Ahznomahn

Well-to-do merchants, wealthy barons and rich landholders run this small confederacy. When Ahznomahn, "the Kingless Land," (population 550,000) declared its independence, the rich nobles, merchants and guildmasters formed a government based not on divine kingly providence, but on wealth. Any Ahznomahn-born citizen that has a net worth over an established amount, currently 75,000 gold Anvims, may hold a seat in Parliament, if he or she so chooses. Parliament controls all government functions, including the military. Most Parliamentary members live in the country's capital Zha-nehzmish, Capital of Ahznomahn, Garden of Svimohzia , although some gentry live on the mainland or on smaller coastal islands.

Even before Ahznomahn declared independence from the Meznamish kings, they were the most accomplished sailors on the island. The Ahznoms were able to craft large sailing vessels, similar to the ships that the Reanaarians had, by using the larger trees available in the Vohven Jungle. Friendly natives quickly became trading partners and soon Ahznomahn had the strongest fleet in Svimohzia. In due time, the Ahznoms were trading extensively with Kalamaran, Whimdol and Elos bay cities and a generation later the Ahznoms declared independence.

Ahznomahn's natural resources include rare spices and herbs from the Awhom Forest and some foodstuffs. Fishing is good although there are many sharks and larger sea monsters off the southern sea-lanes. The main economy of Ahznomahn arises from trade. There are substantial import and export tariffs on all goods. People entering or exiting the country have to pay a tax as well. Ahznomahnii merchants trade heavily with all seafaring peoples, especially the Kalamarans and Reanaarians. They also rely heavily on trade with the natives in the Vohven Jungle, because there they can trade worthless junk for rare spices, herbs and woods. Vohven lumber is ideal for main masts and shipbuilding.

Ahznomahn holds monarchies in disfavor since the Parliament members feel that only those who have proven themselves competent through commerce deserve to rule. Ahznomahn and Meznamish still hold each other in disdain and Ahznomahnii ships sometimes disguise themselves as pirates to attack Meznamishii vessels in the Straits of Svimohzia. Ahznomahn is on good terms with and trades with Zazahni and Ozhvinmish , often significantly undercutting Meznamish's prices. However, the various embargoes and nasty business strategies that her merchants use to drive up prices at the expense of their competitors sometimes anger Ahznomahn's neighbors. Ahznomahn tries to stay neutral in all foreign affairs off the island, playing both sides for the fool, if possible.

The Ahznoms tolerate all religions, but the Parish of the Prolific Coin reigns supreme. A traveler can find shrines dedicated to Gohlnim even in remote areas. The Founder's Creation and the Temple of the Stars also have large followings.

Ahznomahn has a standing army of 500 hobilar, 2,000 light cavalry and 400 non-horsed bowmen. The constant attacks by monsters and hostile savages require heavy use of border patrols in the south and southwest.