Thay

Thay is a nation ruled by the eight Zulkirs of the dreaded Red Wizards. The nation relies heavily on slavery, a practice heavily frowned upon by nations throughout the north and northwestern Faerûn. The eight Zulkirs are the most powerful wizards in the nation in each school of magic, with the strongest being the lich Zulkir (necromancy). The Zulkirs elect the land's tharchions – civil governors who mange the mundane affairs of the realm and serve their every whim.

Despite the general distrust and dislike that most feel towards the Red Wizards, the mages are still able to extend their power to almost every corner of the Realms, running embassies (known as enclaves) in towns where slaving is otherwise banned. From here they run a lucrative business in the trade of magical items, spells and artefacts, making them virtually indispensable to many of their clients, and as such the wizards expand their sphere of influence ever further.

In Thay itself the Zulkirs and other prominent Red Wizards grow rich beyond imagination from this sinister trade. Using this wealth they constantly scheme and plot against each other &ndash and their neighbour nations. The armies of Thay have marched on Aglarond and Rashemen many times and folk fear that the time will soon come when the Zulkirs moblize again.