Of course Glamour pays attention to what is going on in Dragon Pass. The wars there have been costing many thousands of talents a year for the past decade. True Dragon there devoured the Provincial Army – at a time when a new Pentan confederation threatens the Heartlands. It is the home of the Rebel King God, Orlanth, who was thought defeated but clearly is not.
But how Dragon Pass looks from Glamour is very different from how it looks from Boldhome or Clearwine. Here’s a quick take on how key figures in Dragon Pass might look from a well-informed courtier in Glamour:
Pharandos: The most senior imperial officer in the Provinces, he has been tasked with suppressing the rebellion in Dragon Pass and reclaiming what has been lost. His father and grandfather were great leaders, beloved by the Red Emperor. He should have no difficulties defeating bandits and rebels with his existing resources. He is solidly in the Eel-ariash faction though and has many enemies as a result of that.
Fazzur: A brilliant tactician but a poor strategist, this Tarshite “mercenary” was too corrupt and ambitious to make a good and reliable governor. He failed to suppress the rebellion after the Dragonrise.
Tatius: The beloved kinsman of the Red Emperor and loyal priest of Yelm, Tatius was a rival of the Eel-ariash faction. He was an excellent governor and military commander. His death in the Dragonrise saddens all of Glamour.
Sor-eel the Short: A junior member of the Eel-ariash faction, Sor-eel record as governor of the Praxian march was mixed. He has many allies though in the Eel-ariash and is an excellent military commander.
Appius Luxius: The Provincial Overseer was the Red Emperor’s beloved kinsman and reliable right arm in the Lunar Provinces. For generations he served with perfection, bringing Light to the barbarian provinces. His death in the Dragonrise is a disaster for the Lunar Empire and we are still in mourning.
Kallyr Starbrow: This bandit chieftain has twice led short-lived revolts in Dragon Pass. Her successes are a result of the Dragonrise and she will be soon defeated by Pharandos. She is of little concern.
Harrek the Berserk: DO NOT MENTION THE WHITE BEAR IN THE PRESENCE OF THE RED EMPEROR! This is the Dart War assassin who murdered his previous incarnation. He is subject to imperial damnatio memoriae, although we know it was he who defeated the Lunar Army in Esrolia. The Red Emperor has made it clear that he will deal with the murderer – he is to be avoided even mentioning unless directed otherwise by the Red Emperor.
Argrath: Who?
The Feathered Horse Queen: a barbarian priestess among the Pure Horse People of Dragon Pass, and a source of superstitious reverence. Not important.
Sir Ethilrist: the great mercenary. The Red Emperor holds him in high respect but does not trust him unless he is under contract. He is very very expensive though.
Broyan: the leader of the rebellion in Dragon Pass and the Holy Country, this minor king proved to be a very dangerous man. We all thought he died when Whitewall fell but he managed to escape death. Fortunately Tatius killed him.
Temertain: a client king in Boldhome. He was useful for keeping the barbarians in check as he was of a sacred family. However, the barbarians killed him.
See it is simple – all Pharandos needs to do is lead a small army against Boldhme and kill Kallyr like his grandfather would have done. As long as he avoids the half-beast assassin (who by all accounts is at sea), he should have no trouble with it.
I’m sure there are plenty of pundits in Glamour who are happy to tell you how to quash the rebellion in Dragon Pass. The real focus is on the Revolt of the Redlands.
We don’t even need to add: Leika Blackspear, Ivartha Wolfskinner, Ranulf Culbrea, etc. The answer in all cases would be – who?
Fazzur is objectively one of the greatest military captains in Gloranthan history. But from Glamour’s perspective his strategy was myopic and wrong-headed. Both can be true.
What the court is really interested in are the following:
Dranz Goloi: the King of the Wings is the leader of the Voor-ash, and the greatest threat the Lunar Empire has faced since Sheng Seleris. He has sworn to defeat the Red Emperor in single combat, and there are many who fear he has taken some secret to be able to do that. He has defeated the imperial army and threatens the birthplace of the Red Goddess. He brings the much prophesied Hero Wars – for to defeat him will take heroes as great as the Seven Mothers.
The White Moon: traitors and madmen, they are a fifth column that threatens the Empire in its time of danger. If a rival can be shown to support – even to sympathise – with the White Moon, they can be easily destroyed.
Jar-eel: The Fourth Inspiration of Moonson, she is the incarnation of the Red Goddess in this Wane. She is a source of awe, love, and fear, both within and without. The Red Emperor gives her complete free rein and freedom of action.
Aelwrin Moonsword: the right hand man and high priest of Jar-eel, this dangerous man is subject only to the command of Jar-eel. Avoid him if you can, do not antagonise him if you cannot.
How bad are the Pelorian revolts of 1623 following the disappearance of the City of the White Heart? It is a complete mess. Much of Karasal and Oronin satrapies were in armed rebellion, and rebels tried to take Yuthuppa by force THIS YEAR. Jar-eel defeated it, but the Voor-ash invasion prevented her from crushing the rebellion.