Ref Calla

## Overview

Ref Calla is a male Callaxian and the de facto King of Tarn. He is the current head of the Calla family, one of the oldest and most influential families on the planet Callax. Despite being primarily the rulers of the autonomous New Bray'ed region, the Calla family, led by Ref, has a significant impact on the future of Callax due to their honorary status as monarchs of Tarn.

## Early Life and Background

Ref Calla was born into the Calla family, a line of rulers and high-ranking officials on Callax. He was not originally slated to become the King of Tarn but was thrust into the role following the death of his older brother.

Before he assumed the role of King, Ref was a fighter pilot and fought in the controversial Rayz Engagements, a series of military confrontations that tarnished his father's reign and are viewed by many as a low point in the family's history. This exposure to the front lines of conflict and the fallout from it shaped Ref's perception of power and the importance of maintaining a favorable public image.

He saw his ascension to power as an opportunity to distance himself from his father's divisive reign and enact changes that would benefit the people of Callax. To this end, Ref has worked to rehabilitate the image of the Calla family and prove himself as a leader capable of making hard decisions for the welfare of his subjects.

## Reign as King of Tarn

As King of Tarn, Ref has made a concerted effort to appear compassionate and understanding, especially towards the Zeds, the lowest class in the Stratist system, even allowing rhetoric that denounces the Rayz Engagements. He has sought to project a generous and jovial image to his people, engaging in Zed relief programs and opening the Calla Complex for feasts during holidays to Zeds and Laxes.

Ref's primary motivation is preserving stability and the status quo, a stance born out of a desire to retain power but perhaps also out of genuine concern for his people and culture. He is not as fervently Stratist as he presents himself to be, often willing to bend or ignore the rules when he believes it serves the greater good.

## Personal Life

Ref's personal life is marked by tragedy and tension. He lost his wife, Go'mul Calla, to a cancer that could have been cured by the advanced technology offered by the Mission, but he chose to adhere to Traditionalist beliefs and reject their intervention. This decision has created a rift between Ref and his daughter Dra'rek, who holds him and her brother Brek responsible for her mother's death.

Ref's relationship with his son Brek is one of careful observation and unspoken uncertainty. He sees in Brek a stronger belief in the Stratum than he himself possesses, an observation he keeps closely guarded. He's not yet sure if the strength of Brek's belief might be either a strength or weakness to him. Ref's relationship with the game of Strategex, forced upon him by his father, is also fraught, marked by resentment and bad memories.

As the start of the Callaxian Civil War in A4550, Ref Calla continues his reign as the King of Tarn. His position and actions have seen him align with the Stratist Traditionalists and the Union of Planets, against the Shoehorns led by his rebellious daughter Dra'rek.

## Controversy

There have been allegations regarding the Calla family's involvement in organized crime, specifically the suspected links with the notorious Manni Family. Accusations suggest that the Calla family has allowed the Manni Family to operate their illegal activities in Qarnath without much interference from local law enforcement. In return, it's alleged that the Manni Family limits its outward activities within Norvia and New Bray'ed.

Ref Calla has never openly addressed these allegations and the official position of the Calla family is of staunch opposition to all forms of organized crime. However, critics argue that this public stance may be more about maintaining a positive public image and controlling public opinion than it is about genuinely combating said crime.

The existence of these allegations and their implications make Ref's public actions even more heavily scrutinized. His decision to open the doors of the Calla Complex to Zeds and Laxes during holidays for feasts has been seen by some as a PR move to counterbalance these negative perceptions.