Pride Lands
Demographics
Banishment and Citizenship: The monarch has ultimate authority over who is allowed to live and hunt in the Pride Lands. If a person or group is deemed an enemy of the crown, the monarch may banish them to the Outlands, as was the case with the Outsiders. Conversely, the monarch can allow an outsider to become a Pride Lander, even if their species is not generally permitted within the borders of the kingdom. Some species, such as Hawks and Leopards, are not allowed to hunt in the Pride Lands.
Government
The Pride Lands operates as a monarchy in which the sovereign's will is law. Regarding the order of succession, the Pride Lands monarchy appears to favor absolute primogeniture, in which the eldest child of the reigning monarch inherits the throne, regardless of gender. However, the reigning monarch can hand-choose who they wish to succeed them.
In order to maintain dominion of the Pride Lands, the reigning monarch requires the approval of his pride. In extreme cases, a reigning monarch will use force to keep his subjects in line. In cases of open rebellion within the pride, the reigning monarch will typically exile any and all agitators. Ultimately, though the Pride Lands has strict laws and traditions, the reigning monarch has absolute authority over their kingdom and thus can disregard rules at their whim.
Laws
Respect for the Circle of Life: The People of the Pride Lands hold reverence for the Circle of Life, or the concept that all creatures are connected and balance must be maintained between them. Anyone who does not respect the Circle of Life is not allowed within the territory of the Pride Lands and is often banished to outlying territories, such as the Outlands. Anti-poaching is a particularly important law in the Pride Lands, as it ensures that no one takes more food than they need.
Borders: The Pride Lands enforces strict border security. This includes any animal who is not a Pride Lander, species that are not permitted to hunt in the Pride Lands, and exiled individuals. It is implied that, in extreme cases, the punishment for trespassing is death.
Repayment of Debts: Royal protocol demands that any debt the reigning monarch owes must be repaid. This law can even apply to exiles.
Betrothal: Betrothal is a generations old tradition in which the heir of Pride Rock is betrothed at birth. Simba disapproved of this practice as a kid, though he would ultimately take Nala, his own betrothed, as his mate. It is unknown if this law is still in effect, as Kiara chose her mate of her own volition.
Duties
There are no set duties for the monarch, nor are there any obligations that they must fulfill. The monarch has absolute authority over any executive or judicial decisions, which has led some monarchs. Despite some anomalies, most monarchs respect the Circle of Life and follow the laws and traditions of the Pride Lands.
Regulation of food and water: Most monarchs regulate hunting in the Pride Lands in order to ensure that the Circle of Life remains in balance. People are only allowed to take what they need, and excess hunting often results in the offender's banishment from the Pride Lands. Additionally, if a grazing ground becomes too meager to support multiple herds, it is up to the monarch to divvy up resources. The monarch likewise decides which herds have which watering holes, including during the dry season. In times of emergency, the monarch may appeal to another kingdom for food or water. During the dry season, the monarch may hold a Savannah Summit so that the herds can discuss how best to share resources. Ultimately, it is up to the monarch which species may attend the Savannah Summit, even if their choice goes against the wishes of the other leaders in attendance.
Foreign Policy: The Pride Lands is bordered by the Back Lands, the Elephant Graveyard, the Outlands, and the Theluji Mountains. It is up to the monarch to enforce the Pride Lands' borders and maintain relations with neighboring kingdoms. Most often, the monarch leaves border enforcement to the Lion Guard, though they tend to negotiate with foreign powers themselves, either in person or through messages. While the Pride Lands monarchy maintains good relations with the Back Lands and the Theluji Mountains, they are enemies of the Elephant Graveyard. Initially, relations were similarly hostile between the Pride Lands and the Outlands, but since the start of Jasiri's reign, relations between the kingdoms have been amicable and peaceful.
Betrothal: The monarch may choose to betroth their firstborn in infancy. This is considered a Pride Lands tradition, though Simba expressed interest in abolishing betrothal altogether. Furthermore, Kiara became mates with Kovu of her own volition; hence, it is unclear if this law is still in effect.
Succession: The order of succession is based on equal primogeniture, meaning inheritance by the oldest surviving child without regard to gender. The heir apparent is usually the eldest child, though siblings can also inherit the throne if the monarch has no living children. However, it would be within the monarch's prerogative to amend the line of succession, include non-family members, or completely exclude royals from the line of succession altogether. In order to ascend to the throne, the heir apparent must walk to the top of Pride Rock and roar over their kingdom. People in turn will roar back to signify their acceptance of the new monarch.
Guilds and Factions
Ruler of Pride Rock: The ruler of Pride Rock is the reigning monarch of the Pride Lands. They have complete and total authority over their subjects as well as jurisdiction over the laws and regulations of the kingdom. Though policing and petty disputes are often left to the Lion Guard, the reigning monarch will handle large-scale issues, such as treaties, induction of foreigners as Pride Landers, exiles, and declarations of war.
Royal Mjuzi: The Royal Mjuzi is the official knowledge keeper of the Pride Lands as well as the reigning monarch's chief advisor. They can commune with the Great Lions of the Past and are responsible for recording the history of the Pride Lands. Often, Royal Mjuzis will preside over important ceremonies, such as the presentation of an heir at Pride Rock.
Majordomo: The majordomo is the royal steward of the reigning monarch. It is their duty to report on significant activity in the Pride Lands to the reigning monarch, most notably during emergency events like invasions. At times, they will advise the reigning monarch and remind him or her of Pride Lands law and protocol.
Lion Guard: The Lion Guard is the policing force of the Pride Lands. Led by the second-born cub of the reigning monarch, they are tasked with protecting the Circle of Life and the Pride Lands at large. The Lion Guard enforces border security and keeps the peace among the Pride Landers. They are also expected to deal with external and internal threats, such as invaders, disruptors of the peace, and any animal who is not in compliance with Pride Lands law.
Points of interest
Pride Rock: Pride Rock is the center of government in the Pride Lands. It is where the reigning monarch, their family, and their pride reside. It is also the location where most official business is conducted. In times of turmoil, Pride Landers will gather at Pride Rock to express their concerns or receive official announcements and/or proclamations from the reigning monarch.
Mizimu Grove: Mizimu Grove is where many celebratory and/or commemorative events are held. This includes Kupatana, Ukumbusho,and the Savannah Summit. It is considered a fairly strategic location, as seen when Scar targeted it in his war against the Pride Lands.
Lair of the Lion Guard: The Lair of the Lion Guard is the headquarters of the Lion Guard. It is where they rest, convene, and sometimes discuss official business with Pride Landers. Also in the Lair of the Lion Guard are cave paintings done by Royal Mjuzis that document the history of the Pride Lands.
Natural Resources
Flora: African Star Apples, Bananas, Baobab Fruits, Boxthorn Berries, Charentais Melons, Coconuts, Figs, Gourds, Granadillas, Grapefruit, Grapes, Horned Melons, Limes, Mangoes, Monstera Deliciosa, Passion Fruits, Pears, Red Delicious Apples, Sausage Fruits, Starfruit, Tikiti Melons, Tomatoes, Coffee Berries, Holly Berries, Jackalberries, Mulberries, Betel Nuts, Hazelnut, Mongongo Nuts, Shea Nuts, Sunflower Seeds, Peppermint, Garlic, Ghanda Root, Acacia Trees, Cherry Trees, Weeping Willows, Fir Trees, African Violets, Baobab Blossoms, Calla Lilies, Celosia, Corncockles, Daisies, Dandelions, Day Lilies, Gloriosa Superba, Irises, Ponya Flowers, Red Lilies, Tamboa Plant, Tulips, Tuliza, Water Lilies, Agave, Asparagus Fern, Thorn Bushes, Fountain Grass, Reeds, Ivy, Mistletoe
Fauna: Aardvarks, Aardwolves, Antelope, Baboons, Bats, Beavers, Bees, Binturongs, Cape Buffalo, Cape Dogs, Chameleons, Cheetahs, Civets, Clouded Leopards, Crocodiles, Dolphins, Drongos, Eagles, Egrets, Elephants, Fish, Flamingo, Flying Squirrels, Foxes, Frogs, Galagos, Gentle Lemurs, Giant Pandas, Giraffes, Gorillas, Gourmetus Salavati, Grubs, Hamerkops, Hares, Hawks, Hippopotamuses, Honey Badgers, Hornbills, Hyenas, Hyraxes, Jackals, Jerboas, Kangaroos, Komodo Dragons, Leopards, Lions, Mandrills, Meerkats, Moles, Mongooses, Monitor Lizards, Monkeys, Mountain Goats, Musk Deer, Okapis, Ostriches, Owls, Panthers, Penguins, Polar Bears, Porcupines, Porkeswanees, Red Pandas, Rhinoceroses, Scarab Beetles, Scorpions, Skinks, Snakes, Snow Leopards, Snow Monkeys, Spiders, Tapirs, Termites, Tickbirds,
Tigers, Tortoises, Tsetse Flies, Vultures, Warthogs, Watu, Wildebeests, Yellow Wagtails, Zebras, etc.
Founding Date
575
Alternative Name(s)
The Kingdom of the Pride Lands, The Pride Kingdom, The Lion Kingdom, The hidden Kingdom
Type
National Territory
Population
25.000.000
Inhabitant Demonym
Pride Landers
Location under
Owner/Ruler
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