Here's a few notes about the government of Tarsh and some people of interest, circa 1627: The King of Tarsh serves as the chief priest, commander-in-chief, and chief judge for the tribes and cities of Tarsh. He also serves as the chief judge and military commander for the Lunar province of Tarsh. The king pays an annual tribute of silver, goods, slaves, and obedience to the Lunar Empire in the person of the Provincial Overseer, whose residence is in Mirin’s Cross, several days down the Oslir River. As a provincial king, his decisions can be appealed to the Provincial Overseer in Mirin’s Cross, although that is an expensive, and thus rare, process. Since the passing of Phargentes, the king normally appoints deputies to carry out his duties. The king governs Tarsh with the assistance of a small council (or “ring”) of eminent Tarshites, chosen by the king. This council typical includes his advisors, royal companions, important cult leaders, generals, and representatives of the cities. The king is served by royal scribes of the Irrippi Ontor cult (who have marginalized the scribes of the Lhankor Mhy temples). Until recently, Fazzur Wideread was the most powerful noble in Tarsh and second only to the king. The uncle of King Pharandros, holding the imperial offices of Provincial General and Governor-General of Dragon Pass, Fazzur was a valued counselor and loyal supporter of his nephew. In early 1622, however, the Red Emperor removed Fazzur from his imperial offices. Although Fazzur remained the king’s preeminent general, King Pharandros attempted to assassinate his most powerful supporters in 1625, while Fazzur was fighting in Sartar. The king failed and Fazzur has returned to his family lands on Kordros with many armed supporters. Fazzur now rules much of Kordros Island without regard for decrees coming from Furthest. The lifestyle, language, and customs of the common Tarshite person are Orlanthi in manner. Feuds are common between clans and sometimes result in tribal warfare. Combat by champions is widely recognized as a binding way of resolving disputes, although clans and tradition encourage alternatives to bloodshed, such as compensation or blood price. Disputes between tribes are subject to mediation by the chief judge of the ruling city, and can be appealed to the king’s officials in Furthest. Tarsh is divided into six regional districts each centered on a city. A deputy of the king, whose title is sometimes translated as “duke”, rules the district. Each district is divided into tribes, federations of clans led by a chief or petty king. These regional districts are responsible for collecting tribute, keeping peace, and levying the militia for the king. The position of regional deputy is often hereditary; for example, King Phargentes appointed Vostor Blacktooth as deputy of Dunstop, and his sons Farrad and Fazzur inherited the position in succession. People of Interest Annstad of Dunstop: The younger son of Fazzur Wideread, Annstad was initiated into the mysteries of the Red Goddess in his youth. Annstad is notorious for seducing priestesses and married women, and surprised all by initiating to Orlanth Thunderous at Kero Fin in 1625. He has recently traveled to Boldhome and joined the court of Prince Argrath. Fazzur Wideread: This 63 year old retired general is a legendary figure in Tarsh. Chief of the Orindori clan and ruler of Kordros Island, Fazzur is a Rune master of Yanafal Tarnils and initiated into the mysteries of the Red Goddess. The soldiers of Native Tarsh Corps are devoted to him, perhaps more loyal to him than to his nephew, King Pharandros. Fazzur and Pharandros are bitter enemies and the king unsuccessfully tried to kill several of his uncle’s key supporters in 1625. Since then, Fazzur has retired to his estates outside of Dunstop, raising horses and writing an account of his campaigns. The Shaker High Priestess: The High Priestess of the Shaker’s Temple is so ponderous she has to be pulled about in an oak cart drawn by six oxen. She is attended by forty-seven male and female cannibal virgins. Onjur of Dunstop: The eldest son of Fazzur and his wife Harama of Bagnot. Onjur is a Rune Lord of Yanafal Tarnils and an initiate of the Red Goddess, the captain of his father’s old cavalry regiment, and a talented poet. Onjur achieved fame throughout Tarsh when he killed the Half-Troll King of the Tusk Riders in 1622. He had twins, Maroflo and Marenpora, with Yenestosa the Wintertop Priestess. Onjur hates his cousin Pharandros. Pharandros, King of Tarsh: This king was educated in Sylila and Glamour and steeped in the subtleties of Lunar Magic and imperial intrigue. An initiate of the Red Goddess, Pharandros is descended from the Red Emperor on both sides of his family. The most powerful king in the Provinces, Pharandros spends regally on both frivolities and the military. Like his father before him, Pharandros is a patron of scholars and mystics. Pharandos and his uncle Fazzur were once very close, but are now bitter enemies. Unstey: The king of the Wintertop Exiles since 1625. He was raised by the Shaker Priestesses and is loyal to the High Priestess, but otherwise fiercely independent. Unstey steadfastly opposes both King Pharandros and the Fazzurites.
