Imlach Hardadrimris took office as Canotar of Tharbad in early TA 1640 seven months ago after the suspicious death of his predecessor. This did not seem to be a wise appointment, for Imlach was a battlehardened soldier who had served Gondor for most of his life in Harondor. Although the doughty veteran had not really developed a feel for the politics of Cardolan, he had instituted an impressive program of reforms in Tharbad, which had grown accustomed to graft and disinterest from its Cánor. Unfortunately this quickly made Imlach a number of enemies among the more powerful guilds, although he remained popular with the less skilled groups (espe- cially the sailors and the laborers guilds).