The politics of Meon Cluster

Although Meon Cluster and all of its worlds are nominally under Dahlsian rule, in reality, Dahlsi largely leave settlers to their own devices.

Large settlements can be placed under the control of the governors, called kahar. Kam-kahar is the head governor of Meon cluster who responds directly to the Directory. Daar-kahars preside over junction worlds - Sfal, Tydus, Kooine and Daesi. Some worlds have vel-kahars, and in extreme cases, individual settlements can have sil-kahars.

But for many settlers, the only sign of Dahlsian rule comes as the yearly appearance of the tax collectors. Dahlsian taxes include 1/12 of whatever material is produced in the world. Large settlements or settlements that control vital resources are under the strict supervision of Dahlsian officials. In smaller settlements, the taxation works on an honorary system. Of course, it often gets abused, but unless the production reaches a certain threshold, Dahlsi turn a blind eye.

New settlements are exempted from tax for a cycle (roughly two years), but further exemption can be granted if a community is struggling.

Of the taxes, 1/12, or monetary equivalent, is then given to the person who first explored the world, or in later cases, split between Mespana and the discoverer (up to the personal wealth cap of 1,000 eyelets).

The rest is largely dedicated to supporting other settlers. Tax collectors not only collect tributes but also investigate the status of the settlements. If a community is struggling, Dahlsi will support it with food, tools, construction materials, or medication. In some cases, sorcerers are deployed to work as teachers, healers, and protectors.

Dahlsi believe that everyone is entitled to basic necessities like food, shelter, and medical care, and provide such aid unconditionally. If the goods collected in taxes are not sufficient, Dahlsi purchase them. Dahlsian Trade Ministry offers lower prices than independent merchants but can purchase much greater volume and even set up regular purchases.

Apart from the Trade Ministry, Dahlsi allow free market, although all traders must be registered, pay 1/12 of their income, and surrender everything above the personal wealth cap. Trading companies are exempt from the wealth cap, but must pay ½ (later negotiated down to ⅓) of the income as tax. However, a lot of people operate outside of the system, bartering instead of using money and traveling to avoid Dahlsian officials.

Harder to avoid are Xha Xha trading guilds, which are mostly illegal and use force to extort money from traders.