ajawnok
The ajawnok, or "night leader" is the ultimately authority on all Uskalan camazotz, answerable only to King Drosst, and the king gives the ajawnok a lot of autonomy to run things as she sees fit as of yet Drosst has yet to regret this policy.
Appointment
All ajawnok come from House of Ixchel and are of the direct family line of the first ajawnok, Ixchel herself. Camazotz value family ties, but they do not put much stock in birth order, only strength matters. The ajawnok usually names her successor naming her strongest and/or wisest child a successor. Nine times out of then, a daughter is chosen instead of a son, and half the time a wizard is chosen. The chosen successor is always a great warrior, but dumb brawlers need not apply as as the ajawnok must have tactical acumen to back up her brute strength.
If a ajownok dies without a named successor, eligible candidates will fight a series of challenges administered by King Drosst to take up the vacant position. This only happened once.
Responsibilities
The ajawnok is responsible for making the sure the material needs of all Uskalan camazotz are met as well as well as to oversee the education and training of the camazotz pups.
The ajawnok oversees training and drills for camazotz soldiers and coordinates camazotz police action in peacetime and military sorties in wartime.
Benefits
The ajawnok can deputize any Uskalan camazotz into position and order camazotz to do anything. While formerly, the ajawnok cannot order human Uskalan citizens, they will follow her directions if they what know is good for them.
The ajawnok can execute any commoner in the name of the king without a trial. The ajawnok can arrest any noble below the rank of duke in the name of the king.
The ajawnok (and her entourage) can enter the land of any Uskalan noble below the rank of duke without asking for permission and they can hunt anywhere they choose.
The ajawnok collects 30% of all treasure seized by Uskalan camazotz in carrying out their duties and keeps 15%, bestowing the other 15% to the king. The ajawnok receives a lot of material support in terms of weapons and potions that roughly equals what she ends up paying the king.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The ajawnok wields a powerful magic spear with a name in the Zocatec that translates into "Darkness' Bite." In addition to enhancements in it's accuracy and power, the spear will fly back into the ajawnok's claws with a command word if it is thrown or dropped.
They also have a ceremonial headdress with a gold circlet. In wartime, the headdress is dispensed with, but the circlet remains, paired with a magic helmet.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
Only death can remove an ajownok from office. In theory, King Drosst can dissolve the position at any time, but he has never needed to. Some ajawnoks have made mistakes but thus far, none have betrayed their king.
The ajawnok is both a civilian leader and a war leader and the camazotz are not faint of heart so most have died in battle. Once or twice ajawnok that were unpopular with the general camazotz died suspicious deaths. A few elderly ajawnok that became infirm, chose ritual suicide.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Form of Address
mighty one
Equates to
On paper this title is considered equal to a human duke or duchess, but few Uskalan nobles invite the ajawnok to their formal banquets.
Source of Authority
Royal writ plus family tradition
Length of Term
life
Related Locations
Related Organizations
Comments