The Réig is the ultimate ruler of the Five Realms, which were unified by the First Réig. The ancient oaths made to the Réig are what bind the Realms together, and everyone from the Iarlas of the Realms to the lowliest peasant owes their allegiance to the Réig. In the martial society of the Five Realms, the Réig is expected to be the greatest of generals and a heroic warrior in their own right. They are also the prime instrument of the Shaper’s will in Tirneach, just as the first Réig brought the word and power of the Shaper to a land benighted by the Gwyllt. The Réig must also rule with wisdom and with justice, for although their word is law, there is precedent for a tyrannical Réig to be deposed and replaced.
The First Oath that bands of gallóglaigh swear is to the Réig, to serve and obey them above all others. The Réig allows the gallóglaigh to work for the Tiarnaí and High Families throughout the Realms, but they take a tithe of the money that the gallóglaigh earn this way. Only by serving the Réig directly can the gallóglaigh keep all of their pay, and only the most renowned bands can hope to have that honour.
The Réig’s seat is at Corroch in the Realm of Uasa. Uasa is the only Realm not to have an Iarla, instead the Réig and their counsellors rule the Realm directly along with the Five Realms as a whole. The Citadel of the Shaper is in Corroch also, and the Réig is advised by the Council of Prelates, the six heads of the Five Orders, in both spiritual and temporal matters. The gallóglaigh have their headquarters in Corroch. They often vye with House Roaring Thunder, the Drakeblooded House that serves as the Réig’s bodyguards, to show who are the Réig’s most dedicated servants.
The current réig is Tiernan Mac Aonghusa. The highlander first made his name as vanquisher of the Bloodwater Spirits, winning a lowland riding and a marriage for his daring deeds. During the Season of Uncertainty, he led the campaign against Mairí the Brute, the murderous, cruel usurper who sought to claim the throne of the Réig. He personally slew her in battle. Tiernan was to duel Iarla Éalthna Ni Órfhaiche of Siabhal for the throne, but on the morning of the duel she knelt before him and proclaimed she had had a vision, and that it was the Shaper’s will that Tiernan Mac Aonghusa be réig. Since ascending the throne, Tiernan has been trying to bring order after the chaos of the Season of Uncertainty, and sending bands of gallóglaigh to drive back the Great Forest with a fervour not seen in generations.