#wb;

[astramoirai]

Following my previous post, Kar being a nonbinary person portrayed as a cis woman is very interesting in the lens of Falenan politics. Kar's basically stuck in some diplomatic limbo: royal but not, foreigner but not. With some things there is agency, with others there isn't.

It is because she is Ferid's sister and therefore close to the queen that is her political value. Her title of "Lady" is simply an honor with little clout, her only clout being in the Knighthood. (And occasionally representing Ferid/Arshtat in a similar manner that Sialeeds does, but more in secret as she's the Knight's Intelligence officer...)

She can't be married off without her consent and is free to choose her spouse. Though Falzrahm did threaten it in her reign. Kar had enough of her despotism long after the succession crisis and Kar's lack of deference and inability to have any fucks to give at that point almost has her married off to someone's distant cousin to send her to some far flung reach of the queendom and away from the Palace. (Y'know, disregard she was already an established Queen's Knight and involved with a Feitas Dragon Calvaryman living in the far flung reaches of Sauronix at the time, but Falzrahm was a vindictive, paranoid, petty woman...) As such her and Sen (and later Georg) wasn't actually an issue at all. It was more a matter of making sure it didn't effect their duties as Sen was vice-commander of the Feitas Dragon Calvary, and Georg was fellow Knight. (And lucky for them there wasn't any rules about fraternization! Not that it mattered much since in a few months neither one was a Knight anymore...)

As for inheritance, I suspect because she's not ennobled, merely a Knight and a foreigner, Kar is free to follow Obellian firstborn primogeniture. That being said, her children can only inherit what she's brought with her/earned in Falena, inasmuch as she has.

Which is really, her weapons, her plants, her books and her research, her manuscripts, some trinkets she's collected over the years, her clothing. The nobles would have freaked if she was given any form of title and land to develop an income as a foreigner--even though she's a celebrated hero to the country! Nope, she can bleed and die for them... but Sun forbid that she gets a formal noble title and little bit of land to call her own. All her income comes from her stipend as a Knight-- with a little extra being that she's also part of the royal household and needs to afford the additional upkeep of certain things. She has some side income from some side hustles, investments, and gambling, but nothing that could be significant. Enough for maybe a comfortable life outside the palace if needed but crazy money.

Sure, she could technically buy land off one these fuckers that keep screwing her over, but they'd still get a good chunk of her or any hired hand's labor in their pockets. And any trusted nobles, though she liked them, were too buddy buddy with Barows for her liking. Though Rovere was a third, neutral faction until his death. However Kar did dodge a bullet of sorts by not buying land around Lordlake...given in a few years it'd be scorched to dust. So.

Basically, it wasn't any surprise that Kar fucked off back North after the war. Which fair, given she gave up a lot for the country, and all she got was a broken body and (eventually) her late fiancé's dragon horse. She may have seen her father during Arshtat's Coronation and then eight years later the meetup on Nirva, but hadn't seen her mother or any of her other siblings in person in years. She loves her niece and nephew, but at the same time, how much should she have to give up and continue giving to a country that tolerated her at best and saw her as a foreign freak at worst? How much longer was she going to tolerate being in a diplomatic limbo?

[obscurushydrae]

The Wheel Insignia: Kar Edition.

Her mother's design originally has a star shape in the center; but I wanted to alter a bit to make it more "Kar". What can be interpreted as concentric circles, but at least in her main verse-- it's actually a hidden Nazar ( 🧿 ) as a nod to her mortal rearing.

[stellevatum]

The kov'nyn and you: a culture primer for you aruetiise

The kov'nyn or "forehead kiss" is considered a very intimate gesture among Mando'ade. Close friends, lovers, partners, family greet or show affection by pressing foreheads, though in some case it might be used during peacemaking between clan leaders or toward the Mandalore (real world example/inspiration is the Māori hongi).

However, kov'nyn also does mean to actual headbutt a person. A popular colloquial term for it in basic is a "Keldabe Kiss". It's only a Keldable Kiss if it's a Mandalorian doing it, otherwise it's just a sparkling headbutt.

[astramoirai]

So here's my ramble of Lordlake. One could argue the whole "Sun Rune scorching one of Falena's main agricultural centers" would cow a further peasant revolt, but I disagree.

Let's be clear of the true history. The Lordlake revolt started as a peaceful protest against the Barow's family damming up that part of the Feitas, as it would mean losing water to the town and the outlying farms. Lordlake being an agricultural hub would be in trouble without that water. Then Barows had agitators whip up a frenzy as a cover to steal the Dawn Rune from the East Palace, as they would sack it in protest. Then one of Falena's well-loved noble families, the Roveres, were executed as traitors despite in truth trying to settle the matter peaceful and becoming the fall-guy. The Godwins, smelling opportunity made an attempt on the Sun Palace only to be thwarted by his trusted adviser Lucretia warning the Queen and thus leaving Arshtat no choice but to bear the Sun Rune herself, despite knowing the stories.

But here's the what public knows: Lord Rovere whipped up a rebellion, trashed the East Palace and in retaliation, the Queen bears the Sun Rune, the malcontents were executed and the land scorched. Land that provided a a fair part of agriculture in the country. The once reasonable and kind queen is showing signs of tyranny. There is still plenty of orphans and widow/ers from the Armes invasion eight years prior. I would postulate, given my understanding of history, that a peasant revolt may have been on the horizon had the Godwins did not succeed in their coup and following Sun Rune War because of what happened at Lordlake. Basically holding Lymsleia hostage basically banded the country together for their child-queen tragically being used as puppet. And given the manner she acts once truly in power, and her brother's efforts of restoring water to Lordlake and improving relations with every Falenan faction save the reclusive elves-- needless to say Lym's rule has staved it off for now.

And honestly? On this blog-- I think Kar was already feeling the currents, hearing the gripes, and all she could do is warn her brother and sister-in-law that they need to check themselves before they wreck themselves. And if forced to make a choice? Would have chosen the people over her family-- which is why the last two years before the start of SV Kar and Arshtat likely were at an impasse. With Ferid trying his best to smooth it over between his wife and sister because he knows too in his heart where Kar will stand. She showed that spine with Ashtat's mother too-- Kar, not matter what verse, will not suffer tyrants. Kar may not be born Falenan, but the common people welcomed a foreigner into their fold. From Sauronix to Estrise to Raftfleet, Kar is a well-liked among the commoners (as opposed to the nobility who for the most part tolerate her...) I have no doubt Kar would stand for the people without hesitation, even if it meant breaking away from the royal family.

And even then too-- had Armes not invaded, I would believe Arshtat inherited a throne with a disillusioned subjects, ones that may have had been losing their faith in the House of Falenas. Which is a sad and interesting, her reign started and bookended of potential peasant revolt...

[stellevatum]

Also Fuck it.

Mand'alor the Paklalat is technically her official title when becoming Mandalore, but in some places Mand'alor te Oyu'surhi may also be used.

[stellevatum]

I've made a decision in world building and working more on a Force Using Mandalorian tradition.

I know that Tarre Viszla was Mandalorian and a Jedi and is (in canon) revered by the Mando'ade and the Darksaber is the symbol of leadership...yadda yadda. I don't entirely vibe with it?

Not that he's a Force User-- I think Mandalorians don't (or in the past didn't) have an issue with the Force per se, but they've been used and hunted by the Jedi and Sith for thousands of years so I think culturally they'd be a little leery of a Jedi rolling up to unite the clans and shit? (I actually think Tarre Viszla is an interesting character given his contradictory nature; I think most modern Force sensitive Mandalorians-- Like Kar-- may also have shared in similar thoughts and feelings...)

What I do think is given the diversity of Mandalorian Culture outside of the base laws and Resol'Nare is that there would be some Force Tradition That there would not be any Force sensitives born or adopted among Mandalorians is statistically impossible. Albeit I'd liken it to Shamanism in a way-- their bond to the Force used to guide and give counsel.

I've come up with the term Oya'surhi or Surhi as a term for them-- literally "Life Reader" or "One who studies life" as they study and understand and interpret the Force for themselves and their clan.

In the old days there were probably little pockets of schools where once it manifested, you studied with an established Surhi and eventually as an adult returned to your clan, possibly trained others, etc. But after the Sith and Mandalorian Wars and the bombardment of Mandalore...Surhise probably remained fringe or otherwise forgotten about in some pockets of culture.

Which is very tragic--had Kar been born in another age, she would have likely thrived as a Surhi, been treated with the respect that came with it, instead of the current mixed hatred/fear modern Mandalorians have with the Force post-bombardment.

But also because that, Kar is leery about the Jedi title, even though in later years it's more of a catch-all title for Force Users so she's not as annoyed. I've likened her to a Shaman or Moshae -- and perhaps the Urdnots and angara may call her such. And she was made a Master during her time on Jedha, despite starting off as a failed Sith Apprentice. She treasures the gift from someone she respects but even so-- she doesn't feel like a Jedi.

So, maybe It's time to give Kar something she can call herself and feels right: She's not a jetii --she's an Oyu'surhi. One who studies life.

[astramoirai]

Richmond Investigation:

Name: Kar Egan Age: 43 From: Island Nations

Position: Calvary Captain Note: Former Vice-Commander of Falena's Queen's Knights

She's the daughter of the previous Admiral of the Island Nations Navy, and her brother was married to the Queen of Falena. Her and Georg must have some serious history together...

Glaive, her dragon horse, was originally not hers. When I asked her to elaborate, she refused to. Didn't want to press further with the look she was giving me...

She's older than she looks! I asked around and she's looked like that ever since leaving Falena...

[astramoirai]

Oboro Investigations:

As you know, he's Commander Ferid's sister, but not by blood. Apparently she was found at sea and raised along with your father. The two were always close even as kids.

Before arriving to Falena, she was known as a child prodigy, and even studied in Crystal Valley in Harmonia. She continues her scholarly studies in between her duties.

She's well connected inside and outside of Falena. Even she and I go way back on some investigations. Sorry, Prince, but that's confidential.