Gamtha

One of the Largest and most important cities in the Royal basin Gamtha has been sacked and destroyed on more then one occasion and in its latest incarnation sits between the edge of the Gamthan Woods and stretches out onto the Diamond Lake. The population is in constant flux as the various traders and such float down the Scourge or make their way along the Salt Road; generally it ranges between 130,000 and 150,000 souls.

### Overview

Gamtha is a series of manmade waterways that are fed by the Diamond Lake, effectively creating very specific areas of the city. The waterways are the home of gondoliers, skiffs and various other small water vessels that service the various “islands” that are Gamtha. Despite the fact that there are bridges and a series of roads that connect the various parts of Gamtha the Skiffs remain the principal forms of transportation. A common skiff is a flat bottomed vessel perhaps 3-5 feet in width and 10-12 feet in length that is driven by poling its way through the water. These vessels also come equipped with oars and a central mast in case they are needed on the main waters of the lake. They contain a simple covering so that passengers can choose to remain away from the elements when they travel.

The Skiff operation is basically a Guildic venture and several houses operate civilian transport services; The Red Fleet, the Water Wizards and Gamthan Swifts are the three main operators. There is also a need for heavier vessels that transport goods through Gamtha too and from the Salt Road. This has been filled by both the Dretayan and the White Transport companies; they provide the service of deeper hulled long vessels some 40 feet in length and 25 feet wide which almost fills a standard canal. They are dragged along the canal by horses during the hours of 4am and 7am and then again during the hours of 3pm and 6pm, finally they return to their berths during the 7-8pm hour to await further use in the morning. During the hours that these larger vessels are in operation the canals that they use are off limits to any other civilian vessels.

Operation of a water vessel in and around Gamtha requires the owner of the vessel to have purchased a Gamthan Vessels Liscence (GVL) from Jilly Floors the Harbour Mistress and is likely to cost you in the region of 80 shields, 1 Helm and 2 Helms for small medium and large vessels respectively for a year. The fee for docking at Gamtha on the Diamond Lake costs 1 Helm for a 100 foot berth for a month, if a ship is larger then one berth then they have the choice of hiring two berths or anchoring in the deeper water on the far side of the Lake. This however means that they will have to pay for the services of shuttle craft to unload any goods which is a slow and expensive process.

Gamtha is possibly one of the most popular Port towns in the basin due mainly to the fact that it is linked via trade route directly to the Rice Empire and the Great desert. The fact that via freak of nature the Scourge passes through the Razorbacks and into the Rice Empire is another massive bonus; all but the largest ships can pass all the way from the Northern Coast of the Orient and down to Gamtha without having to dare the pirate infested waters along the Rice Empires Western Coast. However the journey along the Scourge is slow, expensive and invariably an unpleasant journey depending upon the weather and temperament of the natives land through which you pass. Journeys from coast to coast have been known to take over a year during which time wars have started and finished and despots have come and gone.

Gamtha is ruled by Daniella Silverlight who was appointed mayor after the rebuilding work some six years ago (see history). She struggles with maintaining authority however due to the large amount of influence that the merchant families Sung, Fat and Dumor have over the area. Gamtha is the home of Dumors wealth and has been for several centuries whilst the Merchant Fat keeps his strength flowing down the Scourge from his powerbase in the Rice Empire. Most of the larger families have small dwellings here and the king maintains a small royal keep; the harbour is currently being fitted with fortification and cannon to perpetuate the long standing defence policies of Gamtha.

# Commerce

Gamtha is best known for the sheer volume of goods that it has to offer the world in general. If you can name it you can probably find it in Gamtha. The trade comes in from many faraway and exotic places including not only the Rice Empire and the Great Desert but also the Tribelands, Helgath and even pelts from the Clanlands. Due to the excesses of trade most of the other industry that the city once boasted has been eroded to almost nothingness with only a tiny percentage of most goods and consumables actually being made in Gamtha. That said both the fishing industry and the Shipwrights are thriving in Gamtha; Lake Diamond provides ample supplies of Diamondback Roe whilst the nearby Gamthan Woods is a constant supply of timber for the vessels that Gamtha so badly needs.

The Largest trading company in Gamtha is Osborne’s Emporium, a huge edifice that is part of the Dumor families trading chain. Despite this both families Fat and Sung have large emporiums and all other trading houses are represented to some extent in Gamtha. It is also a place that independents have the most success although none could ever truly hope to rival the power enjoyed by the current movers and shakers in the world of commerce.

# Security

Gamtha’s security forces are two fold; firstly a flotilla of eight Royal Navy Vessels holding two thousand marines patrols the lake and mouth of the Scourge. All are equipped with oars as well as sail and can respond with speed if called upon to row against the flow of the Scourge to reach danger quickly. Commodore Daniels commands the flotilla although he has reached the rank of Commodore through power and money. He has yet to face an actual Naval encounter and has so far not one the respect of his peers.

Within the city itself 2,000 Silver Saints are garrisoned under the command of Captain Beck. Most are aware however that if the walls of Gamtha were ever breached the canals and bridges would be the saving of the city and the people within. Commander Libeen is in charge of the 900 strong militia although unlike most militamen the Gamthan militia are dressed, armed and trained entirely differently. They wear Leather Armour and boiled leather helmets both of which can be easily removed if a watchman is submerged. Every militiaman is trained to swim and to use Longlaws; poles with metal hooks attached at the end to grapple passing vessels or use as a weapon in a pinch. The militia patrol the waterways on skiffs ready to leap on any unsuspecting criminals; their vessels are swift and come equipped with a minor magical device which emits a loud screaming noise to alert other craft to get out of their way if they are in pursuit of a criminal vessel.

# Society

Gamtha offers very little in the way of High Society entertainment, the only real place that any true “gentleman” would go is the Gamthan Gentlemen’s club (see below). Some back alley theatres exist but predominantly temples to Terref and alehouses twinkle brightly in the night. The streets of most areas are crammed after dark with the voices of a plethora of customs, races, religions and societies. The most popular Alehouse in Gamtha is without a doubt The Sailors Daughter, a sprawling tavern that take up a large portion of the dock front; indeed it has its own berths for ships to moor at. The Sailors Daughter is owned by Graham Dumor hence its size and indeed large surrounding grounds, beautiful and full of secluded benches and hidey holes, many a secret tryst has occurred in the gardens of The Sailors Daughter. Probably one or two illicit deals as well.

# Notable Buildings

The House of the Night Dragons: Owned and operated by the Fat conglomerate this gambling house offers all the best in Rice Empire entertainment and doubles up as an Eastern temple to Terref. It is well known that if you wish to do direct business with the Fat family then this is where to find them

Gamthan Gentleman’s Club:  The Gamthan Gentlemen’s club is an elite society made up of those of rank or position. Money cannot buy your way in nor can power that comes from anything other then noble or military rank. The only other way into the club is to be nominated by an existing member and then to pass muster with the rest of the chaps that make up the old guard. The GGC is clouded in mystery and seen by many to be some form of esoteric gang of powerful figures that actually control much of the basin. Of course none would ever dare to speak ill of the GGC for fear of reprisal but one rumour which too many people claim to be fact to be a lie is that after the destruction of Gamtha the GGC club building was the only one still intact…. He GGC has branches across the Royal Basin.

The Sewers:  One of the most famous features of Gamtha are the sewers that run below it; built some four hundred years ago by the Council of Magic, who at that point had a stronger presence here, it is said that they grow and move with the city and that any waste and refuse is whisked off to some other dimension to be destroyed or some such. Another alarming rumour is that the magical fallout of the sewers has given rise to a breed of larger and more intelligent rat, some even say that they are organised, a few even whisper that they are led by the biggest rat of all. Some have named him Big Sam.

# Notable People

Daniela Silverlight: A member of the well to do Silverlight family Daniela faces an uphill battle as she attempts to govern the citizens of Gamtha. Despite her clear authority and years of experience, she is 62, she has great difficulty trying to moderate against the power of the merchant families. Despite this she has strong support from the independent and smaller merchant houses and the loyalty of captain Beck. However a perceived slight against Commodore Daniels means that he seems to have become more apathetic in his duties. Outwardly Daniela is a keen and sharp witted lady who does not appreciate being treated badly because of her sex. She is quick to anger and can often seem to be quite harsh when she is in fact simply being matter of fact.

Commodore Madjacksos Daniels: The son of the legendary Admiral Michael Daniels Madjacksos or Jack for short is nothing like his father. Despite showing an aptitude in Sourcery Jack was enrolled in the Navy where he managed to pass most exams but utterly failed to excel in any true area. Now he commands this post based on his fathers past and has yet to prove himself. He is widely known as a vain man with a malicious streak and many already consider him to be a coward despite not having had the opportunity to prove himself such. He has already had a spat with Daniela Silverlight over a perceived slight despite having only been in the role of Commodore for a few months. He is known for regularly boarding and searching vessels for the slightest infringement of the law and is universally disliked by most crews that sail through this area.

Captain Isabella Beck: An upstanding officer of Half Elven descent who served in the Codex Wars; during this time she permanently lost the site in one of her eyes and was retired from the frontline. She is a fierce and valiant soldier and was surprised by her promotion, coming from the ranks as she did. She spends a lot of time in the company of Commander Libeen and many believe that there are matters of romance between the two.

Commander Pyra Libeen: The Flame Elven Commander of the City watch, Pyra is a fierce Woman who defends her city to the best of her ability. She was transferred from Strabain ten years ago and was present when the city was sacked although only as a humble Lieutenant. Upon her return she was promoted and has served loyally and well ever since. She spends a lot of time in the company of Captain Beck and many believe that there are matters of the heart developing between them.

Graham Dumor: One of the famous Dumor brothers who control a hundred different outlets across the Basin. Graham is the only brother who remains in Gamtha, the ancestral home of the family. Graham is human in his middle thirties who has great personal presence. He has served with the Royal Navy and spent some time lecturing in both the Warriors Guild and various Merchants Guilds although not in the same fields. Graham’s pride and joy is The Sailors Daughter; an inn that generates great commerce and where a great many things can be discovered.

Captain Felicia Dray: Captain of the Rum Oddity, a schooner claiming to be out of Malierunne Captain Dray is a Gnome with a reputation. According to local legend she is responsible for the destruction of various pirate vessels along with a few other nation’s ships under a supposed privateering agreement. Although no proof exists to corroborate this rumour many are in awe of her captaining skills and the “hard as nails” that she has put together over her three year berth in Gamtha. She is never short of a Shield and if you need something transported in safety then she is you Captain.

Captain Amdran Odds: Amdran Odds is a Dwarven Captain and the Ironclad that he commands states quite clearly his general mission in life. The Sabre is a vessel for hire, its primary purpose is the defence of vessels as hey make their way along the Scourge. Generally Captain Odds is making his way down the Scourge towards Gamtha at a slow pace and is rarely seen on Lake Diamond but when he is his presence is quickly felt. He and his men seem to clearly think that they are a law unto themselves and woe betide any who cross his path when he is having a bad day.

# Religion

The main religion of Gamtha is Terrefian and Naedite worship and temples to both are in edifice here. Ekimelahw has a sizable following with Tiberius, Bethylak and Yarrianne worshipped but with nowhere near as many numbers as the other Gods.

# History

The City of Gamtha was built originally to be a fishing and hunting community although after several years it developed into a veritable logging industries. One of the key figures in the development of the City was Bartemous Dumor whose family went on to have a sizeable impact on the world in general. As trade grew so did Gamtha, especially the cities ship building quarter, eventually the Salt Road reached Gamtha and its place in the Basanic order of things was assured; Gamtha became a hub of trade and commerce. Despite its significance the city was sacked and almost destroyed in the first Gabrak Wars leaving little but ruins and a burning monument to the past.

Several years after the first Gabrak Wars the Empire decided that Gamtha was a needed part of the Basin and was slowly rebuilt. More significance was given to the defence of the city and a series of Walls were built and once again commerce continued to pour into the city. However the City was Sacked a second time this time by the Cloud Elf known as Gann the Baby Boiler of Vopanderan and his armies. It was during this second incarnation that the Sourcerers moved into the city and the sewers were built.

Finally, six years ago, the City was built into its current format with canals and bridges rather then a larger number of walls as its primary defence. Since that time the city has suffered no major disaster.