The Gauntlets of the Whirlwind
The structure of Krai-Jan government was a major factor in the corruption and eventual decay of the Ruby Empire. Three separate structures existed for religious, military, and civil administration. Each had its own hierarchy and rules, with the Ruby Emperor ruling supreme at the head of each branch.
For example, when Achshad Nezzek became the Raznam of Letheradim, he was in charge of all aspects of city administration, except for the Temple District and the Military. The Temple District in town was administered by the "High Priest." Letheradim's High Priest, Zars Letz, was less a religious figure and more of a bureaucratic one. The military was commanded by the Garrison Commander, in Letheradim's case Palzar Tarstos.
When business of any of these three administrators overlapped the only recourse was to sit down and make a deal. None had authority over the other and so compromises had to be made. this situation invited corruption in every level of government. Favors were bought and sold. Presents were no longer just presents. Deals were made and loyalties purchased so that towards the end of the Ruby Empire the entire system began to collapse on itself from its own decay.
Palzar Tarstos, commander of Letheradim's garrison, knew the stench of Krai-Jan corruption better than most. He was invited to Nehvodim by the Regional Governor, Durrik Jaza. There he found himself the guest of honor at a large and very expensive banquet. His "loyalty and bravery" was the subject of a speech given by Durrik himself. The whole strange affair was topped off by Palzar recieving of a gift worthy of the Ruby Emperor: a set of magical gauntlets that enhanced his combat abilities and made it nearly impossible to break his defense.
Palzar was no idiot. He knew the trap he was in. These gifts and recognition would come with a price. Palzar also knew he would have to pay that price or lose everything he had worked for over his years. True to his dilemma, he kept his mouth shut and went about his work.
Months passed and there was no word from Durrik or any of his representatives. Palzar began to feel a little easier about the situation, and thought perhaps Durrik had really meant to celebrate Tarstos' contributions.
Palzar's ease was shattered during a routine escort of a trade caravan going from Letheradim to Nehvodim. When the caravan pulled into town Palzar made contact with the caravan leader and counted the wagons in his care. There were two more than there were supposed to be.
Palzar finally understood what the Governor wanted. Both wagons were clearly marked with the seal of the governor and both were driven and guarded by men who were obviously more than they appeared. Palzar could have forced the issue with his troops, but what would it gain?
This continued for months. The extra wagons were only coming from the north; they were never part of caravans heading from Nehvodim. Palzar always figured the governor was smuggling something from the northern settlements.
Palzar turned the blind eye he was supposed to, and he hated himself from that day forth. Not even the incredibly powerful magic item he was gifted by Hazid Durrik could make up for what Palzar suspected he was a party to.
When Achshad came to Letheradim Palzar was shocked by his honesty and sense of justice. His dealings with Durrik had soured him to Raznam and Hazid: the mayors and regional governors. Achshad renewed his faith in honesty and and the Krai-Jan elites.
Because Achshad proved to be a leader with character Palzar and he became fast friends. During the siege of Letheradim Palzar died next to Achshad, slaying rebels even as he bled out from his wounds.
