The Varati Power Structure
From a post on the Varati board by Inanna with additional information on the Maharani from an @mail by Khalid:
First and foremost, the Varati power structure has three branches -- the Atarvani, the Agni-Haidar, and the government itself (the Visir, Pashas, and Warlords). All of these are separate organizations with separate chains of command which ultimately answer to Khalid.
The government is headed by the Visir, who resides in Masada. All of the government ministers (Trade Minister, Foreign Minister, etc.) and the Pashas answer to him. Under the Visir are the Pashas, who each govern their own regions and are responsible for the Clans in their area. There are between eight and fifteen Pashas at any given time. Under the Pashas are the Warlords, who answer to the Pasha in charge of their region. As a general rule, Pashas have no control over the government ministers unless given that authority by Khalid or if their actions specifically involve the territory the Pasha controls.
Next, the Atarvani. The Atarvani is headed by the Khaliph, who also resides in Masada. He answers only to Khalid, and all Atarvani answer (if indirectly) to him. Beneath the Khaliph are the Imam, each of which controls an area of the Varati kingdom. They are comparable to the Pashas, in that they are in control of all matters within their territory that deal with religion. There are about ten Imam at any given time.
Finally, the Agni-Haidar. Their organization is somewhat different, as they are assigned to territories only as needed. At the head of the Agni-Haidar is the Nayaka, who is roughly equal to the Visir and the Khaliph and, like them, answers only to Khalid. Beneath the Nayaka are the Seraskiers, who serve as 'generals' over their assigned territory. There are only four or five Seraskiers at any given time, each with thousands of Agni-Haidar under their command.
In summary: The Visir, the Khaliph, and the Nayaka are roughly equal to each other. Beneath them, and also roughly equal to each other, are the Pashas, the Imams, and the Seraskiers. The government ministers, though they answer only to the Visir, have the authority to issue orders only on matters within their ministry, and are accorded respect equal to that of a Minor or Major Warlord -- a small few of the old and experienced ministers might recieve respect equal to that of a Pasha.
The key principle to remember is that the Atarvani, Agni-Haidar and government are equal but separate -- one branch of command cannot, and should not, give orders to another without direct approval from Khalid.
Nor can a member of one branch of command discipline a member of another. For example, a Warlord cannot discipline a member of the Atarvani -- they can only ask a higher-ranking Atarvani to discipline the offender within their own ranks, and hope that it is carried through. Those that overstep their bounds are often dealt with swiftly, and even removed if the abuse of power warrants it.
There are two 'exceptions' within this power structure. The first is the Maharani. She wields roughly the same power as Khalid, and therefore can command any of the branches of government. Her power comes through her marriage to Khalid (obviously). The second is the Dai, who have the responsibility and privilege of answering solely to Khalid. Those that try to manipulate the Dai to their own ends meet with unpleasant fates, as the Varati page illustrates.
As a final note, the Atarvani and Agni-Haidar are generally considered Khalid's 'possessions' -- they are controlled and policed solely by him, an an attack against them is considered the same as striking against Khalid himself. While all members of the Atarvani and all members of the Agni-Haidar are not required to obey the Maharani's orders, this, does not mean they can blithely ignore the Queen. She has extreme sway over them, despite the fact she cannot give them a direct order. This also goes by rank. An Atman who refuses a 'request' by the Maharani had better make sure he did so on behalf of the kingdom's safety. On the flip side, the Nayaka of the Agni-Haidar has a much more leeway to refuse a request by the Queen. It is important to note that the right reasons are required to disregard a request from the Queen. As dire consequences have occured to those who have ignored the words of a Dai, these same consequences can occur to a Varati who ignores a request from the Queen.
/ \ (1) Khalid + Thalia
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| | Dai
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| |--------------------|---------------------------------|
| Atarvani Agni-Haidar Government
| (2) Khaliph Nayaka Visir
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| (3) Imam Seraskier | Pasha
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| (4) Nabi Kaimakam Minister Warlord/Padishah
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| (5) Akhund | Shakir/Seshmew
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| (6) Mufti Janizar
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| (7) Atman
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Authority and Respect
Those of higher rank garner more respect and respect crosses the different chains of commands. In general, a Warlord of a Major Clan commands more respect than the Warlord of a Minor Clan. A Kshatri commands more respect than a Vaisya. Respect is different from authority. The need to be polite to a Varati of higher station does not require obedience. An Ushasti priestess is given respect but cannot give commands outside her own organization.
However, the Queen supersedes all members of Varati society, except for Khalid, in terms of social standing, regardless of whether she can issue a command to the person in question. She always takes precedence. She always earns the immediate attention of all around her. Protocal would demand that she is at least bowed to when a Varati enters a room she is in. Kneeling is also a possibility and a sign of greater respect to her, though the touching of the forehead to the floor is reserved for Khalid as a general rule. If she enters a room, bowing is also expected from most, except perhaps the Agni-Haidar who would probably stand at attention (bowing tends to take their attention off potential threats in the area).
Disagreement with the Queen in public is not allowed, unless she makes the mistake of trying to give an order to a Varati outside her chain of command in public. Even in such cases, the command must be refused in a way that ensures she does not lose face. As a general rule, public disagreement with or disgrace to the Queen is not allowed. In private, respect is still required, but true opinions can be expressed more vocally.
As the Ushasti do not officially have power or standing within Varati society, their rank structure is listed below for reference.
(1) Shishya
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(2) Maithuna
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(3) Kanya
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(4) Chela