The Four Families of Romtol

Listen you stone-brained fool— you belong to us. You are here to look like a leader, but us? We will decide how this country runs. Should you forget that, you will find yourself reminded of how your predecessor died. Are we clear?
— Ropom Poggok, to the current Pomm

The four families of Romtol are the oldest known lineages within Romtol, having existed in some capacity since the nation's very beginnings. The head of each family attends the hextennial trials known as the Gounom, which determines the Pomm or ruler of Romtol— and decide on the victor of each trial.

This event is held within a great arena in the capital of Romm, and is viewed as a great spectacle for the public to enjoy. Trials include foot races through fiery tracks, improvisational acting, gladiatorial combat, and more. Despite this spectacle, and the Pomm's title, the four families are the true leaders of the nation, heaving any blame onto the Pomm whenever things go wrong. While the Pomm technically holds power over them, the four families have a tight grip on the nation's various assets— to oppose them would be suicide. In the Tolech language spoken by the Tollouchi of Romtol, family names pass from mother to daughter and father to son— so each of these four families is primarily embodied and ruled by a sole gender each.

The tumble

The four families were not always in charge of the entire country— they truly were no more than representatives for the nation's people at first. Then the Year of Stone happened— the great drought crippled the power of the Pomm, who was barely able to keep the citizens of Romm fed. In their place, stepped in the four families— with their power and influence, they set out to keep those around them fed. Some increased trade with foreign nations, others warred over arable land— regardless of their methods, they had gained footholds where the Pomm had slipped.

Children

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