Titles and Ranks
The Overlord of Lanthor (His Excellency, Count Marcus Tremont) - Although the Presidor of the Free Trade Council is, in fact, the most powerful and important position in the Freelands, the fact that it may change from year to year leaves the Overlord as a more recognized figure to the rest of Shaintar. This is the only hereditary title in all of the Freelands; the appellation of count being a holdover from ages past. The Overlord of Lanthor is also the head of the most powerful and wealthy house in the Freelands.
Marcus Tremont is a shrewd and respected businessman; he forgoes most of the trappings of his station and attempts to deal even-handedly with all trade associates. He sees the rulership of Lanthor as a management task, and he is at once efficient and magnanimous, making him one of the most popular Overlords in many years.
The Presidor of the Free Trade Council (High Master Barthos Killian) - The Presidor is the ranking member of the Council. He is the Chairman of all council meetings and acts as the closest thing to an actual Head of State that the Freelands have. The main responsibilities of the Presidor include ensuring that the autonomy of the Freelands is preserved, the common defense of the lands is provided for, and that public safety and well-being is looked after. While serving, the Presidor (as well as the holders of the other two positions) must avoid all appearances of using his position for personal or economic gain. In almost all cases, active roles in other trade and businesses are given over to others while serving.
Barthos Killian has served as Presidor for seven years, mainly because he has led the Freelands to the most prosperous times they have ever enjoyed. He is a crafty trader who is not above a little scheming and manipulation for greater gain. However, his scruples are impeccable when it comes to the Freelands and their autonomy.
The Adjudicator of the Free Trade Council (High Mistress Jenia Arbora) - The Adjudicator is the premiere arbitrator of all the Freelands. This office maintains a sizeable staff dedicated to overseeing legal disputes of all kinds, as well as trying criminal and civil cases. The legal system of the Freelands is one of the most complex and sophisticated in all of Shaintar, and the Adjudicator oversees this process.
Jenia Arbora is a Fae, hailing from the Sharlor Forest. She has served as Adjudicator for eleven years and has a reputation for honesty, fairness, and incorruptibility. She is also known to be one of the most stubborn and immovable opponents in any negotiation or debate ever known.
The Monitor of the Free Trade Council (High Master Graham Reese) - The Monitor's almost sacred duty is to oversee all laws, trade agreements, treaties, and other official actions and determine if they are in keeping with the letter and the spirit of Freelands Autonomy Proclamation. The Monitor also is intended to serve as the conscious of the Council, considering the effects of all policies on the populace at large. An Observer (a special member of the Monitor's staff) is expected to accompany all diplomatic and trade-relation missions.
Graham Reese has only served a year as Monitor; his predecessor, Jacob Farston, was found to be corrupt and involved with House Malakar in less-than-savory dealings. So far, Graham has done an excellent job, although his youth has him at a disadvantage sometimes when dealing with more venerable guildmasters.
The Lord Commander of Lone Keep (Commander Valen Erikart, Knight of the White Shield) - Much of the military order that is the Freelords of Lone Keep is still a mystery. Heroes, mercenaries, and adventurers have flocked to the lonely lakeside fortress to find their fortunes or their souls for centuries. Lone Keep has ever stood as the bastion against outside forces who threatened the freedom of the Freelands.
There is known to be the Commander, a highly respected and well-known leader, who commands the Freelords. There are known to be Captains and Group Leaders, but the order defies any comprehensive study of its structure. Nonetheless, it is one of the most formidable forces in all of Shaintar; though it numbers only a few thousand, it is believed the Freelords could stand against the mightiest legions or kantors fielded.
Valen Erikart has served as the Lord Commander for over twenty years. He is a member of the mysterious Order of the White Shield, an body of knights that dates back to the blood bond of Vol Al-daya. He is a quiet man, given to thoughtful consideration of all situations. His honor is paramount to him, but it does not blind him to his duties as Commander.