SAOSTANAN DYNASTIES

Here's a bit of a break from maps, and a history lesson :) I'm planning on writing up a series of Dynastic entries, similar to this entry. ~Here's what I have written so far about the dynasties.Each ruler will have an entry similar to that of Agynur of Nekoda. Being a different culture, and very old, I've decided on something different than a normal shield to make it seem more unique and settled on something like this Sicilian Coronation Mantle which would also double as part of the regalia. 

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The old ruling elite of pre-Saoshyant Sarastro (then known as Saostana). The Saostanan Dynasties rose c. -1000 RM centered around what is now Carula and the fertile basin that stretches about 250-miles around. In c. -500 people from Tahmal (one of nine Nártheli descendant states) would join with Saostana. Beyond were the Saostanan nomads who would later on (c. -300 RM) populate the larger region covering what today are N Sarastro, S Nárthel and Zion. Below is a list of the full Dynasties. Each ruler is listed, followed by the length of his rule in years.

The White KingsThe first dynasty began with an invasion of the Amnathi kingdom (later known as Nárthel), c. -1100 RM, culminating in –1019 RM with the crowing of Sathep as the first king of Saostana:Sathep (19),Khorsh (15),Abasiha (12),Sakhon I (36),Sakhon II (21),Varrakh (3),  Sakhon III (2).

The Saostanan HouseholdFollowing a rule that lasted just over a century and whose final days were rife with tumult and weak leaders, the immigrant White Kings were replaced by the first true Saostanan king, Rahakh, in –911 RM. The Saostanan Dynasty was strong and concentrated on growth, providing solid roots for future kings.Rahakh (28),Athan I (17),Athan II (25),Abasiha II (53).

The Nathi DynastyMarriage bonds made between Saostana and the kingdom of Nath (what would, centuries later become the heart of the Venathi empire) propagated the rise of the Nathi Dynasties, who consolidated their lands and created trade-routes to the North and EastKhathan (41),Eithakhan (32),Khasahb (23),Khasahb II (35),Nothah (29),Vorah (1).

The SimulaeidsVorah was assassinated one year into his rule, and a new dynasty rose; the Simulaeids. Each king naming himself after the patron deity Sathahan, the Simulaeids created such a bond between church and state so as to foment unrest amongst the people. This unrest culminated in –579 RM with a short but bloody civil war that ended in a coup, toppling the Simulaeid household.Sathahan I (4),II (11),III (9),IV (15),V (2),VI (7).

The Shananid DynastyIn the wake of Sathahan VI rose Shanan and, later his son Sathahan, whose relatively long rules restabilised the region whilst returning more traditional rels. values to Saostana, though the foundations paved by this dynasty were to be undone with the death of Sathahan.Shanan (25),Sathahan (41).

The Defiler KingsDestroying all that came before, the Defiler Kings were tyrants who cared little for the proseperity of the region. Granaries and coffers lay empty even as the Defiler kings erected more lavish and marvelous monuments in their honour. By the time of the last of the Defiler Kings, Habakukh, claimed the throne, Saostana had become a dead place, most of its cities reduced to shadows of their former selves. Habakukh died to the plague in –382 RM, leaving Saostana without heir.Voragh the defiler (40),Rakhahana (46),Reshab (34),Habakukh (11).

The UsurperHabakukh’s death left Saostana without heir and for three years after his death the region suffered lawlessness and anachy as a handful of aspirants fought over the throne. In –379 RM, Reneb the Usurper gained the upper hand. His rule was tenebrous but served to return stability to the region.Reneb the Usurper (5).

The Twilight Dynasty.The dynasty that followed Reneb was far more conservative than those that preceeded, concentrating on mending schisms and repairing that which was lost to the Defiler Kings, but too much effort and resources were wasted keeping increasingly independent city-states and regions under their control. During the Rule of Vanash (c. –175 RM) a new power had begun to rise in Saostana; a powerful merchant class known as the Saoshyants who claimed Saostana after the death of his successor, Sarkash II.Rehak (19),Kahhan (8),Deneb (41),Sarkash (43),Vanash (38),Sarkash II (25).

The Hollow Dynasty.Under the Saoshyants, Saostana enjoyed a prosperous rule and in their wisdom was the royal family was allowed to continue. While the Saoshyants wielded full political power, the dynasties became the face of Saostana and served the morale of the people well.Habashan (9),Habashan II (11).

The Arrogate Dynasty.The status quo was challenged in –140 RM when the newly risen king Sakhon Re rose against the Saoshyants. He was killed in actionSakhon Re (the heretic) (8).

The Silent Dynasty.Following the fall of Sakhon Re, the dynasties and Saoshyants returned to their partnership. During this time the high families of the Dynasties, their duties and responsabilities largely handed over to the Saoshyants, became embroiled in secret pursuits uncovered in the S Little is known of this passion though it is responsible for their prolonged lifespans. Seemingly happy with their relationship with the Saoshyants, peace remained in Saostana until the rise of Venath in the E, culminating in its annexing of Saostana and the execution of the last king, Maharah in 114 RM.Sherrib (31),Re-Hakah (38),Hakah anu (35),Eikatha (61),Sat hashan (37),re-aunu (42),Maharah (rebirth of old dynasties) (2).

The Risen DynastyBy then Saostana had become known as Sarastro, and it had broke free of Venathi rule in 157 RM and, around two decades after that, an emaciated demagogue emerged from the Shamal claiming to be Sathep the Risen; the first king of Dynastic Sarastro. His word was not questioned and he remained a powerful figure until 339 RM when the Archpotentate Malichar attacked and seized Sarastro, making Sathep his proxy there; a position he maintains to this day.

Sathep the Risen (c. 180 RM to present).