The king rules by means of appointed lords, one in each town, and by the fealty of the landed nobility and the rich merchant lords. The landed nobility is extensive and interbred, such that most can claim a drop or two of royal blood in their veins. The merchant lords are the wealthiest caravan and business owners of the day and change with the shifts of fortune.

Each local lord is responsible for defending the local farms, dispensing the king's justice, keeping the peace, serving as the king's eyes and ears, and (most important) collecting tithes for the king and for himself (1sp/head/year). The lord also must maintain a fit, fast horse of the best quality for the use of the king's messengers (who ride fast and far, requiring them to change mounts at every stop).

Each lord is allowed up to 40 men-at-arms, plus up to six guides/captains (typically rangers). These may serve as the town guard. Volunteer town guardsmen are known as the Watch, and the lord may exempt them from the tax if their service has been valuable.

The relationship between the landed nobility and the appointed local lords is generally good, though many established families treat the local lord servants of the crown as no more than royal lackeys, to be bossed about or flattered as need be.