Thay
The name invokes images of an evil nation, bent on conquering the surrounding kingdoms and subjugating them to their will. It brings to mind vibrant imagery of massive undead armies, explosive magics, and demons shackled by profane rituals to perform the will of their vile masters.
Led by the ancient Lich, Szass Tam, the country has prospered under the pursuits of power and wealth that many of its citizens focus on. Strength of mind often plays a more important role than strength of body as magic is a cornerstone of the empire.
All of that has been the cornerstones of society for hundreds of years until recently – with the event Thayans call The Laraer (“lahr-AIR”).
Life in Thay
The people of Thay are primarily human, but other races find homes here as well. Even those races that are typically considered monstrous, such as goblins and bugbears, may be able to establish homes in some of the Tharches (states) of Thay. They are a hardworking people, mainly focused on their daily tasks, and only rarely do they plan into the future beyond satisfying the needs of their children
Nearly all of the citizens of Thay are of two main ethnic groups. The Mulani comprise the bulk of the bureaucracy and aristocracy. The Rashemi are the other primary group; they tend to be burlier and shorter than the Mulani.
Mulani Thayans are raised to obey the laws of Thay, revere Red Wizards and especially the Zulkirs and Szass Tam above all, and believe they are an integral part of the most powerful and advanced realm in the world. Thanks to their upbringing, many tend to be arrogant, especially towards non-humans. Many Mulani view such as elves and halflings as equivalent to children, while gnomes and dwarves are often despised or driven away under pain of death. Other races like orcs, half-orcs, and centaurs are tolerated so long as the Mulani believe that they can be employed as useful, strong-backed individuals.
Thayan Society
Historically, Thay was a magocracy. The nation was headed by a ruling Council of Zulkirs who pursued ever-greater mastery of the Art and left military matters—such as the frequent invasions of Aglarond, Rashemen, and other neighboring lands—and administration of the daily life of the country to the noble tharchions and tharchionesses of districts of Thay (tharches).
Today, however, Thay has become a dictatorship that is ruled by the undead lich Szass Tam, a tyrant who largely dictated policy to the Council of Zulkirs and appointed Red Wizards to it who would obey him and calls himself the High Regent.
Thayan citizens who have the aptitude to wield arcane magic become Red Wizards, and ruthlessly vie for advancement and power through diligent service to the High Regent, often in intrigues and mercantile schemes all across Faerûn.
Below the Red Wizards come the rest of the nobility: the Mulani Tharchions, bureaucrats, sages, priests, and the richest merchant families, the houses who invest in the businesses of lesser merchants and are landlords to most Thayans dwelling in cities.
Zulkirs, Tharchions and Tharchionesses, and senior bureaucrats (sometimes referred to as Thaen or Autharchs) tend to be drawn from the ranks of the Mulani, first from the most financially successful, long-powerful, and haughty families like the houses of Cathyl, Iryleian, Thrond, and Valakkar, and secondly from individuals of outstanding personal drive and merit. As a result, there are very few lazy, corrupt, or incompetent administrators in Thay; those in power are efficient, insightful, and quick to act with precision.
The bulk of Thay’s citizens, the shopkeepers and skilled laborers and overseers of most slave workteams in the realm, are of Rashemi stock: short, burly, muscular, hairy-bodied people with thick black hair, dark eyes, and light to dark brown skin. The leaders of trade enclaves are called a Khazark and are a position typically only held by a Red Wizard.
Then come the lower class, semi-skilled workers and common laborers, bodyguards and shop and warehouse guards, and loaders and drovers, who might be of any Thayan-tolerated race, including obvious outlanders.
Finally, underpinning everything in Thay, are the many, many slaves. Some through long service have won some measure of trust and are allowed to work under light or no supervision—but slaves are never freed in Thay; they always belong to someone, and upon the death of an owner are inherited by someone else or seized by a creditor. Their servitude may not end upon their death, either. Under the rulership of Szass Tam, necromancy – and the market for undead servitors – has been on the rise.
Thayan Economy & Trade
Thay’s economy has traditionally been borne on the backs of two things: vast numbers of slaves and magical items. There are plenty of other exports, such as timber, foodstuffs, artwork, jewelry, etc., due to Thay’s magically crafted climate allowing for prosperous farmland and production. Under Red Wizards’ control, Thay receives steady nighttime rains to boost the nations agriculture and hinder roaming monstrous marauders, bandits, and rebels.
Thayan Law
Anyone, foreigner or Thayan, traveling in Thay must carry a pass issued by a Tharchion allowing the traveler to use specific roads andn visit specific cities. All tharchions delegate the task of issuing passes to minor officials and officers, which means that a travel permit for most points can be purchased with a suitable bribe. Soldiers, messengers, and officials engaged in the performance of their duties are exempt from the requirement to obtain permission to travel, but they generally carry tokens of their authority.
The most important laws of Thay are:
- Only Red Wizards may wear red robes, so that all shall be able to identify them instantly.
- Do not steal from other Thayans or harm their belongings, especially their slaves.
- Do not kill or harm another Thayan.
- Obey the orders of your betters.
The laws of Thay are enforced by whoever claims to have jurisdiction over the people involved or the location in which the disturbance occurred. In Thay, just about every Red Wizard employs slaves or commoners as private guards. The more powerful the person, the more numerous and more skilled the guards. In Thay, might makes right, and the Red Wizards have plenty of might.