Hogram was the strongest domain-master of the great clan Skarmer. During his rule, Skarmer lands had become overpopulated, so Hogram sent his grandson and heir, Fralk, on a military expedition into Omalo territory, east of the Ervis Gorge. The expedition was defeated, despite some reluctant assistance from the Soviet Union, and Hogram was forced to pay tribute to Reatur. This led to a severe chill in his relationship with the Tsiolkovsky crew, whose presence he had previously welcomed.