Hearing of the birth of three new Imperial children, Ikbal Khyra decided she would make the rounds of the Harem; in part, to remind them all of what she had lost.
The state of Godze Anna’s chamber was pitiful, or so she thought after visiting the decorated apartments of the Baş Ikbal. Anna’s daughter was named Alycia Hatun, and it was clear that the birth had no effect on her mother’s standing.
On seeing that Godze Nada, the newest recognized member of the Harem, had also given birth to a daughter, named Ayse, Khyra observed “Had it been a boy, you could have replaced the Favor of your cousin.”
Though her reflection was impolite, Nada was kind, “Emine will bring us luck.” Their closeness perturbed Khyra, and her eyes went to the Usta’s swollen belly. This servant couldn't be favored over her!
Not that she blamed Kadin Andra, the Ikbal didn’t like the company of children, though Hatice Hatun’s presence in her household allowed her some favor she would not hold without a daughter or her lost son. Khyra left, unsatisfied with her outing.
I have a new gameplay family for you, this one with a side of "story."
below cut, are the descriptions of all my sims.
The Murad Legacy is based off of my gameplay in an Ottoman/Persian harem themed save and occasionally historical tid-bits. It will progress vaguely through time. As of now, succession follows whoever is in power. Read below the cut, for information on our starting sims.
Sultan Abdul bin Murad of the Kefa Sultanate, Soverign of the Sublime House of Abdul, Sultan of Sultans, Khan of Khans, Bey of Beys, and head of the Murad Dynasty.
Kadin Cecylia, First Wife of Sultan Abdul bin Murad Han and daughter of Mahmoud Agha is the head of the Imperial harem and mother of First Prince, Mehmet bin Abdul Han. While her title allows many powers and freedoms, Kadin Cecylia is yet to use them. Instead, she has withdrawn from her role, angered by her husband’s choice to invite more women into her harem. The First Wife is currently expecting a second child.
Kadin Andra, Second Wife of Sultan Abdul bin Murad Han is the daughter of Hüseyin Ali Pasha, the Grand Vizier of the Kefa Sultanate. Raised to thrive as a harem wife, she was gifted into the harem as tribute while still growing. Kadin Andra has found herself head over heels, naively, in love with The Sultan. Already, she has given him a son, the Second Prince, Hasan bin Abdul Han.
Ikbal Nana is the Favorite and newst serving concubine of Sultan Abdul bin Murad. The girl is neither cunning or smart, but what her personality lacks has been made up in beauty. Her father, Osman Khair Han, is a recently reverted vassal Han (King).Spoiled by The Sultan, despite not yet welcoming a child, Ikbal Nana has become entrenched in harem life. You’d never guess how much she despises the gilded cage.
Godze Helene Hatun stands to the left, she is the longest serving Concubine of Sultan Abdul bin Murad Han. Helene is the mother of The Sultan’s third child, Princess Fatma Hatun. While friendly with The Sultan, Helene Hatun has not been visited by him since her labors.
Godze Jana stands to the right and as a Concubine of Sultan Abdul bin Murad Han, she is currently expecting her first child. Jana’s relationship with The Sultan is not one of kindness, and neither party is afraid of sharing their disapproval for the other. Though, this shows some respect on the side of The Sultan, if not for his concubine, then for their future child.
Within the Kefa Sultanate, a Godze is recognized concubine of the Sultan who is provided her own household, Usta (head-of-household), servant(s), and allowance. Most often, women are bestowed the title after consummating their relationship with The Sultan. Though this rule has some exceptions as it is up to the Sultan’s discretion. Godze are not promoted without reason; being favored (Ikbal) or welcoming a son may be seen as an opportunity for a Godze. After welcoming any child, a Godze is bestowed the surname Hatun, an equivalent to the title of Lady.
Kadin Cecylia, still resolute in her decision to promote concubines after healing from labor, calls upon four members of the Harem which she has found worthy.
“Laila, Daughter of Mahmoud Agha, The Sultan was pleased with your surprise. My niece, you will enter my harem as Baş Ikbal,” with one sentence, Cecylia had stunned the room. As the Senior Favorite and newest member of the Harem made way to stand by her cousin, the First Wife spoke again, “You will be granted household staff, allowance, and entrusted with the care of the Third Prince.”
In the silence, Cecylia spoke again, “Usta Myra,” she stilled at her mistress’ address. “You will train Tasha Cariye in midwifery, alongside Usta Safaa, when it is evident their studies are complete and you have borne The Sultan a second son, you will be entitled to your own household and appointment as Godze,” the expectation was clear.
The First Wife, living up to her role, swiftly stood. “Usta Khyra,” she announced, taking the girl’s hand, “As Second Favorite, you will be entitled to household staff, allowance, and entrusted with the care of Hatice Hatun. Rise, Ikbal Khyra.”
She then turned to Usta Anna, “As Godze, you will be entitled to an allowance and a household after you have given The Sultan a child,” Kadin Cecylia hesitated, not wanting to endorse The Sultan’s desire for the woman, “Rise, Godze Anna.”
Though she has welcomed a second son, Myra has not been afforded the deserved attention of her new title. As the new Third Wife, she was given a set of jewelry, fabrics, and additional staff, but nothing in the way of updating her hand-me-down apartments or providing further for her children.
She was aging quickly now, and with Kadin Cecylia’s soured opinion, The Sultan had been hardly encouraged from taking part in the scheduled visits, to which a woman of her rank is entitled.
Laila had, however, remained in close companionship with her friend. Even knowing that such defiance of her aunt could be dangerous, the Senior Favorite was determined to remain loyal to the woman who served and cared for the Harem’s women with the utmost respect.
Her children, especially The Second Prince, Selim, would form natural bonds with their siblings, whether they were approved by her seniors or not.
Winter arrived quickly following the birth of The Sultan’s milestone daughter, Sultanzada Hatun and life in the Imperial Harem carried on with little excitement.
After Kadin Cecylia’s labors, it was clear to the newly minted midwives of the harem that she could not safely deliver The Sultan another child. Rather than officially retiring her, The Sultan built a lavish Palace for his loyal wife.
Named the Blue Palace, Cecylia’s new residence would provide her a beautiful landscape and privacy to raise her daughters, Anisah and Sultanzada, as the First Prince is soon to leave the Household for Palace School.
Inside was room enough to house the newly appointed Chief Eunuch, whose close proximity to the First Wife will insure that her hand does not stray from the guidance of the Harem’s women.
In the western wing of the Blue Palace sits an apartment for the concubine, Godze Nada and the maidservant, Usta Emine, who was peculiarly provided accommodations equal to her Mistress. The Godze was placed there by the Chief Eunuch to, unofficially, aide Kadin Cecylia in her duties. Surely, setting precedent for the future of women ranked Godze.
The First Prince, Hasan bin Abdul Han is the legal son of Kadin Cecylia. His biological mother, Andra, has been abandoned to the Old Palace for her crimes.
Second Prince, Selim bin Abdul Han is the legal son of Baş Ikbal Laila Hatun. His mother, Hatice Hatun, was too weak to watch him grow.
Third Prince, Bayezid bin Abdul Han is the legal son of Kadin Cecylia. Born to the midwife, Usta Myra, Bayezid is respected but not well treated.
Fourth Prince, Ahmed bin Abdul Han has recently been placed in custody of Ikbal Khyra. Born to a servant who did not live to see him enter the world, the youngest son has been passed around the Harem, with little attention paid to him.
The Sons of The Sultan enjoyed an all around cushy life, being sent to Palace School where they’d be given equal opportunities, and given provinces to manage after their education was complete. His daughters, though, were left to the provisions of their mothers, in furnishing, education, and prospects.
This inequity was felt most deeply within the Blue Palace, whose daughters were treated as well as their mothers; Cecylia’s daughters were spoiled, almost gilded. And though Ayse’s mother had just welcomed the Seventh Prince, Imran, she’d been provided little frivolity. As Hafsa tailored another custom lace to the tune of Ayse’s harp, she couldn’t help but simmer over this disparity.
“Did you hear me? This is for my husband.” - Anisah’s words were harsh, but not entirely rude. “Your mother didn’t tell you? Baba asked for two of us, but I will be more than enough for-” Hafsa didn’t stay to finish. Knowing her father’s schedule, she set off for the apartment of Ikbal Laila.
When only an archway separated her and The Sultan, she hesitated. Her mother would soon welcome a fourth child into their cramped quarters, Usta Emine had been more than happy to please him without reward, handing babes off to her eldest daughter to watch over. Would an unknown Harem provide for her, more than this?
Her thoughts ceased at Khyra’s gasp - what were they talking about? His father apologized to his lover; something must have gone horribly wrong. Before he could finish the confession, Hafsa’s feet moved until she found herself bowing before them. Volunteering her future. At his agreement, The Sultan dismissed himself to share the good news with Emine; Khyra saved her tears until they were gone, frightened by her impending future outside the Harem.
In the morning, Abdul sealed his agreement with the departure of his daughters to the Xia Emperor. The heavily pregnant Emine was bestowed the title of Third Ikbal, a reward for her loyalty and that of her eldest child.
The Imperial Princes quickly adapted to life in Palace School. The palace itself acted more like a vibrant city of equals in scholarship, more than a castle with hierarchy.
Populated with men and women from across the empire and far away lands, Palace School was a refuge where peasants and children of titled families would send children to become masters of craft and skill for their nation. There were entire families within the school, who’d raise children born into its system of education and duty. It was where ambitious people came to gain favor as well, leaving its walls with titles and lands or to enter the Harem in service of Concubines, as Eunuchs, Cariye, Usta, and Guard.
The boys themselves enjoyed their time at school in different ways. While Ahmed became quite a popular young man, unafraid to make his move, even after rejection, Selim and Bayezid, became the best of friends. When their father spoiled Selim with gifts, including a Stallion which was named for Bucephalus, the other boys were glad to not be in The Sultan’s eye.
Recounting a tale of a far away land in the south, Bayezid spoke of the adventures he would accompany Selim on to his friends. Well off boys, Amir Hüseyin, Suleiman Daula, and the soon-to-be Damat, Khalil Osman. There was no thought in the Third Prince’s mind of a life without his brother. At least, until Khalil asked the instructor if a Sultan could leave his territory.
The inquiry was met with a hash, “No.” And, while Bayezid had some doubt over its truth, he couldn’t help but to think of his own future. Selim’s life would be dictated by their father, but Bayezid would be allowed to forge his own path.
In the Chamber of Nada Hatun, The Sultan awaited the birth of his twenty-first child. Though their evening was interrupted with news from his envoy, Sinan Ferhad, who’d arrived from beyond the Eastern borders of his Sultanate.
Realizing his promise to Sinan’s father, Abdul began to grow tired of forming his own commitments.
