Duke Tomond was the ruler of the Duchy of Namdalen. This made him the direct opponent of the Emperor of Videssos due to the Duchy's rivalry with the Videssian Empire. During the war with the Yezda, Tomond sent many men against the Yezda. These were not trusted and called "Gamblers" and heretics for their theology. This mistrust was repaid in full when the Count Drax claimed the westlands for Namdalen and Tomond attempted to invade the Empire of Videssos with failed landings.