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Kingdom of Ruam 咸國
Capital	Valchram (Winter) Kwaiyang (Summer)
Largest	Valchram
Official languages	(Classical Chinese)
Recognised national languages	Che Ksangsak Lo Nucht'i
Recognised regional languages	Beng Da'ek Jheng
Religion	Vrahism
Government	Confederal absolute monarchy
Area
•	1,123,552 km2 (433,806 sq mi)

Ruam (咸國, Che: /ha:m˨ kʷɔːk˧/, Ksangsak: /ha:m˩ kuə̯k˥/, Lo: /xaŋ˧ kuɤ˧/), officially the Kingdom of Ruam, is a confederal absolute monarchy in Ajax. Positioned along the southeastern coast of continental Ochran and outlying islands, it borders Uluujol to the north and Jhengtsang to the west. As of 2020, it has an estimated population of about 50 million, divded among its constituent states as a composite monarchy under the eponymous dynasty.

The land now known as Ruam has been continuously inhabited since the Paleolithic age. It is believed that the first inhabitants of the land migrated to the coastal area by land and sea alike, relying on the relatively less forested coast to traverse the tropical environment, before eventually settling around the wetland estuaries dominating the coastal regions. Located at the peripheral of Ochran and covered in dense tropical rainforest, Ruam has been the destination of multiple waves of migration and refugees, the most prominent of which being the conquest of the Bayarid Empire, where refugee from Lo comprised the first centralised monarchy of Ruam and continued to rule the country to this day.

A composite monarchy, the government considered itself defined by the shared alligiance of constituent polities towards the Ruam monarchy. Tracing its roots back to the conglomerate of refugees, native chiefdoms and merchants seeking protection in exchange of alligiance, the Kingdom of Ruam officially retained its bilateral nature to this day, in a decentralised system that some political theorists had described as a feudal or neo-feudal system.

Etymology

The name Ruam is an exonym first introduced by merchants from Mutulese Ochran, with whom the kingdom had extensive trade. While the word Ruam itself was derived from the Multi word huam, its ultimate etymology is ultimately unknown. Currently, the most widely-accepted hypotheses regarding the origin of the word consider it to be derived from entonym of one of the languages spoken in the country. Potential candidates of it include proto-Ksangsak *ruam for "put together" or "unite" (cf. Norok proom "togetherness"), and Old (Classical Chinese) *grəm "complete" (transcribed as ᡴ᠌ᡝᠷᠠᠮ kəram in Thuwachi text), with some linguists suggesting that the similar meaning being an indication of either cognate or early loanword between the language families.

In (Classical Chinese), and other languages heavily influenced by it, the entonym of the country is written as 咸 (Che: /ha:m˨˩/, Lo: /xaŋ˧/). According to official history, the name ultimately stemmed from the 31rd hexagram from ancient East Ochran divination, which was made by Fiyangqu Cigiya, the legendary founder of the Ruam monarchy on the eve of Bayarid conquest of Lo. Interpreting it as a bad omen, Fiyangqu was said to have gathered all his followers and fled towards the southwest in accord to the divination result. As words of Lo falling to the Bayarids reached the entourage, another divination was made, and Fiyangqu decided to settle in a nearby wetland near modern Valchram. Believing himself to be the only survivor of his clan and, by extension, the Mankut-Lo rulers, Fiyangqu proclaimed himself to be King of Ruam, in deference to the divination result that saved him and his followers. The authenticity of the legend, however, was questioned by many, with opponents usually leaning towards it being a later invention after the Thuwachi Mankut monarchy had assiminated many of the native population, including the loanword that would become Ruam.

History

Main article: History of Ruam

Prehistory

The first known sign of permanent settlement in modern day Ruam dated back as early as 30,000 ybp, near the bank of the Kwai river (鞼水, Lo: /ku̯ei̯˧ ʃu̯ei̯˥/) in northern Ruam. Due to its proximity with the extent settlements found in Lo, tools and artefacts in similar design to their Lo counterpart, as well as the area being historically part of the greater Lo states, the Kwai River culture has long been considered part of the proto-Lo culture as well. However, recent archaeological findings, combined with advents in archaeogenetics, suggested that a significant portion, if not the majority of inhabitants in the region are more closely related to South Ochran population than its eastern counterpart. As such, it has since been considered to be an indigenous group either assiminated by, or in significant trade interaction with the northern Lo population. While the abundance of fishing tool, rafts and processed remains of fish and seashells suggested fishing to be the main source of subsistence for the people, their diet was likely supplemented by wild root vegetables and fruits.

In southern Ruam, the earliest signs of permanent settlement dated back to 25,000 ybp. Found throughout the southern coast of the country, it is believed to belong to the proto-Ksangsak-Norok population, the common ancestor of the two people. Compared with the Kwai people, the proto-Ksangsak population likely relied more on fishing for food, given the lack of other foodstuff in archaeological records. In addition to that, the people likely engaged in pearl hunting, harvesting pearls for production of jewelry and other trade goods. The wider spread of the population and its relics, supported by almost ubiqutuous presence of rafts and boats in their settlements, showed that it was a more seafaring people, with its pearl jewelry having been found in the outlying islands and along the coast of Ruam.

Evidence for rudimentary agricultural drainage was found in the wetland dominating the southern coast of Ruam, in particular that of Krongmeng swamp. Dating back to around 5,000 ybp, it is believed to be used by later stage of the proto-Ksangsak population to cultivate root vegetables like taro and citrus. The presence of stone cutting and grinding tools in nearby settlements also suggested that some form of food crop like wild rice might have been planted by the people as well. Access to agriculture likely resulted in an increase of population and rise of larger settlements, many of which utilising stilt houses in or near the swamps, as protection against both flooding and diseases.

There was a large influx of Lo population in northern Ruam between 1,500 and 1,000 ybp, likely a result of migration caused by the decline of early Lo polities and their subsequent conquest by the migrating Mankut people to the north. Their southward migration brought technologies such as wet field cultivation and bronze metallurgy to the land, eventually spreading along the coast towards the early Ksangsak people. Introduction of more advanced technology and administrative ideas is believed to have resulted in the formation of proto-states along the Nae river and coast of Ruam, as well as furthering cultural exchange between Lo and the indigenous population.

Thuwachi period

See also: Thuwachi

Closely related to the Mankut people, the Thuwachi people were among the conquerers and rulers of the ancient Lo in the early first millennium. Significantly assiminated into their Lo subjects, the Thuwachi people remained local rulers in parts of Lo until the conquest of the land by the Bayarid Empire, which saw many of the opposing local rulers deposed. Officialy history of Ruam claimed that at the eve of the Bayarid conquest, Fiyangqu Cigiya, the youngest heir to the Thuwachi Cigiya clan, foresee the impending threat through divination and gathered his followers to move southward. Although this particular event was not supported by contemporary text, a large wave of migration from Lo into Ruam was documented before and during Bayarid invasion, which included a significant amount of Thuwachi people alongside their Lo subjects.

Compared with the previous Lo migration, the Thuwachi migration was both more organised and widespread. Although mostly confined to be more accessible coastal regions, the migrants eventually reached as far as the southern tip of the continent. Similar to their Lo predecessors, the arrival of Thuwachi Mankuts resulted in the founding of more centralised states alongside the indigenous polities, displacing and assiminating some of the pre-existing proto-states.

Despite the likely goal to flee Bayarid conquest, Ruam would eventually become part of its continent-spanning empire, if only nominally. In face of threat of war, many local states opted to become vassals to Bayarid Empire, whose support allowed the subjugated rulers to expand into their independent neighbouring with its auspice.

In the wake of the collapse of Bayarid Empire, the local rulers regained their indepdnence, some inheriting the remains of Bayarid presence in the region. Among them, the Cigiya clan based in Valchram eventually gained dominance over ousthern Ruam and eastern Norok, leading to the foundation of the Kingdom of Ruam that persist to this day.

Maritime trade

See also: Mutulese Ochran

Commonly considered an improvished backwater region by contemporary rulers, even that of the Lo-Mankuts, the Kingdom of Ruam relied primarily on its geographic location for resource and wealth. Controlling the northern shore of the strait between Makria Ocean and Ozeros Sea, Ruam benefitted greatly from the maritime trade through the strait, its ports serving as havens and supply ports for trading ships within the doldrums. Supported by its mercantile open-door policies, Ruam soon became an important stopping point for merchants as far as Fahran to the west and Tsurushima to the east.

The arrival of Mutulese ships in the 16th century eventually led to its dominance over the local trade network as Mutulese Ochran. Like many polities under its influence, Mutulese trade ports and legations soon appeared within Ruam, often with the support of the Ruam government in exchange of more preferable trade deals, better exchange of wealth and technology.

Following the Kirishtan Uprising in Tsurushima, the expulsion of non-Mutulese merchants from the archipelago proper provided Ruam with significant business oppotunity. Maintaining its open door policy on trade, Ruam soon became the primary exporter of precious metal, rice, tobacco and tropical hardwood such as camphor, ironwood and teak, eventually replacing Tsurushima as a major trading partner with Mutul as well. The resulting influx of wealth and ideas led to what was considered the golden age of Ruam during the 18th century, including rapid expansion of its manufacturing and shipbuilding sector to capitalise on its natural resource more efficiently. Originating primarily in Mutulese trade ports and other possessions, they soon became some of the most affluent and productive regions within Ruam, gradually leading the rest of the country towards industrialisation.

Ruam-Uluujol war

Since the fall of the Bayarid Empire, most lands inhabited by Lo population had been ruled by Lo and Oshkhanate, the predecessor of the modern country of Uluujol. As part of the dynastic union between the successor states of the Bayarid Empire, local Lo-Mankut rulers retained most of their autonomy under a common banner. However, following the ascesion of the Lo-based Yu dynasty in the early 18th century, many of the local rulers saw their authority diminishing under an increasing centralising government. Fearing that they would eventually be stripped of their power and replaced by officials appointed by, and loyal to the ruling Yu dynasty, many of the more powerful nobles conspired to rebel against the new government of Uluujol.

In order to defend themselves against the inevitable attempts of suppression by Uluujol, the coalition of rebelling nobles began seeking outside help, debating among themselves on the choice of primary benefactor. Eventually, the pro-Ruam faction led by Jilan Föimö gained dominance among the nobles, claiming that the Lo-Mankut dynasty ruling Ruam was both powerful enough to oppose Uluujol, and the ancestral connection would make it more receptive to their wish of retaining the traditional feudalistic political structure.

With Ruam agreeing to support the Lo nobles in exchange of becoming their liege, the Lo nobles rose up in 1709, proclaiming the Cigiya clan of Ruam to be their rightful sovereign. Despite being physically separated from Lo territory, the large merchant navy of Ruam allowed it to transport its troops northward quickly, securing many of the rebel-controlled territories before engaging in combat with pro-Yu forces.

The war between Ruam and Uluujol lasted until 1721, where the Treaty of Kwaiyang was signed, formalising the impromptu border between the two countries. In exchange of recognising the change of alligiance of all surviving insurgent nobles, Ullujol received significant monetary compensation from Ruam, whom also provided assistance in developing the country. At the same time, following the marriage between Kuilin Cigiya and Jilan, the continued autonomy of the Lo-Mankut nobles were guaranteed, a right that was later expanded to all subjects under the Ruam monarchy and continued to this day.

Early modern period

Compared with its neighbours, Ruam was considered to be the most powerful during the 18th century. The decline of Mutulese Ochran during the period saw many Mutulese possessions in Ruam seeking protection from potential invasion by its enemies, allowing Ruam to benefit more from the highly lucrative and developed coastal area. The accumulation of wealth and technology resulted in Ruam becoming one of the first Southeastern Ochran countries to industrialise. Its cordial relations with Mutul also allowed it easy access to its sphere of influence, gradually controlling many of its assets following the decline of Mutulese Ochran.

18th century also saw Ruam expanding its borders. In addition to its war with Uluujol ending with it controlling part of Lo territory, the transition of Shambhala from a client state to colony under Arthurista also provided it oppotunity to expand westward. Offering protection and guarantee of autonomy to local Norok, Jheng and Che rulers in exchange of their loyalty, the final collapse of Shambhala resulted in Ruam controlling both eastern part of Norok, as well as its eastern coast, connecting the two lands of Ruam.

As the Arthuristan colony consolidated its control over former Shambhala lands, wars and border skirmishes between the two countries would continue well into 19th century, which eventually see Ruam losing many of its territorial acquisition from Shambhala. This, combined with increase of strength in nearby countries like Tsurushima resulted in Ruam's relative decline during the 19th century.

Modern period

See also: Jhengtsang Revolutionary Wars

Opposed to Arthurstan colonial rule in Shambhala, Ruam was known to have played a significant role in supporting anti-colonial sentiments across the border. In addition to housing fugitives in its border, many groups in Ruam were believed to have supplied insurgents with resource and armament alike with tacit approval from the government. While different groups in Ruam supported multiple, sometimes opposing militant groups in the Arthurstan colony, it was most influential among the more moderate factions, ranging from indigenous monarchists to moderate socialists during the Jhengtsang Revolutionary Wars.

The final fall of the colonial government gave way to multiple groups declaring independence, expanding their influence against colonials and opposing groups alike, eventually escalating into open conflicts. As pro-Ruam factions began losing grounds to their more hardline opponents, many of them opted to seek protection from their sponsors, eventually resulting in the government of Ruam deploying its military to intervene in the revolutionary wars to protect them from further aggression.

Following the end of Jhengtsang Revolutionary Wars, border between Ruam and the newly-formed Union of Socialist People's Republics was formalised based on existing frontlines, with Ruam's protectorate controlling parts of their claimed territory, primarily in eastern Norok and coastal Jheng area. Heavily reliant on Ruam for military and economic support, these states eventually joined Ruam as constituent states of the composite monarchy, forming the current shape of the country.

Politics

Ruam is commonly defined as a composite absolute monarchy.

Culture

Cigiya Chi Kei Ki Ki គិ

Valchram (晟藍)

Kwaiyang

𡐙渃𧵑𢂜咸 /tət.ɗaːk kuə̯ βuə̯.luə̯m/

Geday/Gedayo or Belw

Ilumasdhar

Solustheris Isles