Aketønian Territories

Aketønian (a-ke-town-ian)Territories is a kingdom of Ersnon. The inhabitants, Aketøni, are a cross between animals and humanoids. They have an extensive language and culture established that closely resembles humans, however there are elements of animals (particular lions) included within their lives.

History
They are largely organised into Prides, with the Alpha male being the leader. Due to the presence of the other regions close by their territories the Prides have united under a single Chief. The current Chief during Ash’s story is Erstar.

Largely the prides are autonomous of one another, with them being largely territorial. Territorial disputes, similar to those that would occur between such animals are common place between the Aketøni. The Chief is able to dictate some overarching rules that all Prides must obey. To enforce these decrees and his Chief status, the strongest pride surrounds the Chief. The only rule for all Prides is no taking of human life outside of the Territories (i.e. the human must enter the Territories by free will).

The Chief can be challenged by any Aketøni male, and the victor is the Chief. Generally the Chief's Pride will deter any challengers, and majority of the challengers come from within the Chief's Pride. The loser is ostracised from the Chief's Pride after the fact.

A Chief may relinquish their status to another male without a challenge (abdicate). They may be allowed to stay with the Pride and even possibly take a female (as long as not requested by the new Chief). All this however depends on the new Chief's position and the reasons for the abdication.

The northern prides are more animalistic than the southern prides, due to isolation from interaction with humanoids.

Climate
The Territories have predominantly cold temperatures throughout the year, with heavy snowfall and strong winds periodically throughout the year.

Foreign Relations and Military
They do not aim for relations with any of the other kingdoms. By not interfering with others they in turn wish simply to be left alone.

The secret affair between the Queen of the Realms and the Chief has strengthened the relationship.

Each pride varies their military (soldiers) slightly different. The only truly organised, trained and disciplined military protects the Chief. The other prides simply rely on pride tactics and strength to protect their pride. The pride military is primarily concerned with protecting their pride. Rarely used for attack purposes.

The Chief's pride employ more human based tactics in their military, and are the true reason for the territories unification and power against invasion/attacks by other regions.

Language
Aketøna.

Religion
There are beliefs in spirits, however the chief or pride leader is seen as the "god" of the people. Spirits are more a belief in the after life, and that past Aketøni can be contacted or contact them.