Fomoria (The Fomorian Empire)
Before the Awakening, Fomoria was a wild land. The Korchi ruled from coastal fortresses and forced their will on the Fomorian barbarians with armed raids and dark magic. In the year of the Awakening (0FO [201SA]) (according to legend), the spirit of the Lake, at the urging of Enki, rose to the defense of Fomoria. His rising sent shudders through the land and shattered the Korchi fortresses, killing most of their residents. After this Enki cloaked the island in mist, blessed the ten tribal leaders with knowledge and created a golden stele to serve as the law for all. By his word, as long as the Fomorians obeyed his laws, their lands would remain great.
For ten years the ten kings organized, brought civilization to the land and began the construction of a great fleet. In the year 10FO [211SA] the mist fell away from the island and the Fomorians exploded into the Western Ocean, in quest for a kingdom for each of the ten kings. Within two hundred years each king had his kingdom and their expansion stopped.
For the next 350 years (431 - 781FO [632-982SA]) the Kingdom of Fomoria experienced a golden age. In every known sea, except the Sea of Tears, the ten kings were supreme. Since this golden age the Empire has diminished in power, though this kingdom remains strong.
Population
This kingdom is the heart of the Fomorian Empire. It controls the home island of Fomoria and Fort Inan. Fort Inan (6,000) is a fortress city with a colony of 21,000 persons. The capital of the kingdom is the royal city Fomoria (109,000), site of the Golden Stele. Its other cities are Asidan (42,000), Manadan (30,000) and Miridan (22,000). The total population is 730,000.
The Fomorian Army is divided into two groups. The Sacred Guard is responsible for guarding the royal city, especially the Temple of Enki and the Royal Palace. It has 3,200 elite footmen and 800 elite cavalry. The Royal Army contains 1,000 elite footmen, 8,000 footmen, 12,000 trained militia and 3,000 cavalry. The militia defend the home island. The other troops are used to protect the home island, Fort Inan and to fight foreign wars.
Fomoria's Royal Fleet contains 150 warships, 50 trireme size or larger, and 50 large vessels that are used as transports. It is the most powerful fleet in the world.
Economy
Fomoria is incredibly rich. They import fine metals, stone and luxury items. The island of Miridan, in Fomoria's lake is the world's only source of ORICHALUM, a purple hued metal. Traditional Fomorians believe Enki blessed them with this metal to insure that the noble metals were not debased by use as coinage. They use it, instead of gold, silver and other fine metals, in coins. Fomorian law does not allow these fine metals to be used in coins. Those who visit Fomoria must trade their coins for the equivalent in Fomorian coins. The standard conversion ration is as follows:
| 1 | Fomorian Eagle | = | 1GC |
| 1 | Fomorian Ducat | = | 1SC |
| 1 | Fomorian Penny | = | 1CC |
| 1 | Fomorian Fin | = | 1BB |
The Eagle, Ducat and Penny each weigh 1/2 ounce. The Eagle is pure Orichalum. The Ducat is 10% Orichalum and 90% Lead. The Penny is 1% Orichalum and 99% Lead. The Fomorian Fin weighs 1/4 ounce and is made out of Tin.
NOTE - Failure to convert currency is punishable by 1 year in prison, a 10 Eagle fine and confiscation of the unconverted coinage.
Religion
The chief god of Fomoria is Enki. They also worship Ashur, Vahagn and Inanna. The King of Fomoria makes yearly sacrifices to the Spirit of the Lake, dumping large quantities of food and treasure into the deepest part of the lake. This is done to repay the spirit for his aid and assure that he remains quiet. The Fomorians have kept up this tradition for more than 800 years. Legend has it that a million gold coins worth of treasure lies at the bottom of the lake. Another legend, and common Fomorian belief, states that it is not alone.
Personality
Fomorians are a proud people, due to their mastery of the seas and the personal blessing that their god bestowed on them. They can be arrogant, domineering and stubborn toward non-Fomorians. This is especially true when the foreigner violates Fomorian law or tradition.
All Fomorians are devoted to honor, truth and lawful obedience. Once a Fomorian gives his word his promise is sacred to him. Fomorians do not lie and become violently upset if it is suggested that they have done so. As long as a foreigner comports himself with honest dignity, and respects Fomorian customs, he is treated fairly by the Fomorians.
Legal System
The King of Fomoria is an absolute ruler. He is the High King of the Fomorians and, by the Golden Stele, is authorized to adjudicate any dispute between the other kings. He is the chief interpreter of the Charter of Enki and the Golden Stele which, together, are the foundation of Fomorian culture. Finally, he is the hereditary High Priest of Fomoria's Temple of Enki and, thus, the most powerful religious leader in the Empire. Once he assumes the throne, he remains in the palace area (except for yearly pilgrimages to the lake) for the rest of his life.
NOTE - The only people with the right to see the King of Fomoria, after he assumes the throne, are the other kings, his military leaders, high religious officials and his family. No other person is ever admitted into his presence.
Fomoria's justice system relies on evidence collected by its royal constables, without torture, and magical interrogation by the presiding judge (a priest of Enki). When guilt is determined, the penalty is read from the Golden Stele and is carried out immediately.
Allies
The King of Fomoria has strong ties with the Kings of Xan, the Islands and Atler. They have little to do with the Kingdom of the East or Port Doman. Fomoria has improved relations with the Kolaro and the Confederation of Shanda over the last 50 years.
Enemies
The great enemy is A'Korchu. Fomoria is dedicated to containing this "cancerous" nation. They dislike the Kolari and the Goidanese, both of whom have revolted from, or refused to serve, Fomoria in the past.
Language
| Fomorian | ||
| Goidanese | 10% | |
| Dirllaran | 25% | |
| Korchi | 5% | |
| Shandar | 20% | |
| Kolari | 20% | |
| Matan | 20% | |
| Climan | 15% | |
| Bhamoti | 15% | |
| Rogizini | 15% | |
| Nylasa | 15% | |
| Teosan | 15% | |
| Katai | 15% | |
| Chunai | 15% | |
| Lemasan | 15% | |
| Marentian | 15% | |
| Dechan | 15% | |
| Donaran | 15% |
Basic Characteristics
| Height | 71" | |
| Weight | 185lbs |
Common Weapons
Swords, Spears, Polearms
Ancestry
The Fomorians are of the same stock as the Kolari, Shandar and Goidanese. Their appearance is a composite of these groups.
Special Note - The Fertile Circle
The city of Fomoria is built on a rocky island connected to the ocean with high underground tunnels. To the west of the city, across the water, is an area known as the Fertile Circle. This small area provides the lion's share of the food for the people of the island. It is heavily irrigated, in a very scientific manner. In its hundreds of villages and hamlets, more than 60,000 citizens work to feed and clothe the kingdom.