warrior caste interwoven in the tribal culture of Exum. They occupy a social rank in between chief and commoner. Lions are referred to with the title "Beloved." The rank of lion is considered to be the highest rank of those on the Road of Warriors.

History

During the conquest of the Faeroahs they implemented a tier of the warrior-class called knights. After their disappearance, the people of Exum threw away the term knight for the term lion, a term used during the time of the Orishas of warriors who served the same purposed. Lions hold less cultural significance outside of Exum, such as the The Matronate and Djangru.

Social Status

Only lions can bestow the title of a lion on another person. To keep the title from being exploited by those looking to make a coin, one must prove his or her martial prowess in front of other lions who must agree that one is ready to become a lion. The attempt to sell the rite is looked at as dishonorable for those who buy it, as well as those who offer to pay for it. Lions who sell the rite are considered following the Road of Outlaws and charges can be brought upon in a Lion's Court, where the lion's crimes are brought in front of other more veteran lions and deliberations are made on if the lion will be punished. Punishments could range from being beheaded, to having their hands removed, to being publicly stripped of all ranks.

The role of a lion is to lead an army. If a lion proves himself or herself unable to lead or dishonorable, they will risk being excommunicated from their tribe. Where they will have two choices to make, either become a Lost Lion or walk the Road of Outlaws. A Lost Lion will still be welcomed into a chief's manyatta, as long as they're trying to prove themselves and find their way on the Road. Outlaws are another subject altogether. Scum of the earth! They usually dwell in areas like the borderlands. While chiefs and Pillars are disputing on if its their problem or responsibility they are out there wrecking havoc.
— Blessed Tunde

Types of Lions

Imperial Lions are members of the Imperial Ten Thousand and are appointed by the Lion-General. Promotion to the Imperial Lions is a contentious issue, being perceived by some as the "easy way" to gain rank. While most ranks are gained via inheritance, the lions are promoted on merit alone, giving their rank a contradictory reputation as the hardest and most difficult in the Imperial Ten Thousand. Most Imperial Lions are wards of the empire from infancy. All bastards and orphans, raised in the art of war within imperial orphanages. An Imperial Lion can choose to stay in the Imperial Ten Thousand or chose to be adopted into a tribe where they will serve as the tribe's lion and lead their armies.

Chieftaincy Lions are members of the tribes that make up a Great Chieftaincy. Most are held as hereditary titles, such as the Lion of Ngwasa, inherit the chieftaincy. In the Northern Pillar men and women compete for the title of Chieftaincy Lion. They show off their martial prowess in competitions, where many have been maimed or even killed. A chieftaincy lion is usually seen as the heir to a Great Chieftaincy.

Tribal Lions are expected to lead the tribal armies in any and all combat and also fight for their chief if chosen to in one on one combat.

Lost Lions are those who once held the title of lions and have been disgraced and disposed of by their chief but are not considered to be on the Road of Outlaws. Lost Lions are considered to be wandering the Road of Warriors without a family or tribe to defend. These lions usually work as sellsword wondering the lands looking for chief raising a feudal levy in a dispute.

Qualifications

One must take the rites of the Road of Warriors and be promoted to the rank by their tribal chief to become a Lion. Any serving chief can make any member of his clan a Lion at any location, but it is considered a great honor if a person takes his Rites at the Lion Gate at any of the Four Pillar Cities.

Duties

The primary duty of a lion is to lead an army for either their emperor, chief, or tribe, and to support his chief any martial matters. Another duty of a lion would be to serve as his champion and represent their tribe in martial games or, in the case of a dispute between chiefs, single combat.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Just like any person on the Road of Warriors, any person who strays from the tenets of the Road are said to follow the Road of Outlaws, which any warrior is able to execute on sight.