The Rise to Power: a Prelude (CLOSED) - The Battlegrounds - Forums

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Kanbal Stian

1 5:49pm 15/06/02

NOTE: Anyone interested in participating, please contact me at kevlsmith80@hotmail.com. Only when I have approved a characters participation, and you've recieved an outline may a post be made.

Cinnagar, Cinnagar, Empress Teta System

A large crowd was gathered in front of the Tetan government building, The Iron Citadel. On a raised platform stood a speaker, wrapped in frayed grab that shadowed his face. The entranced hundreds listen with insatiable curiosity, and those walked by, catching wind of the speaker's voice, were drawn is as well. The speaker had a fiery passion in their voice, each word having an impact on the crowd. The guards of the Citadel were also wrapped in the words of the speaker, but kept their solemn watch at the gates.

"And the New Republic. What have they done for the people of the Cinnagar and the rest of Empress Teta? NOTHING! They neglect our needs as a people, and just steal our resource for their own bloated, bureaucratic use. We see no benefits from the revenue our system produces.

"Many of you may not realize what a threat the rest of the galaxy is towards us. We are vulnerable. Carbonite is valued commodity to many of the factions in the galaxy that are making a bid for domination. Most would rather harm us than help us. But how do we defend ourselves? As a trading partner with the Republic, a small defensive guard isn't much to ask, is it? Their precious naval resources are too busy subjecting world into membership. How long, I ask you, before we are subjected as well?"

With these posed questions, murmurs ran through the crowds. The speaker paused long enough to allow answers to be formulated, but continued before they could be spoken.

"Brothers, sisters... friends, we must not let these injustices towards our people continue. Our current governments hides behind these walls (pointing behind him) where they are safe from the people of Cinnagar, the Empress Teta system, and the galaxy. They no longer work for us. Reform is needed.

"To protect ourselves from the threats of the galaxy, we must rise up and take control. The formation of a new confederation among the worlds of the Empress Teta is needed, without delay. Surely other planetary systems will follow our lead, over throwing there complacent governments and defending themselves too. But we must make the first move for others to realize that galactic reform is needed.

"The name of Empress Teta is to become again associated with power, wealth and galactic influence. TO THE GLORIOUS FUTURE OF EMPRESS TETA!"

Throwing a fist up into the air, the crowd broke their silence, letting out a cheer of approval, almost on command. The speaker jumped down from the platform, into the crowd. As he moved forward, they parted and created a pathway for his exit. Men and women reached out to touch him, feeling an overwhelming satisfaction if their fingers simply grazed his cloak. As he left their sight, none lingered to talk of the new movement that was just proposed, but continuing what they had been doing before the speech.

Kanbal Stian

2 6:05pm 19/06/02

Again, crowds gathered to hear the charismatic speaker tell the ills of the universe and how he was going to help make it better. The people listened, greatly interested in all he had to say. It was like they were two people in love with one another; one could whisper sweet nothings into the others ear, and they'd blindly believe it.

This blind believing worried the Tetan officials. Because the government couldn't combat all the claims, especially the ones that were true and would cause the most damage, it made them seem weak to the people. A weak government and a man with outrageous, but believed, claims were a bad combination.

Nilo Condenado, Tetan Viceroy-elected, looked out the transparisteel window upon the unwavering crowds, intently listening to the speaker. Nilo was a man of large girth; fatten by years of politics and all its indulgences. His round face, held a pair of worried, cool blue eyes. Many of his colleagues and aids could see the growing weight on his wide shoulders. With a sigh, and a hand running across his bald head, whipping away the perspiration, was the sign to his head of security and confidant, Maedav Keldar, that Nilo was in between a boulder and a tight spot.

"What am I going to do..." came Nilo's deep voice still looking out at the crowd, "Our phantom speaker hasn't do anything that can constitute as illegal, has he?"

Maedav shared his friend's worry now, "No sir, he hasn't."

"What am I going to do..."he repeated as he turned away from the window, "Maedav, I beginning to fear for my life."

"Trust me sir, you have nothing to fear. My teams are on full alert at all hours," Maedav responded quickly, trying to comfort all of Nilo's fears. "No one, unless authorized, will get pass the gates."

Nilo plopped down in his chair, bring a hand to his head. He lightly massaged his forehead, already glistening in sweat, "I know Maedav, but what if the threat is already authorized."

Kanbal Stian

3 9:26pm 23/06/02

The speeches became more frequent as time passed. People in Cinnagar would seek the speaker out, to hear his insight and wisdom. As the number of people attending his speeches swelled, so did the isolationist movement. This worried many in Tetan politics, including Representative Stian.

Kanbal Stian, former swoop racing and Jedi apprentice, had settled on Cinnagar after years of being thought dead. In those missing years, no one could pry out of him what happened. When confronted, he simply replied with a smile. Now in his mid-thirties, his face was showing the signs of the coming middle age and years of hardship, perhaps from those missing years.

Sitting at his desk in the Iron Citadel, the seat of Tetan government since the Empress's reign, reviewing the various bills that would be voted on in the next few days. Many were nuisances to vote on, but needed to be entertained, as stated in the Tetan Constitution. The speaker was attacking the weakness of the Constitution, as well as many other things wrong with the Tetan government, and things wrong with other governments.

He cited the New Republic various times on some questionable military practices, which caused their Supreme Commander of Republic Armed Forces, Xylon Hexyra, to resign. The former Empire was acused of fighting itself again, in the two factions of the Rogue Empire, and the New Order. The speaker put fear into the hearts of the people of Cinnagar, fear of invasion from these powerful political movements.

But most of all, he made the weaknesses of the Tetan government larger than they really were. But there was success in that he was convincing many Tetan representatives that these weaknesses were in fact that large, which was the reason for many of these bills that Kanbal was reviewing. Overwhelmed by the number of bills needed for review, Kanbal decided he needed to end this once and for all.

He pressed the speaker button on his desk, "K-14, could you inform the Viceroy I'm on my way to talk with him."

"Certainly sir," came the mechanical reply from the protocol droid.

Kanbal Stian

4 3:23pm 27/06/02

Kanbal's pace quickened as he approached the Viceroy's office. If it had been one more hallway over, Kanbal would've broken out into a full run. He took the last corner, quickly dropping back into his normal walking stride. The Viceroy's secretary, another protocol droid, stood up to tell him something, but with a flick of his wrist, the droid found itself slammed against the wall. Kanbal was neither in the mood to hear it or was the time to hear it. Things had dragged on too long.

The Viceroy looked up from his work, and jumped, seeing only a silhouette. Nilo expected to be dead in a nanosecond, but when Kanbal finally stepped into the light, a sigh of relief was heard. Nilo reached for his rag, matting the sweat off of his face and neck.

"Representative Stian, you scared the beegeezes out of me," came the winded response from the Viceroy.

"My apologies, Viceroy," Kanbal said in a cool and calm voice, clasping his hands behind his back, "I have urgent business to discuss with you. It's regarding the isolationist movement."

"Don't tell me they've converted you to their cause," the Viceroy replied, with a hint of worry in his voice.

"I can't say if they have or not Viceroy," Kanbal began to move around the office, "They've made some fairly outrageous claims that I'm not entirely sure I believe in or agree with. But, I have always tried to work with those in my district, taking into account their feelings when voting on bills. Since these speeches that have been occurring, the number of people claiming allegiance to the Isolationist Party, has nearly tripled. And talking to my colleagues, the story is much the same in their districts. I cannot vote against what the people I represent say I should vote for, I believe it to be unethical and not filling out my role as a public servant.

"Viceroy," Kanbal was leaning on his desk now, a mere half meter from the Viceroy's face. Kanbal lowered his voice, "Viceroy, we are running out of options."

"I know... I know," the worry that had remained in his voice was now shown on his face. Kanbal saw the Viceroy had a distance look in his eyes. He was vulnerable.

"Viceroy, you will resign."

"Representative Stian, I think it's time I resign my office," the Viceroy said, coming back into reality once more, "I just hope the Senate can chose someone who can handle this crisis until the elections."

"We will Viceroy," Kanbal said as his stood up, "I thank you for your time Viceroy." He turned on heel, and stepped out the door, leaving the Viceroy to write his final speech.

Kanbal Stian

5 12:08am 03/07/02

The Senate Chamber in Cinnagar was filled, making for a stuffy atmosphere. The air scrubbers were working overtime, and would surely need to be replaced once this special session was over. The media had been abuzz for days with the rumored resignation of the Viceroy, and the election of a new Viceroy that very night.

In his private office, inside Senate Hall, Viceroy Condenado stood in front of a mirror, reciting his speech over and over again to himself. He hands were shaking from nervousness. When he caught one of his hands shaking, he would quickly grasp it in the other. He thought it was a sign of weakness, and he didn't want to show any weakness at a time he needed to be strong.

The knock of dura-armor on his durasteel door made him jump in fright.

"What is it?" Nilo replied rather harshly.

"It is almost time sir," came the deep responce from one of his loyal guards.

"Of course... of course," Nilo said to himself, quietly and self-reassuringly. His hand began to tremble again, but this time he did not reach for it, because he could not feel it. Suddenly, he felt his whole right side go numb. He cried out for help, but could only produce a weak croak. His large body fell to the floor limp. With his left hand, he grabbed his chest, trying to ward off the compressed feeling of his heart failing.

It would be fifteen minutes before his guards broke in and found him dead. And the Senate vote would be delay, for at least a day, perhaps longer. Empress Teta's government would have to function without a leader somehow.

Lansayr Tagge

6 4:08pm 28/07/02

Cinnagar Senate

 Four days later

"..This is a crisis!...what are we going to do?..."

Came the response from the worried representative , whose strides quickened with every step in an effort to keep up with Lansayr's, brisk, but elegant, pace ...

Lansayr, replied without breaking stride...

"... that, Noreaga, is why we are here..."

Lansayr's purple and gold robes swathed quietly as the Kirrek Planetary Governor negotiated the steps leading into the corridor which would eventually lead them into the Senate chamber itself. The many voices from inside it, could already be heard as a kind of murmur, echoing through the many halls.

Only their footsteps upon the marble floor seemed to drown out the noise..Noreaga continued, pausing in between words, for sharp intakes of breath..

"...but who shall take Viceroy Condenado's place?, we need to find someone appropriate, and quickly, this government cannot function properly without an elected Viceroy, its unconstitutional. The longer its left the more momentum the isolationists gain.....with a power vaccuum who knows what could happen...I even heard the military were planning some kind of intervention..."

Raising his hand, Lansayr stopped and faced the worried , and somewhat out of breath representative...

"...calm yourself!...the more you panic , the more panic you create...yes, the people of Cinnagar are missing something important....  leadership..the isolationists may well be radical, but they have something which unites them..."

Noreaga's face seemed to screw up a little , confused...

(Lansayr continued)

"...a  leader, whoever this Isolationist figurehead is, he has charisma, and he has touched a nerve, and that worries me...greatly... National fervour and zeal to the point of fanaticism can only lead to disaster...

...and that is something all Tetans can do without, because whatever happens here on Cinnagar, affects the whole system. Even on Kirrek itself, we have already had eight large protests in favour of the isolationists.
All of them turned out violent, as you have already pointed out, their support is spreading, not just here but across the entire system.."

Lansayr waved a finger in front of Noreaga's face...

"..which!, is the reason I am here...if we don't put a cap on this now, Vader knows what'll happen..."

As the pair continued to walk forward, Noreaga seemed to reflect on Lansayr's words, before venturing a reply...

"...maybe we could ask the New Republic for help?..."

With a sudden flurry of purple, Lansayr turned around to face the Representative once more, his gaze turning into a glare...

"...and  what exactly could they do for us?...  what exactly have they  ever done for us?...no, definately not, the New Republic has far too many problems of its own to sort out. Lets be honest , the affairs of us Tetans have never really ranked very high on the agenda of the New Republic..."

...(he lowered his voice a little as he continued)...

"...and that is something I do indeed share with the isolationists...radical as they maybe, but they do have a point where the New Republic is concerned...
The time is upon us to sort out our own affairs, away from the intergalactic politics of this galaxy, which for far too long has been thrust upon us, distracting us from our own problems, and our own people, which is partly why we are in this mess..."

Noreaga simply nodded and grunted, agreeing with Lansayr's assessment of the situation, and the two gradually made their way to the vast doors of the Senate Chamber.

As they approached the doorway the noise of shouting voices, arguing, endless tirades of debate, seemed to block out the sound of anything else, two ushers, bowed out of respect , and gestured for the two men to follow them into the chamber...

...Noreaga sidled up alongside Lansayr as they both looked out across the chamber as various representatives had their turn to speak, he spoke quietly almost straight into Lansayr's ear...

"...How come you did not stand for election?... I would have voted for you?..."

A small smile crept along th edges of the Kirrek's Governor's mouth as he replied...

"...your loyalty is touching, Noreaga, however I do not have the time nor the inclination to lead the inhabitants of the Tetan system, I feel comfortable with Kirrek, it is my home, and I feel I can best serve those people there..."

"...then whom do you have in mind?..."

Lansayr's smile seemed to grow even larger as he nodded discreetly towards the direction of a figure sat quietly in his booth listening to the Senate's debate, across the chamber...Noreaga followed Lansayr's gaze and acknowledged, his voice, cautious...

"...ahh..interesting..what makes you think he could lead?..."

"...he is strong, driven, intelligent, and has the charisma needed to gain popular support. There are already many within the Senate who have pledged their support, besides anyone who can win a Swoop racing championship, has got to have the tenacity needed to deal with politicians, after all they can be just as dangerous..."

The rather satirical end of Lansayr's words were lost on Noreaga as he took a moment to study the man from across the chamber, before murmuring an observation of his own...

"..he appears to be the only one  not talking..."

Lansayr nodded in agreement, and let loose a quiet chuckle..

"..thats the other reason!, he only speaks when he has something worthwhile to say, unlike most politicians...  I like that!..."

Noreaga simply raised an eyebrow at his remark...Suddenly the two were interrupted as the speaker turned his attention to the pair, announcing their arrival...

"...Representatives of the Senate, the right honourable representatives , Governor Lansayr Tagge , and Noreaga Echilda, of Kirrek..."

As the speaker introduced them Lansayr stepped forward to the podium, and awaited for the general melee of the chamber to quieten before speaking...

"...Honourable Representatives of the Senate, fellow Tetan's.

I speak to you now with a heavy heart, firstly I wish to offer my condolences to the family and relatives of ex-Viceroy Condenado , he will be sorely missed...

But things must move forward, as time waits for no man.

Representatives of the Senate we find ourselves in a crisis, the unifying bond that used to hold our systems together is slowy decaying from the inside.

The people themselves are disullioned, what with intergalactic war, corruption, mismanagement, all of these things are slowly destroying everything we have all worked so hard to build...they have blinded us to the cause of our very own people...

..and remember, it is those same people who decide when the time for revolution starts, and , my fellow Representatives,

..it has started...

...The seeds of discontent have already been sown, and soon , if we do not take heed of what our very own people wish for, and expect...

...then we shall find ourselves obselete...

...The Isolationists, as radical as they maybe, have indeed raised many issues, that have either been ignored, or brushed aside... I warn you all now, if we do not face up to these issues, then our own arrogance shall force us all to pay the price...

...and that goes for  all Tetan's...

Even my own beloved home planet, of which I have the great honour of serving for, has a sea of unrest bubbling underneath the surface....

We need to consolidate , we need radical changes, we need a system that works, and we need to listen.... to the very people who put us here....

...We need  unification...

...and we need someone who has the tenacity and the integrity needed to undergo this mammoth of tasks...

...Fellow Representatives, I move for Consitutional reform, and to suggest someone whom I think would be the best to oversee this reform....

... Representative Kanbal Stian, I and the people of Kirrek I represent, pledge to you our support, for Viceroy..."

Lansayr could not finish his speech as the entire chamber seemed to erupt into one giant crescendo of garbled voices...

Sighing, the Governor sunk back into his chair...

Kanbal Stian

7 9:50pm 05/08/02

There was no shock in Kanbal’s expression, it was expected. Governor Tagge had talked to him before the session informing him of his intentions of nominating him. Kanbal had graciously accepted the informal nomination then, and now, it was time to address the Senate formally accepting the pro-temp position. As Kanbal left his seat in the audience chamber, the thunderous applauses and cheers became louder. The ancient building that housed the Senate quaked from the noise. He stood at the podium for a while, basking in the outpour of support, before raising his hands and calling for quite in the chamber.

His cool eyes scanned the now still audience chamber looking his colleagues. He had them transfixed already, not a word uttered yet, and there were no cheap tricks this time. They’d listen and follow, almost blindly.

“I would first like to thank Governor Tagge,” he raised his hands in the direction of Lansayr’s seat, clapping lightly. The rest of the chamber joined in as Tagge rose from his seat, taking a slight bow. “He is one of the boons that supports this frail and crumbling government.” Kanbal’s expression and inflection had suddenly turned somber.

“Fellow representatives and governors of the Empress Teta System, our government is falling out from underneath our feet. We are losing power of what was one of the most respected and influential systems in the Old Republic, and that is something we can allow to slip away. And by losing our power to government, we lose the confidence of the people in our abilities. If there is no faith in the government, there is no government.

“The isolationists are the people. We, as their representatives, are to implement what they want done, no matter what our personal agenda is. The people are always right,” He allowed applause and conversation to ensue. He could tell there were a few that remained lost in his points, but they’d soon be found.

“There are numerous tasks the people are placing before us. The main task, closing our borders to outside and potentially hostile government that will rip us of our very way of live for their war machine. The galaxy of today does not care about Empress Teta, they care about conquest and domination. We must care for ourselves and return that cold shoulder. In that care, defense of our borders is paramount. With a small standing army that Teta can call her own, and individual planetary forces, and no navy to speak of, there is a lot of work to be done before we may be secure.

“Our second, and perhaps the most monumental task is constitutional reform. Over the years since the monarchy has died, our very form of government began to crumble. Without the monarchy overseeing the Senate and using it for advisory purpose, the office of the Viceroy was created, who is selected from our ranks. With essentially the same powers as the monarchy, the Viceroy lacked one key element that the royal family had; the support of the Tetan population.

“But until then, we need to abide by our current form of government, and our current government calls for a Viceroy. I accept Governor Tagge’s nomination,” The chamber erupted again. Kanbal returned to his seat in the chamber as the speaker retook the control of the floor.

The Senate session carried on into the night as other nominations and speeches were made. None that came after Kanbal got the same, overwhelming response he did. It was in the bag as far as he was concerned. At the end of the night, in the wee hours of the next morning, the Senate set the election date for two weeks. There was a lot of work to be done by Kanbal in that fourteen-day period, to ensure his ascension to Viceroy.

Kanbal Stian

8 3:28am 30/09/02

One week later…

Since the public release of nominees, an unprecedented number of constitutes had called in to their respective representative, tell them how to exactly vote. No solid numbers were being report, only people’s speculations. So far, all speculations point to Kanbal. Still, just a majority wasn’t enough, and overwhelming majority was the aim. If it had not been for the support of the people the monarchy wouldn’t have lasted as long as it did. The likewise would be the same for Kanbal, however, he had a few tricks for the weak-minded people of the system that the Empress Teta herself was not privileged to. And if the other planets in the system did not bend in the vote, the system would see its Third Unification War begin. This one would be the bloodiest, and Kanbal would see to it personally.

Kanbal walked through the halls on the Iron Citadel, with an ever-present stern look on his face. Showing emotion when it is not required was one of the disciplines he took away from the Jedi. He passed many colleagues that nodded and smiled; often times address him or her by name. In response he gave a thin smile and nod and then returned to his normal, indifferent look. The game of politics was all about who could make the people believe them, and most everyone in the Senate believed Kanbal. Few, very few, knew of his true plans.

Lansayr Tagge was one.

Tagge was dedicated to Tetan’s cause of complete self-sufficiency, a full-blooded nationalist. Many in the Senate we like that, especially the major representatives of Koros Major and Koros Minor, Telbrin Miren and Douglas Sienar, respectively. The way Kanbal had been playing on the feelings of all three men would surely win him the office of Viceroy and the constitutional reform he needed. But Tagges’s feelings did not need to be toyed with and manipulated.

Kanbal pivoted sharply on his right foot, making the final turn for Tagge’s office. The executive assistant droid’s glowing photoreceptors followed Kanbal’s body, automatically notifying Tagge of his presence. The door to his office opened with an inaudible hiss, one of the few doors in the Iron Citadel that was working in such optimum condition.

Kanbal’s eyes quickly adjusted to the low lighting conditions that Tagge had set in his office. The office walls were a deep burgundy in the full light, and the carpet was a plush fabric of the same color from Kirrek. Several of the Governor’s own paintings hung on the wall, most pastoral sights from Kirrek. Soft, soothing orchestra music, most likely the Coruscant Philharmonic, played in the background as well. Tagge was a man of fine upbringing and taste.

“Ah, Representative Stian, how good to see you,” came Tagge’s deep, resonating voice behind his desk.

“As it is a pleasure to be in your company Governor,” Kanbal’s voice danced over the background music. “Everything is still going according to plan I trust?”

“The plan was never derailed,” a thin smile formed across the Governor’s face. “Is our speaker friend going to be making any more appearances around the system?”

Kanbal let out a little chuckle, “Perhaps, perhaps. This whole plan would not be as convincing if there were not some dissents. If everything is too perfect, those that are not so blind will begin to see what is afoot here.”

“Yes, very true,” Tagge responded solemnly.

“What has the word been around the rest of the Senate?” Kanbal inquired.

“There are a few minor representatives that will not fall inline, but there are many more to make up for those lost votes. Many more.”

“Excellent. And I am assured to have Kirrek’s full support?”

“Heh… strange you should mention that,” the Governor rose from his seat and walked around his desk. “There is only one that I know will vote against you, one of those minor representatives I just spoke of: Noreaga Echilda.”

“Hmm… can something be done about him?”

“If I cannot sway him, he will be dealt with.”

“Very good Governor,” Kanbal nodded, “If any of my resources are needed in this endeavor, please ask. I’ll be more than glad to supply them.”

“Thank you for the offer Representative, but it shouldn’t be necessary.”

“Very well, then I shall see you in session tomorrow,” Kanbal extended his hand. “It’s always a pleasure Governor.”

“It is Representative,” Tagge grasped Kanbal’s hand firmly. “Until next time.”

The Day of the Vote

There was a hum in the air of the Senate chamber. For two weeks the Tetan government had managed to function without a solid leader, but today, that was all about to change. Delegates flowed in and out, casting votes, checking the tallies thus far, and whatever other business they had. Kanbal sat quietly in his booth, watching and waiting. When Tagge had entered a slight nod was exchanged between the two.

On the table in front of him, he began to pull up data about the election: who had voted, who had yet to vote, overall percentage, percentages by planet. As expected, and promised, Kirrek had voted one hundred percent in favor of him. Kanbal a smirk drew itself upon his visage. He closed down the data windows and left his box. Tonight he would return to be sworn in as Viceroy.

That Night

As Kanbal entered the chamber, the various emissaries of Teta’s world rose to their feet in a thunderous applause. His dark green robes flowed behind him as he walked down the center aisle toward the Viceroy’s podium. Kanbal shook the hands of most of his colleagues as he walked down, and crossed the floor to accept congratulations from the other candidates that had also been seeking the office.

Kanbal finally stood on the podium, reveling in the shower of praise. The clapping reached its climax before the newly elected Viceroy raised his hands and signal for silence. However, the acclamation carried on for several more minutes before the Senate’s Viceroy pro-temp called for a final silence. Kanbal stood beaming as quiet finally filled the hall.

“I thank you all of you for turning out today to vote, and tonight for this address. I would especially like to thank the other candidates that were Viceroy hopefuls.” Applause rang out in the body again.

“By electing me Viceroy,” Kanbal started over the applause, which quickly faded out, “together, we shall usher in a new era of prosperity for Empress Teta. No longer do we need to rely on the greater galaxy for help, we will learn how to help ourselves. No longer do we need to live in fear of conquest for a standing military that Teta can call her own will protect us from outside threats. We have survived our first test as a government reborn, and will face many more in the month and years to come. I am proud to say I that I will lead you through those trails.

“Our second trail and most dangerous, is the one will all have accepted as necessary, and by electing me will make this necessity reality. Our legislation system is on life support, and will not last much longer. As my first act as Viceroy, I move to have a vote on reforming and rebuilding the constitution of Empress Teta.”

Months later…

“That should do it,” a weary eyed Kanbal Stian looked upon the newly penned hardcopy of the new Tetan constitution. For the first time the Chancellor, the new title for the Tetan chief of state, was allowed to create and command a standing military for the protection of Empress Teta’s borders. He looked at Lansayr who was sitting across the table from him.

“Please Governor,” he extended the hardcopy of the constitution and a writing implement, “you be the first to sign.”

Tagge took the constitution and implement and signed at the bottom, in large flowing handwriting, “Lansayr Tagge Governor of Kirrek.”

And so began the Tetan Confederacy.