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Leading Families of New Pavis

Posted on November 11, 2024

Several leading families control most of Pavis. The families are extended and clannish. Their membership is large and they can recite their genealogy backwards with pride to their first known ancestor. Family members trust close family members first, distant family members second, and others last. Ultimately everyone in Pavis pays loyalty to one of these families, though often indirectly.

The Garhound family is the largest ruling clan of Sartarite extraction. It long rivalled the heirs of Dorasar, and the few survivors from that family have been absorbed by the Garhound, through business mergers or marriage. Brygga Scissortongue is the best known member of this family, followed closely by Govoran the Magnificent, a leading Orlanth priest, and Davos Garhound, who rules the farmers. They are supporters of Argrath.

The Indagos family are indigenous Old Pavisite natives, solid in their ancient traditions. Their main wealth comes from property outside the city, especially around the town of Indagos, and from control of the city’s salt monopoly. They have great influence with the priests of the Pavis cult.

The Ingilli family are the heirs of old Ingilli the Founder, who aided Dorasar. They dominate the entire Riverside neighborhood, the cult of Zola Fel, and most other activities concerned with the river and its ways. Every river worker has to be a member of the Ingilli Riverside Association or risk the ire of the river-dwellers, who are firm friends of the Ingillis. During the Lunar Occupation they leaned towards the Imperials but now lean towards Argrath.

The Eiskolli family are the heir to the Sun Dome temple group’s holdings. The original holders of this office were adamantly anti-Lunar, but a series of accidents and honorable duels reduced their numbers and allowed the Eiskolli to replace them. They are led by Haloric Glowbrow, who commands the Sun Dome Spears.

The Blue Llamas are the newest ruling family, the most powerful nomad clan in Argrath’s army. Some two thousand are camped outside of the city with their herds. They are led by Yazurkial Blue Llama and his family, including his brother Bastaki the Poet, and his cousin Khadazial Blackwind, a noted Wind Lord.

Other, smaller families with specialized interests, and many important individuals exist. None come close to rivaling the power of these families.

It is worth mentioning two families that until recently were counted among the ruling families, but have lost their land and wealth after the liberation of New Pavis by Argrath.

The Patroma family were arguably the most powerful ruling family during the Lunar Occupation, but fled New Pavis when it fell to Argrath. They are (were?) Lunar citizens who ruled most of the former holdings of the zebra people. The Patromas held some land, and they made great inroads in trade control as well. Their holdings and land were given to Argrath’s allies, and their trade routes seized by others.

The Rone family was the most important ruling family in the Lunar Grantlands south of Sun County. They were founded by “Duke” Raus of Rone, a disgraced imperial officer from the Redlands, exiled to Prax as an alternative to execution. They founded the fort of Ronegarth along the Zola Fel, which is the main Lunar stronghold after the liberation of New Pavis. Raus’ daughter Jezra is believed to lead the family and the imperial cause.

Outside and above all the ruling families is Argrath and his companions. Although Argrath has a remote claim to the Sartar Dynasty (as does Kallyr), his main pillars of legitimacy are his status as a Hero of Orlanth Adventurous which in turn gives him uncontested leadership over the regional Orlanth cult; his support among the nomadic tribes (including the Blue Llamas); and his defeat of the Lunar Army in battle. He has been acclaimed Rex (king) and the Zebra Riders have sworn loyalty to him as the Pavis Royal Guard.

The Garhound family acknowledge Argrath and have sworn loyalty. There is competition between the Garhound family, some of Argrath’s companions, and the Pavis temple (and their Indigas allies) as to who actually runs the daily affairs of New Pavis in Argrath’s name. Such competition is a normal feature of Orlanthi tribal politics.

What does ”Hero” mean in ”Hero of Orlanth Adventurous”? Is it a title for heroquesters or some kind of senior Wind Lord? Argrath is pretty obviously a Hero – already legendary for organizing the defence of the Cradle, his circumnavigation of the world, and summoning Jaldon Goldentooth. I doubt the local Orlanth temple has any trouble holding him to be an incarnation of Adventurous in the mundane world.

There are of course many other kinship groups, and many of the Sartarite exiles maintain kinship ties with their clans back in Sartar. But these are the main players in New Pavis.

It is also worth keeping in mind that New Pavis was founded in 1550 or 74 years ago. In terms of clan development, this is similar to the 1380s or so in Dragon Pass.


Jeff Richard

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1550 ST, Blue Llama (High Llama clan), Eiskolli (New Pavis clan), Garhound (New Pavis clan), Indagos (New Pavis clan), Ingilli (New Pavis clan), New Pavis (small city), Patroma (family), Rone (Family)

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