Post by The Eshva on Sept 30, 2020 16:06:58 GMT
The position of Eshva is one of great importance in Arashin society, for at the very least a long period of time, it was seen as the combining of the religious duties of the High Priest of the Ishitic faith and the secular duties of an Eshai (King). Throughout history, the title has only been held by two clans— two dynasties: The Hailun and the Sherkoz. While the former clan still exists, it's Imperial line has long died out, whereas the latter clan still "Rules", even if in a de-jure sense and not de-facto.
The Sigil of Clan Sherkoz, the Current ruling clan of Ikhan
The Sigil of Clan Sherkoz, the Current ruling clan of Ikhan
The "first" Eshva was Khorai I, although it was his son who was the actual first Eshva of Ikhan. Rather, his father, though the unifier of Ikhan, never claimed the title as he saw himself not as a conqueror, but rather as a unifier against outside threat, perhaps with the hope of returning the realm to it's pre-unified state after his reign... Or at the very least, that's what he might've claimed.
Khorai I as depicted in a piece by the famed painter, Varen Tsakai (c.1584)
Khorai I as depicted in a piece by the famed painter, Varen Tsakai (c.1584)
The current dynasty was established by Arkan I of the House of Vahram, the leading house among Clan Sherkoz. Unlike his ancestor (as he was maternally descended from the famed ruler), he did claim the title, though initially he didn't hold it de-facto, not until the 1470s, at the very least. As of 2020, the clan has held the title in an unbroken line for nearly 550 years. Overall, the Empire is 978 years old, though this is disputed due to the interregnum that existed between the death of Imras III and the rise of Arkan I.
Arkan I as depicted in the 1899 edition of the "Book of Emperors (alternative script used)"
Arkan I as depicted in the 1899 edition of the "Book of Emperors (alternative script used)"
After Arkan I, there was a period of 180-or-so years that, due either to a quirk in the numbering of Arashin monarchs or an attempt to erase a dark chapter in the History of Ikhan, has led to the Emperors of the period between 1489 and 1677 being deemed as the "Lost Emperors". There has been a sizeable movement to rehabilitate these Eshvai, having gained traction as of late due to the endorsement of Arkan VI. Whether or not such a rehabilitation is undertaken is yet to be seen, as the decision is ultimately up to the Imperial Household Agency.
As of the modern day, the current Eshva is Arkan VI, a direct descendent of Arkan I.
His Imperial Majesty, Arkan VI
As of the modern day, the current Eshva is Arkan VI, a direct descendent of Arkan I.
His Imperial Majesty, Arkan VI