Tarabon
Tarabon lies on the Aryth Ocean, just south of the disputed Almoth Plain, which they have squabbled over with Arad Doman for almost 300 years. Taraboners have a tendency to call themselves the Tree of Man, claiming descent from rulers and nobles of the Age of Legends. Their banner ever pictures the Tree of Life, the Golden Tree.
Tarabon is ruled jointly by the King and Panarch – who are both elected by the Assembly of Lords. Both heads have equal authority, yet perform different tasks. The Panarch collects taxes, customs and duties, controls the Civil Watch, and oversees the lower courts. On the other hand the King’s duty is to spend the collected revenue in an appropriate manner, to control the army and to oversee the High Court.
The capital city of Tanchico (map: pg 618 TSR) is perhaps one of the oldest surviving cities in Randland. The city is built over and around the steep hills of three peninsulas – the Verana, Maseta and Calpene and lies on the mouth of the River Andahar. This can be good for trade, but can also be considered a danger since enemy vessels have access to the city. That’s why there are fortifications at the mouth of the river, on either bank. Each peninsula has a “circle” or assembly arena among its buildings. The Panarch’s palace, situated on the Verana peninsula is a wondrous construct. Its central hall is lined with rows of white columns and contains a display of all types of ancient artefacts, among which can be found cuendillar figures, rare sculptures and even angreal. And unfortunately, although the city gives the appearance of perfect white stone or plaster, this is an illusion, as many of the buildings have been terribly neglected, and are shabby, with rotting wood and chipped and cracked stone. The Calpene peninsula district has become notoriously bad, a haunt for homeless refugees, with thieves and cutthroats ruling the streets.
But on to lighter things: the fashions of Tarabon! In Tarabon it is considered impolite to completely reveal one’s face, except when eating or drinking. As a result, both men and women wear a transparent veil. It looks uncomfortable, but it’s really quite fine. And Taraboners learn as children how to wear them properly. It is almost an art. Although Noblewomen veil their faces, they do not always believe in hiding their figures. Most wear clinging gowns made of thin silk that can be quite revealing. All Taraboner women are known for wearing their hair in thin braids. Taraboner men dress in baggy white pants and coats decorated with scrollwork embroidery on the shoulders. Loose-fitting shirts with embroidered chests are worn under the coats. Men often have thick moustaches under their veils, but do not usually wear beards. They wear dark cylindrical caps on their thick, dark hair.
As homework, I would like you to apply the knowledge of Tarabon to a role-play. Write up a few paragraphs about your character visiting Tarabon. How might they react to what they see? What might they do there? Be creative!
For any extra-needed info:
WoT Concordance - http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Corridor/2451/wotc.txt
Illustrated WoT Worldbook - http://www.fantasyalternative.org/wot/world/worldbook.html
Cairhien
Altara Tear
The Borderlands
Arad Doman and Murandy Illian and Mayene The Atha'an Miere The Ogier
