Zhurek Dynasty
| Country | Ortalyk |
|---|---|
| Location | Kala Astanals |
| Leader | Duke Alexandr Zhurek |
| Headquarters | Zhurek Palace, Kala Astanals |
| Membership | 100 |
| Religion | Wodenism |
| Racial Mix | Human (Ortalikshilar) |
| Founded | 1 IM |
| Luminaries | Tsar Batil Zhurek |
The Zhurek Dynasty is premier family Ortalyk. Since before known memory, the family has ensured that someone of the Zhurek lineage has been seated to the throne of Ortalyk. The current Tsar, Batil Zhurek succeeded his father Anvar Zhurek, who had died in 250 IM near the end of the Grendel War.
Batil Zhurek was not the natural heir to the throne, as that distinction fell upon his older brother Nikolai Zhurek. Nikolai sat out the Grendel War, his talents more suited to administration of the realm. Nikolai's physical health also became an issue as he was unable to spend long periods on horseback.
After the death of Anvar Zhurek, the Zhurek Dynasty concluded that it should appoint a hero to the throne and they had a hero in Batil Zhurek, who had successfully laid siege to the Grendel city of Sogis Kirgin and crippled the Grendel's ability to conduct the war. The mechanics of how this decision was made within the chambers of the Zhurek Dynasty is unknown to anyone outside of the family.
Dynasty Influence
The Tsar of Ortalyk is rarely far from the family on either political or social issues. The Zhurek Dynasty is possibly the richest faction in all of Otan and have certain needs, not only to maintain that wealth, but to continue to build it. As a result of this, trade has become a priority goal of the Ortalyk government, which encourages trade with former friends and enemies alike.
Members of the Zhurek Dynasty can often be found visiting the various regions of the country, promoting trade with neighbors from all sides. While tensions continue to exist with the Ungir, Ungirsi products still flow into the country via the Kuulik Trade Company. It's not uncommon for these trade agreements to bear a Zhurek signature.
The dynasty, often by order of the Tsar, grants itself exemptions from taxation for key international deals and by this device increases its wealth significantly whenever a foreign country creates the latest thing to come into demand by the Ortalyk people.
In matters of social influence, the Zhurek Dynasty influences everything from table manners and etiquette to fashion and architecture. If something is prized by the Zhureks, it will certainly become prized by all of Ortalyk. This has extended to all forms of artwork, so much so that individual artists can find the value of their artwork soar if their pieces are displayed anywhere in the Zhurek Palace.
Succession Rites
While the Tsardom of Ortalyk is typically handed from the father to to the eldest son, the watchful eye of the Zhurek Dynasty is always ready to intervene. The offspring of a bad (relative term) Tsar is not likely to get very near the throne. The traditional process is sometimes derailed for reasons known only to the dynasty itself, though these reasons are sometimes obvious to observers.
Though the succession plans are almost always from father to son, one woman Evgenia Zhurek has held the position of Tsaress from the years 97 IM through 121 IM. Her eldest son, Pavel Zhurek assumed the crown in 121 IM though his male parentage was kept a secret to him and the state alike. No one but a Zhurek would ever be allowed influence over the title of Tsar of Ortalyk.
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