The people of the Kingdom of Tarsh are of Alakoring heritage. Alakoring was a great hero from Ralios, a land to the west, who influenced the people to the north and west of Dragon Pass, the area to the south of the Kingdom of Tarsh today. He led the local people during the time of the Empire of Wyrms Friends and also spread new ideas and leadership methods. His influence was such that many peoples were called after him. Around 300 years ago Arim the Pauper led his followers south in to Tarsh and Dragon Pass where they settled.
The people of Tarsh were originally Orlanthi like their neighbours in Sartar to the south though there was more focus on the family and kingdom than the clan and tribe. With the influence of the Earth Cults and the Lunars women are more often found in positions of power and responsibility than was usually the way. There is also a distinction between those in the south and the north of the kingdom with southerners more likely to secretly follow the ways of Orlanth while northerners have a more Lunar influenced outlook.
It is easy to categorise the people of Tarsh in to three broad types.
Highlanders live a tougher life in smaller villages of around a dozen steadhouses, long houses, in the upland areas of Tarsh. They tend to follow the older ways and some still secretly worship Orlanth despite the ban though they are still loyal to the King. Many are skilled hunters and few own slaves. Men tend to have beards and woman are strong and stubborn.
Lowlanders are wealthier than there upland cousins but also the heart of the Tarsh militias. They are happy to farm the land whilst keeping an eye out for bandits and the likes. They live in wealthier steadhouses within stockade villages with their animals close by. They generally accept the ban of the worship of Orlanth but have not fully adopted Lunar beliefs either. Women are more traditional in their roles worshipping Ernalda and keeping to their old defined roles.
Valleyfolk have changed the most as trade, opportunities and increased wealth have effected them. More villages have been rebuilt in the Lunar style and more are becoming one with Lunar ways. Orlanth worship is rare and Lunar gods and goddesses more common. The status of women has increased with many in positions of power as officials and even slave farm mangers.
The Hydra Hills, and Rasanach, are firmly highland folk with pockets of lowlanders and valleyfolk around the most wealthy areas such as Baile Copair (Copper Town).
Like most of Glorantha, the Kingdom of Tarsh has slavery as a central part of its culture and economy. They work in the extensive slave farms, in the mines and pretty much everywhere. Traditionally Thralls were temporarily taken in to servitude and tended to have specific skills and knowledges. Under the Lunars this has increased with a different class of slave born and bred for general slavery. As chattels slaves can be bought and sold, their treatment is very much dependant on the whims of their master.