For many reasons, Port Saban is one of the most visited places in Sinfar. The breathtaking landscapes, the architecture, the trade opportunities, the arena and also, for some, its brothels…

That variety of experiences the city can offer is perfectly embodied by its ruler: the sultan Kezef Al-Shannah. A self-proclaimed tyran for some, a just leader for others, the sultan Kezef is a good reflection of the city itself: complex, with multiple layers and with lots of secrets to unfathom…

Sultan, can you please intoduce yourself to our readers?
Kezef Al-Shannah: I’m Kezef Al-Shannah, the Sultan of Saban.

How did you gain that position?
Kezef Al-Shannah: The question everyone’s probably wondering… The « how » part wasn’t that complicated. I had helped build this city originally, and had power and influence leftover from those times. Besides, there was no major power to compete with aside from a few thugs. So… I just took over, and whatever governance was still left in the city simply obliged.

When did that happen? And did it happen peacefully?
Kezef Al-Shannah: It’s been over three years now, and no, my arrival was not peaceful. I had to ruffle a few feathers to establish my authority, and I could have probably approached things differently, but there was something I was trying to accomplish, which was to establish safety. It’s hard to make an omlette without breaking an egg or two. Since then though things have been fairly quiet in terms of violent thuggery.

Who or what group represented the opposition at the times? And why?
Kezef Al-Shannah: Hmm… I’d rather not go into the details with names or pointing fingers. Most of the bad actors have moved on in one way or another. Some I’m on quite amicable terms with, now.

How does your government work? Are you alone at the head of it, or do you have collaborators?
Kezef Al-Shannah: Any good leader must know to delegate, and I try to do that wherever I can. I serve as the sole head of the government, but there are many clerks, ministers, and other civic servants. The scale of the enterprise helps keep things fairly simple, and yet be hands-on enough to prevent any major corruption. With military matters there’s the City Guard, headed by Captain Zaeed. The High Priestess of Bast Aliandra oversees most religious and health matters. The market mostly runs itself, and the government’s funds are made mainly from tariffs and taxes on goods passing through.

Does that mean your administration is recruiting? And if so, what kind of profile would you be looking for?
Kezef Al-Shannah: There’s always work to do, so sure, we’re hiring for various positions. Currently I’m looking for experienced officers to fill positions in the navy and airforce, but there are plenty of civic duties to fulfill as well. An event organizer would be fantastic, for example.

Is there any heir currently to the throne?
Kezef Al-Shannah: I do have daughters, but none aim for the throne… So no, there is not. It’s being worked on though!

Saban is well known for its unique architecture, and you’re the main architect of the city… How do you work, as an architect, and what ispired you? Do you work alone?
Kezef Al-Shannah: The « how » part is typically slow and steady. I have a great construction crew that can do magic when it comes to realizing projects. Without them I’d be rather helpless… I do typically tend to design alone. It’s nice to do it with others, but typically leads to distractions. Back when the city was first being designed and Lady Kadijah was in charge I served as her mentor and advisor, so we spent countless hours looking at various projects. I haven’t really found such a design partner since then. As for what inspired me… Real leaders don’t do it for fun, but because someone has to, or so I believe. The inspiration for what I do stems from me wanting to create a welcoming space for everyone, free and safe to allow people to focus on other things. Friends, and still sharing the dream for Saban are my main inspirations, I’d say.

Do you have a creation you’re particularly proud of?
Kezef Al-Shannah: The fire fountain is a design I am proud of. There’s also the chessboard, but I can only take a fraction of the credit for what that took to make.

Any future projects of renovations in the city ?
Kezef Al-Shannah: Too many, really… There’s a new settlement being built on the other side of the island. I’m also working on designing an arena for chess tournaments… and re-designing the Temple of Bast. Those are the current top priorities.

And regarding the activities in the city? You mentionned searching for an event manager, and Sabban is also known for its fairs or its arena nights… Anything new coming ? Also, do you foresee a collaboration with Yvie Linelle in the future ?
Kezef Al-Shannah: Well, there’s a tradition of holding fairs and Saban is due for at least one this year. Alyfryn tends to help me organize those when it comes to vendors, as you already know. As for Yvie, it’s been a real pleasure to have her host the arena events here. We were just talking about doing a chess tournament, so I certainly plan to continue collaborating with her.

Slavery is rather common on the islands, but its organisation greatly varies depending on where it is applied… How is it applied in Sabban?
Kezef Al-Shannah: Slavery is a sensitive topic in most any conversation… Here it is treated as a necessary evil, because it is always going to remain a part of local culture whether governed or not. In that sense, there area few reasons why someone might be a slave here. For one, many do it by choice in search of a certain lifestyle, two, someone might become a slave as punishment for crimes, and three as a repayment for debts. Any slave must be registered with the city to be recognized as such, which means that someone that might be considered a slave elsewhere is a free person when they step foot here.

So, owning an unregistered slave in the city and treating them as such would be considered a crime?
Kezef Al-Shannah: Not necessarily, but circumstancially it could be. For example, if a master brings a slave on a leash and parades her around it’s not a crime, but if he beats her or abuses her that goes against the wishes of the « slave », it would be treated as an aggression against a free person.

And if they’re registered? Do the slaves have any rights if their master are abusive?
Kezef Al-Shannah: Even a registered slave has certain rights here, too. Everyone deserves a chance to prosper while alive… Still, if someone willingly allows themselves to be official slaves, it is not an easy bond to get out of. A petition for freedom can be made, but it’s subject to review and possible recompense for the master.

A lighter question to finish the interview. It is known that you are a more than decent cook, and that you also planned to be in a music band… Do you still have time for all that? And do you plan to take the time to develop these talents in the future?
Kezef Al-Shannah: I do enjoy cooking and frequently help make my own meals. I can show you the kitchen on the way back… but I have little time to offer anything commercially. As for the musical arts, it’s something I’ve delegated to the professionals!

No regrets about it?
Kezef Al-Shannah: I see no point in fretting over bygones. Everything has a price in this river of life. If I chose to pursue music then I’d have to sacrifice time out of something else.

Any last words you’d want to give to our readers?
Kezef Al-Shannah: Hmmm… if anything, I’d like to welcome them to Saban, where trade is free and respect is a given. There are plenty of opportunities for work, as mentioned before too. Saban is not me nor am I Saban, but I am here to serve and protect all of its denizens. If anyone needs something to that end, I am more than available.

Vincent D. Ryder