Lands of Svimohzish

All of the roads of history eventually lead backward through time to the Svimohzish Island, the cradle of Tellene civilization. All the ancestors of all of the ruling empires migrated from this exotic southern land. The early Svimohz people were peaceful farmers, hunters and fishermen. They freely wandered the northeastern portions of the land, predominantly in what is now Ozhvinmish and northeastern Zazahni.

Small events in history sometimes have a way of echoing up larger and larger through time and so it was with the banishment of Mewzhano, a young visionary from a clan in the Miznoh Forest. He spoke of rich, plentiful lands to the west, over the mountains and was ultimately cast out for his beliefs. Along with loyal friends, Mewzhano traveled to his promised land where they found rich, fertile ground. They conquered a tribe of primitive fishermen, took wives among them and settled into a peaceful life.

Mewzhano made a pact with the local dwarves and from that pact discovered the secrets of steel. A generation later, Miznoh, a relative of Mewzhano, rose up and united the scattered tribes into a single nation: Meznamish. Armed with the secret of steel, Meznamish sent warriors east back to the lands from which their forefathers were banished, and easily conquered it all. Zazahni, Ozhvinmish and Ahznomahn developed into holdings of Meznamish.

Eventually war broke out with the hobgoblins of Ul-Karg. The physical and economic toils of war took their toll and the kingdom splintered. The three former holdings of Meznamish gained their independence and Ahznomahn later emerged as the economic power.

Ahznomahn Today

The Confederacy of Ahznomahn is a true plutocracy. Any native citizen who has a net worth over an established (and ever-changing) amount may hold a seat in Parliament if he wishes. The current financial power of Ahznomahn is primary owed to their early mastery of seafaring and alliances with Kalamaran merchants.

The Ahznomahnii are a peaceful, tolerant people. Although the Parish of Prolific Coin (worshipers of Gohlnim, the Landlord, the god of money, business and greed) reigns as the supreme religion, most other beliefs are welcome. All imports and exports are heavily taxed as are all people entering or leaving the nation, thereby contributing to the strong economy.

Meznamish Today

The Kingdom of Meznamish once reigned supreme over all of the human populated regions of Svimohzia but now controls the smallest holdings. Due to their now-peaceful relations with Zazahni and Ozhvinmish and the nation’s strong natural barriers, they are a rich people with a small army and a high standard of living.

Rumors abound of Meznahmish’s Ruler, King Warven II’s secret plans to once again unite Svimohzia under his flag. Those same rumors speak of secret pacts with Zazahni warlords and midnight meetings in distant lands. It is no secret that Meznamish bears open contempt for Ahznomahn. Time has not yet healed the scars of betrayal.

Ozhvinmish Today

The Kingdom of Ozhvinmish’s situation is a classic example of reach exceeding grasp. King Shahn III clearly controls the entire coast from Meznamish to Ahznomahn, but he also claims control of both the Svomawhom Forest and the Imomena Hills. The forest is likely controlled by no nation and is home to dangerous bandits and monsters. The southern Imomena Hills are claimed by various Zazahni lords who vigorously patrol them.

Militarily, Ozhvinmish is probably the most powerful nation on Svimohzia. Financially, however, they are lacking. It’s certainly not easy to neighbor such a financially powerful nation like Ahznomahn. Although relations between Ozhvinmish and Ahznomahn are cordial at best, the two nations may find themselves as allies if Meznamish is able to gather enough Zazahni influence to attempt a reunification.

Ul-Karg Today

The Kingdom of Ul-Karg is a brutal militocracy currently ruled by King Krarag-Randatk, an independent ruler who receives homage from each tribal leader in the kingdom. Rulership of Ul-Karg is not hereditary or appointed. Any tribal chieftain may challenge the current king to a test of combat, usually to the death. The same type of challenge may be made against any ruling chieftain. This harsh system ensures that only the strongest warriors will rule, but in some ways has held back the nation from its full potential.

The rest of the people of the Svimohzish island believe that the hobgoblins were "banished" to the lands which now constitute Ul-Karg. Protected by this blanket of ignorance, the hobgoblins have created a flourishing society and have even developed extensive trade agreements with nations from the Brandobian mainland. It is likely that they will soon mount an offensive against Zazahni or Meznamish.

Zazahni Today

A poor and fragmented nation, the Kingdom of Zazahni is more of a feudal state of petty lords all vying for control of the other lords. After obtaining independence from Meznamish, the people of Zazahni believed they needed a king to unify them. Seven decades of civil war and many dead kings later, Zazahni is still without a single ruler.

Living conditions in this once-proud, war-torn land are so bad that there are many who hope that Meznamish will move across the island to unify Svimohzia. Several lords have already made a secret pact with Meznamish’s king should that country decide to make its move.

The People

The Svimohz people tend to have very dark brown or black skin and black hair. Black and brown are the most common eye colors, though some of the people have startling gray eyes.

Svimohz Language

Perhaps the oldest of the six major human languages on Tellene, Svimohzish is characterized by soft consonant sounds spoken in a nasal tone or with a soft release of breath. Many of the words are three syllables or more in length and double consonants are used frequently.

The following letters are used: A, C, D, E, F, H, H, HZ, I, J, L, M, N, NH, O, P, R, SV, U, V, W, WH, Y, Z and ZH.

* See The Kingdoms of Kalamar campaign setting sourcebook for a detailed history and additional information on the language and people.