Mani Taming Association

The Mani Taming Association, more commonly known as the MTA, is the main institution regulating the taming of manis by humans. The MTA is divided into regional jurisdictions; while there are worldwide rules set by the MTA, each region has some rein over the MTA's regulations through a regional MTA board. Of Earth's ten regions, eight are full members of the MTA, one (the West Cities) is a partial member, and one (Corona) is a non-member, having its own completely-independent regulation board. Its international headquarters are located in Alexandria in Arberre.

While the MTA is a non-governmental agency, it is arguably the most powerful institution in the world, even more powerful than the governments of the largest regions; as taming arguably forms the core of human society in The Dhavas, the MTA's heavy rein over it worldwide cements its power. However, it has remained surprisingly uncorrupt for a long period of time.

The MTA sponsors camps and houses, the two main institutions of mani-taming.

History
The MTA was founded in Alexandria around 100 years before the beginning of The Dhavas, started by a group of mani tamers, doctors, and researchers who campaigned for the regulation of taming to secure rights for manis. They were especially inspired by the autobiography written by Icchata - a mani who worked in conditions similar to slavery in an isolated mine in Miskún, and then became the first mani in centuries to write a book - which they used as evidence that some, if not all manis had the emotional and intellectual capabilities of humans. The MTA was originally unpopular among the Arberrian elite, but gained popularity among the rural population and young mani tamers, and after protests and the beginnings of violent conflict, the Arberrian government accepted a petition to enact MTA regulations on mani-taming within the region. Thus, Arberre became the first region to enact significant mani-rights laws, including banning corporate ownership of manis, and instituting work hour limits as well as anti-abuse laws.

MTA delegations soon travelled to other regions, especially Hana and Miskún, the latter of which was still a haven for cruel mani labor; over the years, the MTA managed to establish itself in all regions except for Corona, who refused to join due to the economic advantage of their lax taming laws, and the West Cities, who banned mani-taming in the first place.