Ven

The Ven was the title of the ruler of the city of Tsurlagol in the Vast.

The Ven was elected by the members of the Council, consisting of Tsurlagol's highest nobles and leading merchant lords, from among their number. Each Ven served for a 10-year term, in which their word was law, though unpopular Ven tended to die prematurely. Strangely, the true identity of the Ven was kept secret throughout their reign; it was an odd arrangement but apparently worked well for Tsurlagol.

The spokesperson of the Ven was the Ven's Voice, who served as their chief advisor and announced the Ven's decrees to the people of Tsurlagol. However, the Voice was often more powerful than the Ven.