Pirathu
Pirathu has a population of 6000 and is a claustrophobic huddle of brick and stone. Its wall was torn down by the Empire and never rebuilt, and the main industry is producing dyed cloth from the shellfish harvested off its coast - Pirathu work is valued less highly than that of Sarthu. The cloth that is dyed comes from Husyfra.
Back to Map of LhomSarthu
Sarthu, with 20 000 people, is the second city of Lhom. About 10% of the populace are Great Tixrynic, with a further 5% Kalamen (mostly soldiers and thieves). It has prospered at Pirathu's expense and is a great centre for the dyeing trade. Silk, wool, and cotton cloths are dyed here with intricate designs by families of craftsmen. Most of the dye is made from shellfish harvested by Sarthan fisherfolk; many medicines are also made here, from starfish, poppies, and cinnabar. It is an ugly, squat, and barricaded city, which like Alom Hev imports nearly all of its food from the Malash delta. It is important as the seat of the Archimandrite of Sarthu, head of the Lhomish Rite, who is allowed to conduct worship openly by the secular authorities. About 50% of the people of Sarthu follow the Rite, as opposed to perhaps 40% in the countryside and 20-30% in the other cities of Lhom.
Back to Map of LhomAlom Hev
Alom Hev (55 000), is a thriving seaport with a 20% Great Tixrynic population. There are also a fair number of Kitabans, 3000 Kalamen, and a sprinkling of Lomen, Argandarr and Thudun. It is said that one can buy anything at the great markets of Alom, and its cisterns and granaries are never emptied. Enormous quantities of smoked and pickled fish, safflower and poppy oil, opium gum, distilled wine, woven silk cloth, and perfume are produced in Alom Hev. The city is also a major centre of shipbuilding, gold, silver, and starmetalsmithing, and the breeding of hunting fish. The city is finely built, flowing over a number of small hills overlooking a fine harbour. The baron of all Lhom dwells in a sumptuous palace, decadent to the extreme, said to rival that of the emperor himself. He has only recently succeeded his father-in-law and is careful not to offend any of the great merchants, who run the land to their own satisfaction. The Archimandrite of Lhom also dwells in Alom Hev, where he has a sumptuous palace paid for by the pious Lhomishfolk.
Back to Map of LhomGantu Hev
Gantu Hev, only 40 km E of Alom Hev, was at one time a rival to it. Today, its 10 000 inhabitants are mainly dependent upon the sea and oil industries. Pearling is also an important source of revenue, but it mostly in the hands of Kalamen. Seaweed cultivation is widespread on the coasts south of Gantu Hev. Gantu Hev provides two things to all Lhom, and all Tixryn beyond - cuttlefish preserved in honey and opium, a Gantish delicacy; and criminal masterminds. 30 km SE of Gantu Hev, lying partly offshore and partly on the land, are the ruins of an exceedingly ancient city, mostly crumbled into dust and scattered slabs of worn stone. The ruins extend over 30 km2 and are attributed by local legend to a mighty empire of Argandarri; the most impressive surviving fragments all lie beneath the waves. The little village of Tathbartu (500), on the northern edge of the ruins, is a magnet for treasure hunters and members of bizarre sects.
Back to Map of Lhom
