Taratochs

Taratochs
Status:	Historical Figure
Aliases:	The Wide-Armed, Skullcleaver
Race:	Dwarf
Gender:	Female
Type:	emperor

Dwarven heroine of the Elven-Human War. Nicknamed the Wide-Armed and Skullcleaver. She was named leader of the delegation of dwarves sent to Verek to discuss the Empire. The dwarves agreed to join the empire only after the Olvi, Baraliban, pleaded with them to join.

She was made Emperor (901-894 BL) after Verek and before Lenvuc. Construction on Throne City was begun during her rule.

Taratochs proposed a unified currency for the empire, originally to be named after the first emperor, and later known as the Dira.

Dwarven Timeline, approx 1000 years ago

The heralds explain that attendance by all Dwarves is an impossibility, and that they will have to send empowered representatives. After some initial surprise at this concept, a lengthy meeting gives pride of place to Taratochs, called Skullcleaver among the other races because of her activities during the Elven-Human War, Taratochs is a simple guard whose opinion looms neither large nor small with her kin; she is chosen because of her luck and regard among non-Dwarves.

Hibarnhvidar Albreda Shrine

From the meditation wall in Albreda's Shrine in outer Hibarnhvidar:

The artwork on this portion of the wall depicts Taratochs at the Second Session of the Seven-Starred Empire where the Halfling Baraliban bowed to the Dwarven representative, an act of utmost politeness which begat the common Dwarven saying, "as gracious as Baraliban."

Hibarnhvidar Sculpture

Found in the center of the main level of Inner Hibarnhvidar:

The sculpture is of Taratochs, called Skullcleaver. Incised into its base are her words.

A marble sculpture reads:

"We Dwarves say nay to your paper. Now ignore us an' you will, Dwarves never will pay others to rule us. Nor either shall Dwarves accept guards in our tunnels from your Six-Fingered Empire."