Each tribe is ruled over by a chieftain and his family. The position is traditionally hereditary through the male line, but such is the nature of tribal life a chieftain or would-be heir that does not have the support of the tribespeople will find it very difficult to maintain control.

  The chieftain oversees all matters of local law and presides over weddings, funerals and other ceremonies. He is the warleader of the tribe, and will often be the most accomplished fighter. His chosen band will have the best equipment and be made up of the most able warriors, acting as militia to enforce the chieftain's rule. Sons and brothers typically form the council of the chieftain, along with any other elders who have proven themselves sufficiently wise or favoured. Patronage is the general rule, as the chieftain is ultimately responsible for settling land claims, marriage or inheritance disputes and other disagreements. It is a brave Salphor who risks the displeasure of his chieftain, and those who do not earn his favour will be shunned until they make appropriate gifts or leave in self-exile.

  Amongst the chieftains of a people, rank is determined by a fluid hierarchy of personal ability, old debts and the power of his tribe. The chieftain's council of each people meets irregularly to discuss important issues and resolve inter-tribal disputes, but it is a temporary organisation. In times of war or hardship, a chieftain may call upon his fellow council members for warriors or aid, and the council will decide whether the people will act or not. As with tribal politics, there is little loyalty between the chieftains despite oaths sworn and gifts exchanged. Just as a tribesperson that angers a chieftain is isolated, a chieftain that continually acts against the council's wishes or does not support the council's decisions will find his tribe treated as pariahs.

  The most senior and well-respected chieftains of a people, usually no more than half-a-dozen, form an inner circle to act as representatives to the king. In this role they represent the people as whole – in theory, at least.

  The Salphors are ruled over by their king. For many decades, he has been the chieftain of Carantathi, by far the largest settlement in Salphoria; though the city has been conquered several times and the line of kings changed. It is a precarious position to be king, imparting great power to call on the peoples of Salphoria but always responsible to the chieftain councils. More than one king has found his support taken away, to be usurped by a more favoured chieftain.

  The king is responsible for the most important decisions of tradition in law, presiding over disagreements between peoples, mustering armies from many tribes and responding to unexpected disaster such as pestilence or invasion. As is typical of the contrary nature of the Salphors, a king may be roundly despised by all of his subjects and yet remain in power if he deals suitably with the demands of the chieftain councils.