imported>LordTBT at 02:39, 19 June 2026

2026-06-19T02:39:22Z

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[[File:RubinShrewArchers.jpg|250px|right|Guosim archers]]
The '''Guerilla Union of Shrews in Mossflower''' or '''Guosim''' (pronounced [gow-səm]) is a tribe of nomadic [[:Category:Shrews|shrews]] that traverse [[Mossflower Woods]] and the surrounding country. They are water creatures that typically use [[Logboat|logboats]] on the many streams and tributaries for transportation. An argumentative and indecisive bunch, they are nevertheless deadly in battle and generally never unwilling to help [[Redwall Abbey]]'s residents or other good creatures, and often act as transportation, crew, or bodyguards. Their numbers can vary, ranging from approximately 500 in ''[[Redwall]]'' to less than 40 in ''[[Marlfox]]''.

The weapons of choice for the Guosim are small, deadly [[rapier]]s; they also use bows, and slings. Guosim members often wear brightly-colored headbands. The shrews love to eat, and Guosim cooks are considered to be some of the best in Mossflower, known for their [[Shrewbread]] and [[Redwall_Beverages#Shrew_Beer|shrew beer]].

Vermin often describe the Guosim as "rivermice."

===Leadership===
[[File:GuosimRedwallTV.jpg|250px|right|Guosim from the [[Redwall TV Series]]]]
The Guosim are always led by a [[Log-a-Log]], a tough shrew who commands the bunch and is usually a bit more relaxed and less quarrelsome than the average tribe member. Guosim law states that if a Log-a-Log is murdered, their death must be avenged, and the shrew that successfully avenges his or her death becomes the next Log-a-Log.

It should also be noted that in ''[[Redwall]]'', the tribe was portrayed differently than in later books. Not only did the group have the name "Guosim", an individual shrew was named [[Guosim (shrew)|Guosim]] as well. She held the leadership title "president of the shrew union", which was [[Redwall_FAQ#Why_is_Redwall_so_different_than_the_other_books.2C_with_a_horse.3F|never referred to in future books]]. This group also made tribal decisions by majority vote.

===Factions===
*The [[Guerilla Union of South Stream Shrews of Mossflower]] or Guosssom is a southern faction of the Guosim and is characterized by the usage of the [[Blackstone]], which defines rank.

*The [[Guerilla Union of Roving and Fighting Shrews]] or Guoraf is another southern faction of the Guosim.

===Bladechant===
The Bladechant was a singing ritual that Log-a-Log [[Osbil]] and his tribe performed. It is a challenge for battle; after the Bladechant is performed, the Guosim under most circumstances must face their enemy. In ''[[Eulalia!]]'', it is stated that if the Log-a-Log is unable to lead the charge, the rest of the Guosim cannot attack.

Not all Guosim tribes are known to perform this ritual.

===Trivia===
*Watch [[Brian Jacques]] discuss the Guosim [https://youtu.be/0v_1yVDoTdA?si=5pz6CbxFcHD2hE-b&t=185 here].
*The Guosim is based off of the Liverpool longshoreman's union membership. In ''[[Redwall]]'', the shrews refer to one another as "comrade."
*In the Nelvana [[Redwall TV Series]], the Guosim are characterized as communists, and even speak in Russian accents.

===Books===
The Guosim, or some form of it, appear in every ''Redwall'' novel with the exceptions of ''[[Martin the Warrior (book)|Martin the Warrior]]'', ''[[Mariel of Redwall]]'', and ''[[Taggerung (book)|Taggerung]]''.
[[de:Guerilla-Union aller Spitzmäuse in Moosblume]]
[[fr:Catégorie:UGMURAY]]
[[Category:Shrews]]
[[Category:Tribes/Groups]]
[[Category:Recurring characters]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Nelvana Redwall TV Series Characters]]
[[Category:Nelvana Redwall Season One Characters]]

Guerilla Union of Shrews in Mossflower - Revision history

imported>LordTBT at 02:39, 19 June 2026