Derku (DER-koo) is one of the nations that belonged to the Old Kheman Empire. The people are Derkian (der-KEY-an). Its coast is on the Inner Sea.

The King is elected from among the priests of Vendil. On his accession the King assumes the title Vizak, since only a Vizak can rule here. The seat of government is Alkontel (AL-con-tell).

There is a Synod of Alkontel, which advises the Vizak. It is two-thirds senior priests and one-third Archmages of long residence in Derku.

Theft is not a crime in Derku. Though it is not a crime to steal goods, nor is it a crime to steal them back. Within Alkontel itself there is a death-penalty for harming a thief who is stealing, but in the rest of Derku people who steal tend to find themselves convicted of trespass, assault, or treading on a piece of green cloth. The History of Derku explains this.

Chiefs administer the law. In town, they are called magistrates, and pay for the patrolling guards out of the taxes they collect. The Vizak selects magistrates; village councils appoint chiefs.

People use animals to protect their property, especially in Alkontel. Guard dogs are owned by anyone with anything to protect. Almost as popular are falcons trained to swoop at the eyes of intruders.

Tax is not levied in Derku. However, guards circulate in markets and at the docks, stealing what they feel is a fair proportion of profits made. This works out at around 10%. If a greedy magistrate tries to steal an unfair amount from the peasants around his town, the local chiefs appeals to the Vizak, or the peasants see off the collectors. Peasants with work-tools are amongst the best-armed people in Derku, and are proud of it.

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