The City-State of Raam
by Thras
A rare item has made its way to the display cases of The Weapons of Tyr. A tome containing many secrets to the far City-State of Raam. Although not a weapon in the normal sense, but this text, written by the great bard Thras, may hold the key to survival in this mysterious city, and give you an edge in the ever present battle for survival.
Also included in these pages is a map of this secretive city.
Located east of Urik, it is the capital of the Emperor of
Raam (Currently Grogh-En). Natives refer to themselves as Raamites.
Who Rules:Emperor Grogh-En (LN human male templar/psionicist 14/8) acts as the head of the government. A council of approximately 30 to 40 members, consisting of the major nobles, templars, trading houses, and a number of freemen and Night Runners.
Who Really Rules: Ex-High Templar Cero (LN human male templar 18) does much of the leg work and negotiations for the city, though he retains no true title or seat in the government. However, many people owe Cero many favors, which he always collects. In addition, the Archmage Aristan makes his wishes known to Emperor Grogh-En and the council, which many of seem to end up as laws.
Population: Currently the population is approximately 37,000 consisting of :
Race: 40% human, 20% dwarf, 15% elf, 10% mul, 5% half-elf, 5% half-giant, 4% thri-kreen,
1% halflings.
Class: 60% servants and laborers, 15% merchants, artisans, and landowners, 10% priests,
5% templars, 5% soldiers, 5% miscellaneous.
Emblems: Formerly, Badna, a four-armed man in a long loincloth. Currently, under debate,
but many of the populace wish to immortalize the face of King Radrick on a grey background.
The Night Runners have their own symbols and tattoos which signify which claw an elf belongs
to.
Economy: Raam’s economy is in a horrible state. Prices are exuberant, and Raams citizens
must pay three to four times as much for a product as they would in any other city-state. This is
due to the facts that King Radrick forcefully ejected House M’ke over a year ago, after a failed
assassination attempt upon him. Since that time no merchant house has made a permanent
presence in Raam. Recently House Ianto, a small unknown house from Tyr has set up a
warehouse and has begun construction on the four elemental temples, as well as importing such
valuable commodities as silk, spices, silver, gems, and artwork. One other merchant group of
mention, is the Gaza Emporium, a dwarven trade group. They have a permanent tent now set up
in the Promenade selling silver and gems from their village in the mountains south of Raam.
Armed Forces: Raam has a standing army of about 2000 soldiers, not including
templars. These soldiers are extremely well armed due to the great armory kept by Abalach-Re.
In addition to that, there are roughly 2000 templars in Raam, all of which are either being trained
as psionicists, or preservers (some say defilers) in accordance with the Archmages wishes. Once
fully trained, this force will be a fearful sight to any army. With the combined might of 2000
warriors, and 2000 mindbenders and mages, any army will think twice before they assault Raam.
This motivation is largely due to the scale assault launched by Dregoth early last year. Much of
the city was destroyed by Dregoth and his dray, along with a small compliment of undead and
baatezu. Raam does not wish to be caught unprepared again.
Availability of Equipment: The equipment shops of Raam are very understocked,
and what can be found will be double the listed price at the very least. Few, if any, metal items
can be found, but things of a more mystical nature or shadowy art can be found easier if a person
knows where to look and whom to ask. House Ianto or the Gaza Emporium can obtain almost
any item that a person may wish to aquire, but it could take a number of weeks due to the small
number of caravans leaving the city.
Notable Mages:
Archmage Aristan (LE human male defiler/psionicist 36/36) is a man (some say more)
shrouded in mystery and power. His very demeanor demands respect, as one can feel the aura of
power about him, yet very few have ever seen him use it. He is an intelligent man, who prefers to
take his time in any endeavor, thinking all consequences through. He has recently decreed to the
city, that he will teach the arts of preserving magic to any who wish to learn, in hopes of
alleviating the ignorance of magic that he finds in the general populace. A number of individuals
have taken up his offer, but not all who approach him are allowed to be taught. The final decision
is up to him, and some say he has a more sinister plan for those he teaches.
Darius (LN elf male fighter/preserver 10/6) was formerly a defiler and a member of the Night
Runners. He was approached by former King Radrick fir a job of protection and given a magical
weapon to accomplish this task. This weapon, which would become known as the Defender of
Raam, was a dasl gythka which possessed many arcane powers, the least of which was a geas
spell that compels whomever is the wielder to “protect and serve Raam”. Upon succumbing to
the enchantment, Darius switched to the preserving arts and took up the title of Champion of
Raam. He was instrumental in the defense of the city during Dregoths’ invasion, for only he could
unite the Night Runners with the others of the city, and because of this he is somewhat of a local
hero.
Nanda Shatri (LG avangion female 21st level) is the daughter of former sorcerer-queen
Abalach-Re. Until a year and a half ago, Nanda ran the Crematory outside of the city and led the
Veiled Alliance. During Dregoths’ invasion, she along with High Templar Cero, King Radrick,
and an unknown forth, went to face Dregoth. In the ensuing battle and subsequent explosion,
Nanda disappeared. Recently she has shown herself to a few select individuals, whom have
described her as content and benevolent, much like she was before. Nanda has begun her trip
down the path of metamorphosis, and she feels that the best thing for the city will be an avangion
ruler, but only one of full power, one that may withstand the might of the sorcerer-kings. She
wishes to pattern this government around that of Kurn, and Oronis, whom she sees as an
inspiration, and hope, for Athas.
Notable Temples:
Temple of the Earth, High Priest Stone (LE halfling male cleric of earth/thief 8/8); Stone
heads the recently constructed temple to the earth elements. He is a wily and slick halfling who
has mastered living in the city as his brethren have the forests. Stone uses the temple as a base of
operations for a growing thieves guild, which is primarily headed by Stone close confidant, Stix
(LE elf male thief 12). Both of them wish to run the operations of the many thieves, bards and
assassins that operate within Raam. There are a number of catacombs running beneath the
temple, all armed with numerous traps and guards. These catacombs also serve as hideaway for
the guild, and a place to store any treasure that is "donated to the church".
Temple of Water, High Priestess Akuanis (LG genasi female cleric of water 12); Akuanis is
the offspring of a female elf druid and a marid from the Elemental Plane of Water. She moved to
Raam feeling that her soothing words and quenching drafts could be put to better use among the
masses. She was pleased to aquire a public cistern, with the help of House Ianto, to build her
temple around.
Temple of Air, no priest or priestess has come forward to run this temple as of yet. The
templar itself sits directly behind the palace, as high up on the hill as allowed by the government.
Recently a flock of aarokockra have landed at the temple and it is rumored that they have an air
priest among them. None know why these bird creatures have arrived, but so far, they have
brought no harm to the city or its citizens.
Temple of Fire, High Priest Guydo (CG dwarf male cleric of fire 7); Guydo was born in the
dwarven village of Kled. His obsession with the flame led to his being sent on many missions
away from the village. During one of these adventures, Guydo met with House Ianto and
managed to form a working relationship with them, despite his hot temper and energetic
disposition. Raams Temple of Fire is constructed from large slabs of obsidian shipped from Urik
and welded together with Guydo’s power and the power of his followers, the Brothers of Flame.(
one human male cleric of fire 3, and 8 various others all level 0).
Notable Bard’s and Thieves Guilds:
Stone and Stix both run the equivalent of the Raamin thieves guild. This guild operates out of
the Elemental Temple of Earth and the catacombs beneath it. The guild specializes in information
gathering. Some in the guild will act upon this knowledge, while other are content to sell it to
anyone with enough ceramic. The guild will also take other jobs worth doing, so long as the guild
feels it will further them as a whole.
One man of mention is Jaf (LN dwarf male thief 17) a dwarven thief, whom started and ran
his own guild about three years ago. Jaf was the most knowledgeable person in the city, but
disappeared about a year and a half ago. Some rumors circulating the city say that Jaf was sent to
Nibenay for a job by High Templar Cero, but the Night Runners kidnapped him to extort valuable
information from him. Either way, Jaf’s brother Raag, (LG dwarf male fighter 5) went looking
for him about eight months ago, and returned very tight-lipped about the whereabouts of his
brother, and no one has been able to pry the information from Raag.
The Night Runners elf tribe maintain an establishment called the Tembo Trapper, which is a
large open roofed building with an immense bonfire burning within it every night. It is known as a
meeting place of the thieving and espionage claws of the Night Runners.
Jaquio (NE elf male psionocist/thief 9/10); Jaquio is a tall lanky elf, much like his brethren.
His most noticeable feature is his long bright red hair. Many mistake Jaquio, at first glance, for a
priest of fire, but soon learns he worships only himself. Jaquio was responsible for the Night
Runners regaining their place in the city last year, after the templars forcefully ejected them.
Jaquio successfully infiltrated Jaf’s organization and used his position to supply the Night Runners
with the proper information needed to reenter the city swiftly and mercilessly. Since then, many
of Jaf’s former guild members, such as Stix and Stone, have tried to seek retribution on Jaquio,
but all attempts have met with failure.
Notable Merchant Houses:
House Ianto- A small unknown merchant house outside of Tyr, Ianto has decided that the
risk of restoring Raams’ economy is worth taking. To achieve this goal, the masters of the house
have sent a small group of their top agents to Raam, and given them leave to set up a compound
and begin trading in whatever the city needs. So far the house has secured a contract for the
construction of the four elemental temples, and in return they receive favored trading status within
the city. Other ventures include, The Drunken Giant, a bar located on the Promenade, which
deals in "back room trading". Also, lumber shipments from the Crescent Forest are being used as
building materials to restore the city after Dregoth’s invasion. To further increase the house
income, supplies of water are also sold to any caravan leaving the city. Ianto hopes to restore the
power they were once on the brink of achieving before Kalak destroyed the iron trade in Tyr. The
house emblem is a green inix on a field of yellow.
Notable House Ianto Members:
Meldoch Ianto (N elf male trader/psionicist 8/7) is a walking contradiction. Born a Sky
Singer, he quickly developed a knack for producing profits in the stalls of Nibenay.
Eventually beset by elven wanderlust, he began roaming from city to city on caravans, hoping
all the while to make large profit. Upon reaching Tyr, Meldoch decided to place his allegiance
to the tribe second, and became a full fledged member of House Ianto. While also maintaining
some contacts with his tribe, Meldoch has been assigned the job of achieving Iantos’ dream of
revitalizing Raams’ economy. Meldoch gladly accepted the challenge and has ruthlessly began
his conquest of the city.
Roland Ianto (LN human male psionicist 8) is the nephew of Storan Ianto, the Tyr agent of
House Ianto. Until recently Roland had been enrolled in the School of Thought training his
psionic abilities in hopes of serving the house. Storan withdrew Roland from the school, and
has him training under Meldoch, in the arts of the trader. To continue his studies, Roland
transferred to the Psiumarkh in Raam. Roland is a man sometimes in over his head in
situations he only studied in school, but with proper guidance, Roland is quickly learning the
in’s and out’s of life as a trader.
Rompithus Ianto (LN human male fighter 7) is a warrior and adventurer by reputation. He
recently signed on with House Ianto, for reasons of his own. Rompithus is a powerful man,
and his ability with his lotulis is second only to his commanding presence. Once a slave driver,
Rompithus has taken to commanding the house guards that reside in Raam, and also acts as a
personal escort and bodyguard for both Meldoch and Roland.
Lt. Danzig Dre (LN human male fighter 7), once a high ranking hero in the Drajian army,
moved to Raam after an "incident" with a templar. Danzig found a job with the Raamin army,
but vanished for a time, and did not return until after Dregoths invasion. Many templars
accused Danzig of desertion. In a conflict with one of his accusers, a fight broke out, and
Danzig killed the man. Since that time, he has been hiding from the government, and has
gained temporary asylum with House Ianto, for services rendered. Danzig works well with
the other members, and performs his job admirably.
House M’ke has recently reworked themselves into the city despite the natural animosity
towards them. Arnok M’ke (LN human male trader/fighter 9/8) recently has arrived in the city
due to the death of his uncle, Vimar, who was the fourth ranked noble of the city and the largest
land owner. Arnoks presence in the city is that of a noble, not as a representative of a merchant
house, so he must abide by the rules of a citizen. Despite this, he is continuing his operations for
his house by using his uncles land to assist M’ke caravans find storage space, rebuilding the first
client village outside of Raam, and charging exuberant rent to other houses, specifically Ianto.
These tactics are causing a large amount of animosity to build between the two houses, that some
say will only end in an open merchant war.
Important Characters:
Jola Seleno (N human female psionicist 6) is, currently, the fifth ranked noble in the city. She
is a very young woman, who suddenly found herself thrust into a position of power, after the
gruesome murder of her mother, Kimara. Jolas power comes from a deal her mother made with
former King Radrick, and due to this she now controls the city’s water supply. Jola ran into many
problems when she first gained her mothers power, including having to live in her mothers
shadow. Since that time, she has grown into the role, and into a beautiful young woman, as
capable and deadly as her mother was, and is partly due to the mystical tattoo she had placed on
her arm. The drawing is one of a water nerid and it gives Jola control over any water based
substance.
Raag (LG dwarf male fighter 5) is the owner an proprietor of The Slavering Gith, a bar
located in the freeman’s district. Raag is a gruff, though friendly individual, willing to help most
people in a round about way. The bar is Raags’ focus, and as such he runs it to make a profit.
No tabs are given, no discounts are given. When the Night Runners’ reentered the city, they did it
through Raag’s bar, since it had a portal to Jaf’s guild. In the ensuing battle, Raag was mortally
wounded, and the bar was destroyed. In time Raag was healed, but now harbors a deep hatred
for the Night Runners. Ex-templar Cero used his considerable resources to rebuild the bar for
Raag, who is currently paying Cero back. A small bonus of free drinks for Cero was also part of
the deal.
Justinith (LE human male fighter 12) is the second ranked noble of the city of Raam. Justinith
has almost complete control of the Raamin slave market. He is a powerful man, always armed,
and uses his size to intimidate those smaller than him. Justinith frequents the bar, Bloody
Battleground, which is located in the shadow of the arena. Here he is the center of attention,
among large groups of muls, gladiators, and fighters.
Vimar (CE human male 0 level) owns 70% of the land in Raam, and the surrounding country
side. Vimar is an obese, disgusting man, that is unfair in most of his dealings with others. He
charges exuberant rent prices, and sometimes, on a whim, will send gangs of thugs to "clean" out
any squatters from his run down buildings. He is also known to have some very strange, and
disturbing, tastes in company. Vimar is often seen in the company of children, though no
confirmed reports can be made. Many people have tried to destroy Vimar, but those who have
made this attempt, are usually found dead, most often in very public places. There are those who
believe these occurrences happen due to the fact that Vimar has in his service a beastmaster
bodyguard named Gannon (LE mul gladiator 9), who is usually accompanied by his pet kirre (DS
MC1). In time, Vimar meets with an untimely demise, shortly after marrying a mysterious
woman, that seems to have allegiances to house Ianto. As, she is about to marry Roland Ianto,
and give control of Vimar’s land to House Ianto, Arnok M’ke arrives with a direct claim to his
Uncle Vimar’s land.
Celeritus (CN human male thief/fighter 11/5) is the most infamous thief in the city of Raam.
Due to this fact, it does hinder his jobs slightly, but his skills seem to prevail, seeing as he has not
yet failed, or been caught. Celeritus has been involved in most of the major dealings around the
city, from a mad plan to steal fourteen original Sask paintings, the entire incident with Jara (see
below), and the death of the noble woman, Kimara. Celeritus has a soft spot for all children, and
will go out of his way to help them. Often he may be found in the Slavering Gith pestering Cero
for a job.
Jara (CG human female thief/psionicist 3/5(?)) is a young 13 year old girl, whos origins are
shrouded in mystery. Three years ago (beginning of Thras’ campaign) a noble, Kriston,
approached Celeritus, wanting to hire him rescue a young girl from kidnappers. Celeritus
accepted, and rescued Jara from a silt cleric and his band. Soon after the rescue, Celeritus
discovered that Jara was a mute. When Celeritus went to receive payment for the job, he found
Kriston dead. Deciding the next best person to bring Jara to would be Kimara, an accomplished
psionicist, they arrived at Kimaras’ house, hoping she could help. Using her psionic talents,
Kimara discovered the child had incredible mental blocks, but was unable to release the blocks.
Celeritus and Kimara both agreed to that taking the child to the Psiumarkh was the best course of
action. Celeritus used his own money to pay for her treatments. A year later, Jara escaped from
the Psiumarkh, able to speak, and remember everything. She located Celeritus and pestered him
for a time, and learned the skills of a thief. Eventually Celeritus brought Jara to Jola, and left her
in the psionicists care, for protection, and learning. Since beginning her psionic training, Jara has
exhibited a number of powers and abilities that she has not learned yet. Also, recently, the silt
cleric Zareth, (NE human male silt cleric) returned and held the cities water supply hostage,
demanding Jara be released to him. With the help of house Ianto, Zareth was defeated. The truth
about Jara is this: she is the last outcast. Jara is the daughter of Abalach-Re and Zareth, born and
raised in a temple, for Abalach-Re took an interest in this girl. After seeing the death of Kalak,
and knowing her own citizens were becoming unruly, she used Jara for a mad plan for
immortality. Abalach-Re used her powerful psionics to split her mind in two, transferring part of
it into Jara, where after a struggle, she subdued her "other self", and placed mind blocks around it.
After the Grand Vizier’s death, Jara escaped into the city and during that time, the first psionic
block slipped, causing her amnesia. About this time is when Zareth captured her, for reasons
unknown. It is possible that when and if Jara/Abalach-Re discovers her true heritage, this may
release the sorcerer-queen from her mental prison.
Master Jeno (LN human male psionicist 12) is the master of psionic studies at the Psiumarkh.
He is an athletic man, shaved bald, who prides himself on his appearance and abilities. He is
currently teaching classes, treating it as a vacation, since he had been involved with Celeritus and
Jara for a while. Master Jeno dislikes both Celeritus and Jara, but is usually very congenial to
others. He is young for his station, one of the youngest masters that the school has ever
sponsored.
Blind Fulton (CG dwarf male psionicist 10) is a dwarven musician that performs many of the
grand ceremonies of the games, but is easily found at a number of bars, playing late into the night.
Fultons’ instraments are his singing sticks, armor, and mind. He uses his psionics to produce a
variety of sounds, enhancing his natural abilities. Fulton is blind from an old injury, and wears a
pair of obsidian spectacles. Fulton also uses his psionics to navigate around, and many people do
not realize, at first, that he is blind. The music he plays is his focus, and many claim that Fulton is
better than the late bard Thrasnister.
The Sunsinger slave tribe has taken up permanent residence in the city, occupying the old
Night Runner district. The moved to Raam because here they have found a welcome place for
their various talents, as performers, singers, artisans. For the reason that they have a trade, the
Council have allowed them a seat on the Council. The territory they inhabit is like an ongoing
celebration where anyone may go to find entertainment, though any who go had best watch their
purse strings, for not all of the tribes profits come from entertaining the populace! Important
leaders include: Slavic (mul male gladiator 8); Trandor (human male fighter 7); Nalia (human
female cleric of fire 9); Haleon (human male psionicist 8); and the missing leader, Drix Sunsinger
(half-elf male psionicist/thief 6/5)
Important Features:
The Natural Arena of Raam. The arena is carved from a hillside. The spectator portion of
the arena is a gradual incline, while the Great Jeweled Wall, where the templars and leaders of the
city watch the events in the arena from, reaches high into the sky. The Jeweled Wall is no longer
covered, for the new government wants the citizens to know of their presence. On the floor of
the arena proper, the Great Maw of Raam is located. The Maw is a natural crevasse over 150
feet deep, and 75 feet wide. The sides and bottom of this crevasse is covered with jagged rocks
and brambleweeds, so those who actually survive the fall, usually die from the many cuts they
received on the way to the bottom.
The Promenade is an open air market located at the very heart of the city. It houses many
permanent merchant tents along with many temporary tents, set up by citizens. Many people
come here to buy supplies, relax during midday, or to preach their thoughts. Within the
Promenade one can find Night Runners next to nobles next to freemen next to slaves. This does
not go to say that the Promenade is neutral ground, for many bodies have been found in the
surrounding alleys.
Aquarian Paradise. This bathhouse is located in the noble/Night Runner section of the city,
and is a favorite place among the more powerful merchants and nobles of the city. It is rather
small, but it is supplied by a small underground spring that the founder of the house laid claim to.
It contains spas, warm water baths, cool water baths, massage rooms, and sells many herbal items
to relax the body and mind.
She’Ka Art Museum. This famous museum, a rare occurrence to the blasted Tablelands,
houses many of the Raams artistic masterpieces. The curator will, for a price, allow an aspiring
artist to show his work for a night or two, though most of the pieces in the gallery are by
accomplished artists’, and as such usually attracts nobles and templars alike.
Questions, comments? E-mail the author,Thras
Also, let me know what you think. Comments and suggestions are welcome.
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