Oasum
Oasum is a village bazaar built around a naturally formed oasis. Goods are shipped to the bazaar from the dwarves, elves, orcs and men by barges following the natural course of the Cleaving Canal, a river that flows from Gurden Firve through Degrinoll and Ryvern, before passing through the southern Empire and reaching Oasum. There are also several trade caravans sent from the Western Sahlabao Desert that come to rest here. Although mostly home to Tabaxi, you’ll find a large mix of people living here, flogging wares and making a living.
Demographics
The populace of Oasum are primarily merchants with the majority of the village being a huge bazaar. There are a lot of soldiers/guards present as trading can often get heated, and they force the poorer people and beggars away from the bazaar leading to a slum being developed on the outskirts of the village.
Government
Oasum is run by the Sultan of Sahlabao who has soldiers stationed here to enforce the law. There are several nobles that run the trade and govern the city, most of which are merchants as Oasum is a primarily trading community.
Defences
There is a strong military presence in Oasum, with roughly one soldier for every 15 people.
Industry & Trade
Merchants from all across Meintalia and the rest of the known world come here to trade, mostly non-essential resources (ie ore, food, wood, etc.). The local produce here is expensive and consists mostly of relics, rare exotic fruits and animals, and jewelery.
Infrastructure
The more permanent buildings are in the centre around the oasis with a sprawling mass of tents, market stalls, caravans, etc. surrounding the main centre of Oasum.
Assets
Oasum is the largest trading centre in Meintalia, if there's a specific or niche good or resource you need, you'll likely find it here. Being near the larget freshwater source in the desert draws travellers in and most people traversing the desert stop here to resupply on fresh fruit and water. Being a hub for trade also means most dungeon delvers come here to sell relics and treasures found in the many ruins in the desert.
Guilds and Factions
The Sahlabaoan Merchant's Guild have a strong presence here, naturally, and take a small cut of profit from the permanant stalls and charge a daily fee to temporary merchants coming through. These taxes and fees are law and are enforced ruthlessly by the local soldiers.
The village is overseen by a council consisting of 12 nobles, most of which are merchants and traders and also a part of the Sahlabaoan Merchant's Guild.
History
Oasum has been around for about 500 years, although the Grand Bazaar is only around 100 years old. Before the Bazaar, it was mostly used as a military garrison during the Desert War, being an essential source of freshwater.
Architecture
The more permanent buildings in the centre around the oasis are constructed of sandstone and limestone, most of which are inns for travellersor the occassional high-end market stall. The rest of the village looks temporary with market stalls being made of wood and a simple cloth covering, tents, cartsor caravans all around.
Geography
Oasum is surrounded by the flat desert to the east and dunes of the Sand Sea to the west. In the centre of the village is a large body of freshwater surrounded by fruit trees, rare flowers and rich plant life, the oasis that gives the settlement it's name. Oasum is often referred to as The Jewel of The Desert as the sun glistens off of the oasis making it a naturally beautiful location.
Natural Resources
Lot's of fresh fruit grows here around the oasis, as well as palm trees and exotic plants. Being so close to the Sand Sea means that a lot of the relics and artefacts found in the ruins there are transported here to be sold and exported.
Alternative Name(s)
The Grand Bazaar, The Jewel of The Desert
Type
Village
Population
3,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Oasumites
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
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