Gom

(Pronounced Xiam)

Gom revolted from the Rogizini Empire in the year 1152RE [39SA]. Under the cunning leadership of the Ha'gomas (Hai'xiama) family, an almost bloodless revolution was won. During the next 400 years the Rogizini Empire ignored its loss and Gom became an economic and military power.

In the year 1544RE [431SA], an active Rogizini Emperor, attracted by the wealth of Gom, demanded that they rejoin the Empire and pay 392 years of back taxes. In the war that followed (1544RE [431SA] - 439) Gom defeated the Empire on land and sea. The war ended with Rogizini recognition of Gomese independence. For two centuries after this victory Gom was a major power in the Sea of Tears.

Beginning around the year 1873RE [760SA] Gom became jaded and decadent. The rule of the nobility weakened the land and lessened its prosperity. In the year 2027RE [914SA], several merchant houses led a coup that toppled the nobility and replaced it with a Merchant's Council (2027 - 2046RE [914-933SA]). In the year 2043RE [930SA] the nobles returned to Gom with Climan aid. In the war that followed (2043 - 2046RE [930-933SA]) they annihilated the merchant's army and executed the leaders of the rebellious houses. Following this victory they invaded Ja'xon (Jai'xa) and were defeated (2046 - 2048RE [933-935SA]).

After the wars, Gom was ruled by Climan-backed, puppet Emperors. This was an age of perversion and cruelty. In the year 2144RE [1031SA] the young nobility united with the merchant class in a civil war to end the rule of the "Climan Emperors." In the year 2153RE [1040SA], the last Ha'gomas Emperor was executed and the She'ir (She'eer) dynasty took power. Gom has begun a slow rise back to her former place of wealth and power under this new dynasty. Soon, she may again be a power to be reckoned with.

NOTE - As part of the revitalization of Gom, the second She'ir Emperor moved the royal capital from Gom to Sheiram (Sheiraim) in the year 2172RE [1059SA]. In the year 2195RE [1082SA], his heir bowed to popular pressure and returned it to the city of Gom.

Population

The capital is Gom (37,000). Its other city is Sheiram (28,000), the home city of the new dynasty. The total population of the nation is 280,000.

Gom's army is divided into two groups. The Eunuch guard is composed of slaves trained from birth to be soldiers and is commanded by Gomese nobles. It contains 4,000 footmen and 400 cavalry. The Popular Militia is a defense force raised from the administrative areas of the Empire. Its total strength is 6,000 footmen. Of these, 800 are from Gom and 400 are from Sheiram. In general, the city militia has better training and equipment than other militia units. Gom's fleet contains 50 warships. Fifteen of them are triremes that are rowed by slaves.

Economy

Gom is a manufacturing center renowned for textiles and luxury goods. Sheiram is an agricultural area that produces food and spices. The hills and mountains are rich in minerals. As a nation, Gom is dedicated to trade. It is the endpoint of two trade routes and has good access to the sea. They will trade with anyone if a large profit can be made.

Religion

The Gomese worship gods who promise prosperity, protect merchants and give pleasure. Secret cults exist in the nation that are dedicated to the Climan faith. These cults cause trouble in the land and are persecuted by the crown. The favored gods in Gom are Dionysius and Bes. The god of the cultist is Sammael.

Personality

The Gomese are dedicated to personal profit. They are amoral in dealing with others and unforgiving toward enemies who come under their power. They have no love of war and prefer to employ others to fight for them, when they have a choice. They are a pragmatic people who are capable of great valor; when it is absolutely essential that THEY be valiant.

Legal System

Gom's Emperor chairs a council composed of powerful merchants, nobles and officers. In theory, they are his advisors and he is an autocrat. In practice, Emperors have "died of old age" after failing to heed the sincere wishes of their council. Emperors must be cunning and intelligent politicians if they are to have a meaningful reign under this system.

Gom has a formal court system. Cases are decided by five judges. Three votes are required to convict or acquit a suspect, regardless of abstentions. All convictions are final unless the case is appealed to the Emperor before the sentence is carried out (only people with a high station or great wealth have any real chance of doing this). Penalties under Gomese law are servitude, imprisonment, slavery and banishment. The new dynasty has abolished the death penalty.

Allies

Gom pays the A'ha'kacili 100GC per year to raid Ja'xon. They have trade ties with various tribes in the South.

Enemies

Ja'xon is the primary enemy. The Confederation of Shanda would like to conquer Gom. The Rogizini Empire considers them to be a rebel province. The Climans are secretly maneuvering to regain control of the nation.

Language

Basic Characteristics

Common Weapons

Scimitars, Daggers, Bows

Ancestry

The Rogizini peoples, in the main, have sun-darkened skin and brown hair. Most are long-legged and agile. Rogizini dancers can be exceptional.

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