Abhmad Saluja

Abhmad is arrogant, spoiled and detached from the lives of ordinary citizens. He sees social status as an indication of human worth and has little empathy for the people living in Balbadd's slums.

He is also politically gullible. His confidence in his royal authority is not matched by strategic judgment, allowing advisers connected to the Kou Empire and Al-Thamen to exploit his weaknesses.

Abhmad reacts poorly to opposition because he is accustomed to obedience. Alibaba's challenge therefore strikes at both his policies and his assumption that royal birth gives him unquestioned authority.

Abhmad has no notable combat abilities or magical powers. His power comes from his position as king and the governmental machinery under his control.

As Balbadd's ruler, he commands officials and military resources and has authority over the kingdom's economic policy. His inability to use that authority competently is central to Balbadd's crisis.

He is particularly vulnerable to financial manipulation. The Banker associated with Al-Thamen exploits Abhmad's ignorance and encourages policies that make Balbadd increasingly dependent on Kou currency and loans.

Abhmad is the reigning monarch when Alibaba returns to Balbadd and becomes involved with the Fog Troupe. Years of mismanagement have placed the kingdom under enormous financial pressure.

With the Kou Empire's influence growing, Abhmad accepts increasingly damaging arrangements while continuing to treat the poor as expendable. His government becomes the principal political target of the Fog Troupe.

Alibaba ultimately confronts the monarchy with a plan intended to resolve the crisis without simply replacing one tyrant with another. Abhmad is removed from power when Balbadd's monarchy is abolished. He and Sahbmad later receive asylum through Sinbad and become involved in studying the ancient Torran language and culture.

Alibaba Saluja is Abhmad's younger half-brother and eventually becomes the most direct challenger to his rule.

Sabhmad Saluja is Abhmad's younger brother and viceroy. Sabhmad eventually opposes him after learning the extent of his plans for Balbadd's population.

Rashid Saluja is Abhmad's father and predecessor as king.

Kougyoku Ren is initially proposed as Abhmad's marriage partner as part of Kou's political designs concerning Balbadd.

Markkio serves as a financial adviser whose recommendations push Abhmad and Balbadd deeper into dependence on Kou.

Sinbad becomes involved in resolving the Balbadd crisis and later arranges asylum for Abhmad and Sahbmad.