If you’re not from Ek’Gakel, don’t travel there. If you are native, then move. The so-called government of Ek’Gakel has evolved into a sort of representative plutocracy. Once a Kalamaran state, in 387 I.R. when the king died heirless, the nobility began to feud for control of the land. In the meantime, the wealthy merchant class began hiring mercenaries and arming the masses. The nobility was defeated and a lifelong office of Chancellor was established. When the current Chancellor dies or becomes unable to rule, the merchants hold an election and a new Chancellor is elected for life.

All things considered, this would have continued to be an excellent arrangement for the populace except for an unfortunate chain of events. The roaming, native Dejy tribes frequently war among themselves for hunting rights. An unscrupulous band of brigands took advantage of one such war and raided a Gakite merchant caravan while disguised as Ashyr, one of the warring Dejy tribes. The situation rapidly escalated and involved other Dejy tribes until now the Gakite military attacks all Dejy on sight, the Dejy attack each other and Gakite caravans on sight and freelancing brigands profit from the chaos.

The primary political tension for Ek’Gakel is between it and the Militocracy of Korak. Korak vigorously patrols its southwest border, keeping the other Young Kingdoms safe from invasion from the savage hobgoblins of Norga-Krangrel. In exchange for this service, Korak collects an annual tithe from its neighbors. Brond Epseln, the present High Chancellor of Ek’Gakel, refused to pay this tithe due to his own nation’s failing economy. He also claims that Korak should pay Ek’Gakel a tithe for fighting off the Dejy tribes.

This kingdom is part of the Young Kingdoms region on Tellene.