Emir of Zaragoza
Status
Major NPC - Ruler of Zaragoza
Overview
The Emir of Zaragoza is a powerful Muslim ruler in the Upper March whose nephew was recently assassinated by the party in a dramatic and public attack on his fortress. The assassination, witnessed by dozens and culminating in fire, has made the party's group the most wanted fugitives in the region.
Political Position
The Emir rules Zaragoza, the most important city in the Upper March (al-Thaghr al-A'la), making him one of the most powerful regional governors. In the context of 894 AD's weakening central authority from Córdoba, he exercises considerable autonomy in governing his territories.
Regional Authority
- Controls Zaragoza and surrounding territories including Alagón
- Commands garrison forces throughout the Upper March
- Appoints local officials like the Qadi of Alagón and Garrison Commander of Alagón
- Maintains relations with both the weakening Córdoba caliphate and neighboring powers
- Must balance Christian threats from the north with internal Muslim politics
The Assassination
The Attack
The party infiltrated the Emir's fortress and killed his nephew in a spectacular fashion:
- Entered via abandoned tunnels beneath the fortress
- Fought through bandits in the tunnels
- Attempted to bluff their way through the fortress (failed)
- Engaged in combat with guards
- Killed the prince/nephew
- Set fire to the building
- Escaped with multiple witnesses watching
The Aftermath
Following the assassination:
- Dozens of witnesses saw the attack
- The fortress/palace was damaged by fire
- Regional security alert issued to all controlled territories
- Alagón and other towns placed on heightened watch
- Massive manhunt mobilized for the party
- Guards searching river routes and mountain passes
Current Situation
The Manhunt
The Emir's response has been swift and extensive:
- Garrisons reinforced throughout the region
- River traffic monitored, especially along the Ebro River
- Town gates under increased scrutiny
- Informants activated in markets and lodging houses
- Coordination with neighboring authorities
- Descriptions of the party circulated widely
Political Impact
The nephew's death creates significant consequences:
- Public humiliation: The brazen attack undermines the Emir's authority
- Power vacuum: Questions about succession and regional stability
- Pressure to respond: Must demonstrate strength to maintain position
- Regional tensions: Could escalate conflicts with Christian powers if they're blamed
- Internal questions: How did security fail so spectacularly?
Emir's Response
The Emir must:
- Restore public confidence in his ability to maintain order
- Pursue the assassins vigorously to demonstrate authority
- Investigate how the infiltration occurred
- Consider broader implications for fortress security
- Project strength while dealing with actual vulnerability
The Prince/Nephew
Little is known about the murdered heir beyond:
- Position as nephew to the Emir
- Residence in the Zaragoza fortress
- Importance to succession or regional governance
- Potentially involved in broader political machinations
- True motives behind his assassination remain unclear
- Who hired the party and why?
Relations with Valencia
The Emir's relationship with the Emir of Valencia is significant but unclear:
- Fellow rulers in the Upper March
- Potentially rivals for regional influence
- May coordinate on security matters (like hunting the party)
- Different political orientations (Valencia's progressive stance vs. Zaragoza's unknown position)
- Connection through Halfdan the Red, who serves Valencia but hunts the Emir of Zaragoza's nephew's killers
Regional Context
The Emir rules during a complex period in Iberia:
- 894 AD with competing Christian and Muslim powers
- Weakening central authority from Córdoba
- Increasing autonomy of local strongmen
- Ongoing conflicts and shifting allegiances
- Presence of foreign mercenaries and adventurers
- Complex underground networks (bandits, smugglers, spies)
Connection to Party
The party is now:
- Marked assassins with dozens of witnesses to their deed
- Most wanted fugitives throughout his territories
- Currently in Alagón, one of his towns
- Holding critical intelligence about other conspiracies (Halfdan the Red, Fatima al-Rashid)
- Potentially valuable: They might have information about who hired them
- Dangerous loose ends: They know about the fortress's vulnerabilities
Questions
- What was the nephew's role in regional politics?
- Why did someone want him dead? Who hired the party?
- How extensive will the manhunt be?
- What is the Emir's political orientation (progressive, conservative, pragmatic)?
- Will he discover the party's connection to other plots?
- How will this affect Christian-Muslim relations in the region?
- What is his relationship with the Emir of Valencia?
- Will he coordinate with Valencia in the manhunt?
Connections