Banu Ziyad: the ruling tribe of the Kushaila who, before the conquest of the Vath, ruled the entire planet. They were decimated in the conquest and are now survived by Itou, the Dowager Sultana, and Maram vak Mathis, the Vathek king’s half-Kushaila daughter and Imperial Heir. Based out of the Walili province on the main continent. Their colors are green and gold, and their crest is a tesleet bird in flight.

Banu Salih: a ruling tribe almost as large and powerful as the Ziyadis, they were long allied with them before the conquest. In 4380 they attempted a coup against the Vath and failed. Idris ibn Salih is the only survivor of Vathek retribution from the main tribal branch. Their colors are green and red, and their crest is a lion’s head with a palm tree cresting over it.

Banu Mas’ud: a banner family to the Banu Salih, led by the twins ‘Imad and I’timad. Their colors are dark blue and gold, and their crest is a moon in sun.

Banu Nasir: a banner family to the Banu Salih, led by Khulood an-Nassiriya. Their colors are purple and white, and their crest is a dagger and coin.

The Zidane: an ethnic-tribal confederation much like the Kushaila, though they differ in their native tongue. Based largely out of the southern cities on the main continent.

Banu Wattasi: the largest tribe of the Zidane who aided in the coup led by the Salihis in 4380. Were largely obliterated by Vathek retribution. Furat al-Wattasia is the only survivor and is out of favor with the current royal court.

Banu Ifran: a small Zidane tribe who collaborated with the Vathek conquest and were in turn rewarded with wealth and lands. Now a power on the main continent. Their colors are red and gold, and their crest is a tower and palm frond.

The Tashfin: a tribal confederation based largely on the eastern continent and along the coast.

The Tazalghit: a nomadic pastoral tribal confederation known for their horses and cavalrywomen. Historically demanded tribute from city-states on the main continent, and later allied with the Ziyadis first in conquest and then in colonial resistance against the Vath. Many believe their numbers much diminished postwar, though they lead the rebellion in its current form.

THE VATHEK CONQUEST

YEAR 4356: Mathis commits patricide and takes over ruling the Vath.

YEAR 4359: The Vath begin conquest of the Outer Rim, with a young Mathis at their head. (The conquest includes Shlou and Rifa, and Moran-Andala is the final planet.)

YEAR 4363: The Seige of Andala begins.

YEAR 4364: Cadiz is seized and a base is established.

YEAR 4364: Vathek forces land on northern landmass, campaign lasts nine months.

YEAR 4367: The Vath take the south-southeast landmass.

YEAR 4369: The Seige of Walili begins, the loyalists buckle down and push Vathek forces out of Greater Walili and off the south-southwest landmass.