Post by Admin on Feb 25, 2015 9:26:40 GMT -5
KEEPING THE PEACE: In the last days of Fahlad al-Khalid's reign and the early period under his son and heir, Qasim, the Caliph's position was seen as weak and easily abused; the military, economic and political might of the al-Khalid combined was not sufficient to keep the various Sheikhs and Emirs in line. When the situation became untenable, Qasim crafted a plan based on an uninitiated idea conceived between his father and him, inviting his subordinate clan lords for a conference. In doing so, Qasim executed what chroniclers but a few years later would call a stroke of genius.
The internecine warfare was taking its toll on all parties within Rohari; Qasim demanded each tribe’s chief provide its heir and eldest unwed daughter as surety against each other, appointing himself as the arbiter of all disputes amongst his nobles. Some saw the wisdom in this and acceded to his demands immediately, but others found themselves forced into this arrangement through cajoling, concessions or force of arms. In the end, he had what he wanted: hostages from every powerful family and a way to ensure cooperation.
Once he had the initial hostages, he codified this policy, sending a copy with and his terms to every Sheik and Emir. Firstly, he defined his requirements: he needed their heir and eldest unwed daughter who was still of marriageable age. Second, effective immediately, all marriages between tribes were to be approved by him. Third, a system of substitution was instituted. Should one require his heir back, he was to provide the next two sons or other members of his family in line to inherit; should the daughter be required to take over the household or be approved for marriage, the exchange is strictly one for one. In the absence of eligible daughters, three nieces are to be sent instead.
Also, his edict provided the single warning any would receive regarding the consequences of breaking the Caliph's peace. They would be ordered to desist once and should they fail to obey, the female hostage(s) would be shorn bald, their hair sent as a reminder of what was at stake as well as rendering them unsuitable for marriage for a long duration; if they did not heed the first warning, their heir's hand would be sent instead. And should they still persist, all of the offending party's hostages would be put to death; it would be an army delivering the remains to the offending tribe, along with a permanent chastisement.
However, so long as the Caliph’s peace was maintained faithfully, any hostage would be treated as an honoured guest and a member of the Caliph's own household with all the courtesies and privileges accorded princes and princesses. Which, in turn, was intended to foster loyalty amongst the wards of the Caliph and forestall future rebellions. In the more than twenty years since Qasim al-Khalid took the Caliph’s title, peace has been enjoyed throughout Rohari, albeit with some small tests of the Caliph’s resolve. When he fulfilled his promise, those tribes swiftly understood that he was not a man to be challenged.
The internecine warfare was taking its toll on all parties within Rohari; Qasim demanded each tribe’s chief provide its heir and eldest unwed daughter as surety against each other, appointing himself as the arbiter of all disputes amongst his nobles. Some saw the wisdom in this and acceded to his demands immediately, but others found themselves forced into this arrangement through cajoling, concessions or force of arms. In the end, he had what he wanted: hostages from every powerful family and a way to ensure cooperation.
Once he had the initial hostages, he codified this policy, sending a copy with and his terms to every Sheik and Emir. Firstly, he defined his requirements: he needed their heir and eldest unwed daughter who was still of marriageable age. Second, effective immediately, all marriages between tribes were to be approved by him. Third, a system of substitution was instituted. Should one require his heir back, he was to provide the next two sons or other members of his family in line to inherit; should the daughter be required to take over the household or be approved for marriage, the exchange is strictly one for one. In the absence of eligible daughters, three nieces are to be sent instead.
Also, his edict provided the single warning any would receive regarding the consequences of breaking the Caliph's peace. They would be ordered to desist once and should they fail to obey, the female hostage(s) would be shorn bald, their hair sent as a reminder of what was at stake as well as rendering them unsuitable for marriage for a long duration; if they did not heed the first warning, their heir's hand would be sent instead. And should they still persist, all of the offending party's hostages would be put to death; it would be an army delivering the remains to the offending tribe, along with a permanent chastisement.
However, so long as the Caliph’s peace was maintained faithfully, any hostage would be treated as an honoured guest and a member of the Caliph's own household with all the courtesies and privileges accorded princes and princesses. Which, in turn, was intended to foster loyalty amongst the wards of the Caliph and forestall future rebellions. In the more than twenty years since Qasim al-Khalid took the Caliph’s title, peace has been enjoyed throughout Rohari, albeit with some small tests of the Caliph’s resolve. When he fulfilled his promise, those tribes swiftly understood that he was not a man to be challenged.