The Eldest {Banu Haqim}

The Eldest among the Banu Haqim is the ruling voice of the Clan, as far as that voice can travel. Typically a child of Haqim himself, they are trusted to guide the clan throughout even the most turbulent of nights, and their words of wisdom are intended to be taken as if said by the progenitor of the very clan, all ringing through and housed in the shadowed castle of Alamut.
Answering to and counseling the Eldest is The Council of Du'at, made up of three positions, one from each of the three castes:

• Caliph - From the Warrior Caste, a Caliph is the strongest combatant among the Banu Haqim, and is counted on to advise the Eldest on matters of war and defense, as well as command the Warrior caste when called upon.
• Amr - From the Sorcerer Caste, the Amr is trusted to be the head wizard, an expert in all matters arcane as well as being a defender of Alamut and the clan via mystical means.
• Vizier - From the Vizier Caste, the Vizier is the head academic of the clan, with comprehensive knowledge of mortal sciences and discoveries, as well as strategies and histories for the sake of the clan. Even if the Vizier does not know something, they are trusted to know who does know about it and consult them. This is the one Du'at rank that is chosen by popular vote every 63 years.

In the modern nights, The Eldest is technically vacant, while a blood-thirsty zealot leads the clan, enraged by the realities of modernity. Similarly, the Council of Du'at is fractured, with the former Caliph slain, with the Amr and Vizier fleeing as a result, although attempting to restructure within their positions in the Camarilla.

Qualifications

The title of Eldest is typically given to a 4th Generation childe of Haqim, as they will be the literal Eldest of the clan, and those who survive certainly have their fair share of experiences and strength as a result.

Appointment

When an Eldest meets the final death, either they elect an heir which will receive approval from the Du'at or failing that the Du'at will elect one unanimously instead.

Responsibilities

The Eldest must be not only a ruler of the clan but an example as well. Wise, Devout, and Powerful, keeping faith in the Law of Haqim and the virtues of justice that the clan pledged. While the last official Eldest shook this up a bit by being a devout Muslim, his reign as Eldest for several centuries rings true to his success at leading, at the very least as a sign of his strength.

History

The title first existed in the Second City, when one of the Du'at chose themselves to represent the clan while Haqim went away on an expedition. When the antediluvian's travels became permanent, that's when the title first became necessary, and its current form took shape.
Not much is known of the various past Eldest, aside from the fact that two were Women, yet still went by Old Man of the Mountain. When the First Anarch Revolt failed, and the discovery of the Alamut forced the Banu Haqim to enter a treaty with The Camarilla, the Eldest at the time committed ritual suicide, and elected the position to Jamal. 
From then on, Jamal was the Eldest from 1494 all the way until 1998 and was regarded as cunning, effective, and powerful even when his Islamic faith made the more devout followers of Haqim worry.
Sadly, that reign came to an end with the revival of Ur-Shulgi, who destroyed Jamal for his lack of faith in Haqim, and led the zealotry that caused the current schism of the clan. While Ur-Shulgi is calling the shots, the position is technically vacant, as he claims that only Haqim can truly be considered the eldest among them. But that seat may not be empty forever, especially with elder after elder going missing due to the Beckoning, with new, young hopefuls ready to take their place.

Cultural Significance

Culturally, The Eldest has always been an important figurehead to lead the clan, by example and by decree, as well as being a visual symbol of the clan traditions. The Council of Du'at, as well, are symbols of each of the Castes, their most talented (or most fortunate) members to represent and lead them.
The slaying of the previous Eldest and the disassembly of the Du'at are a dark sign for most of the clan, acting for survival and joining their long-lasting rivals in the Camarilla, while the change to true zealous blood hunting is an equally bright sign for those who longed to return to it.

Type

Civic, Political

Status

Active (secretly vacant)

Creation

>6,000 BCE

Form of Address

Master

Alternative Naming

Old Man of the Mountain, The Master

Equates to

As the regent of the Banu Haqim, the Eldest takes a position similar to a Prince or Baron, but of the clan as a whole rather than just a pocket of territory.

Source of Authority

Haqim and the Council of Du'at

Length of Term

Until Final Death

Related Organizations

• Clan Banu Haqim