Phargentes commands a detachment of 32 peltasts of the Doblian Dogeaters), providing the garrison for Red Cow Fort. A career soldier, Phargentes is determined to acquit himself with honor. His unit’s first year in the post has been rocky, as they learn to fight a guerrilla war. Youthful optimism has been replaced with cynicism as the sober reality of the conflict sinks in.
Phargentes came convinced that the Sartarites would welcome the Lunar Empire as it brought the benefits of the Red Goddess. He has been surprised by the hostility he has encountered. An ambush that left him with a vicious scar on one cheek colored his perception even more.
Inside the forts and cities Phargentes feels that he and his men can relax, but in the backcountry, he feels threatened, isolated, and outnumbered.
His attitude, increasingly reflected by his men, is to assume that people outside the towns and cities are mostly rebel sympathizers, outlaws, and thieves who deserve little compassion. His men have begun to disregard the ‘rights’ of locals, administering beatings and reprisals without reprimand. He regards most local demands for compensation for offenses as being attempts to profiteer from the Empire. “Better they fear us than they hold us in contempt,” has become the Dogeater attitude.
He will talk as an equal with chieftains or priests, or members of the inner ring but dislikes the haughty attitude of other local thanes, most of whom he regards a ‘jumped up’ local strong men.
Under orders from Jomes Hostralos he is trying to set up joint patrols into the wild areas to hunt down outlaws, but is worried that the local forces are just as likely to turn on his men as help them.
Phargentes often clashes with Estavia Goldeyes. Estavia sees the purpose of the Lunar presence in Red Cow Fort as being conversion of the people. Phargentes thinks it is about maintaining order and keeping the peace. She encourages the men to take part in games of kick-the-ball, sword-and-shields, and horse-fights with the locals. Phargentes frowns on such fraternization, worrying that it will lead to discipline issues or claims for compensation from the fractious locals.
Phargentes reports directly to Jomes Hostralos.