Chingetai is a Merikit chief, by virtue of being Gran Cyd's first housebond. He is the religious leader of the Merikit, his role lying in the religious ceremonies, while Gran Cyd is the civil and military leader. In Seeker's Mask, after his son "Sonny" dies ignobly in the mouth of the River Snake at Kithorn and Jame survives, he declares Jame his son, and tells her to take his former son's name and fill his boots.