5001-HârnWorld/3rd Edition/11

The Thardic Republic is a plutocratic state governed by a republican senate. The republic was founded in 674, having evolved from the Thardic League. The capital, Coranan, is Hârn’s largest city. The republic has one other walled city, Shiran, and several large towns.

The supreme governing body of the republic is the Thardic Senate, housed in the Chamber of the Red Domes in Coranan. The Senate is controlled by 66 wealthy families who own 90 percent of the republic’s land. The major responsibilities of the Senate are to levy taxes, conduct foreign affairs, and appoint various key officials. The Senate is often deadlocked because of the rivalry between powerful factions, including an imperialist party that intrigues for a revival of the once-mighty Corani Empire.

The republic is divided into six administrative provinces: Coranan, Eidel, Gerium, Kom, Ramala, and Shiran. Each province has two governors: a civil administrator called a magistrate and a marshal who commands the provincial legion. Each is appointed for a three-year term that may be extended at the pleasure of the Senate. Each governor can veto the other’s decisions; deadlocks are referred back to the Senate. Neither official is paid and corruption is rampant. It has been said that a provincial governor can steal enough money in his first year to pay the bribes that got him the appointment, enough in the second year to bribe the jury that will try him for corruption when he retires, and more than enough in the third year to live in luxury for the rest of his life. It is possible, although rare, for one person to hold both offices, as is currently the case in Eidel Province. Although the city of Coranan lies within Coranan Province, it has its own separate government.

The cohorts and companies of the provincial legions are assigned at the discretion of the Senate. Each legion is responsible for maintaining order within a specific province and for defense against foreign aggression. All Thardic keeps and castles are garrisoned by legion units. It is treason (a capital offense) for any marshal to lead his army outside his province without Senate approval. The Red Guard garrison Coranan and serve as the senatorial bodyguard. Although technically also responsible for policing the city, they have grown so lax in this regard that several religious and mercenary groups have taken over much of that duty.

The Church of Halea is popular among the upper and middle classes in the Republic and many senators are adherents. Arenas in Coranan and Shiran run by the Agrikan church are the site of the popular Pamesani Games, which feature contests between gladiators, combats involving wild beasts, judicial duels, and spectacles of a depraved and perverse nature.

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