A corpulent elemental of corruption and bad taste, Balabar Smenk lords his political clout over everyone in Diamond Lake save the par-chieftan and garrison commander, whom he privately mocks. Smenk has wrestled four mines into his possession in the last 10 years, and has designs upon the rest. A coven of sycophants and hired goons surrounds him at all times, not the least of which is Boss Durgha. Rumors suggest that he has powerfully connected friends in Qalachi.