Nation: The Empire
Province: Eloesus
Population: 450,000
HISTORY
Korthos has been inhabited since recorded history. It is known as the home city of Tarchon the Mad, who conquered all of Eloesus, plundered the halls of the ancient Quraysh Dynasty (in Khazidea), and nearly conquered the High Plain of Fharas (Gor Ilán) before dying suddenly at age 35. His “empire” crumbled within months after his death. A statue of Tarchon still stands in the city square, as of 1151 YE.
In 75 Y.B.E. the Hierophant Collegium was founded in the city. Proclaimers of the sacred oaths of Arephon, god of lightning, only a few in Korthos had the ability to join their ranks. The hierophants dealt death on the battlefield, crying out in deafening voices and calling down lightning.
Korthos was anciently called “the city of a thousand temples.” Found within its walls were temples for not only the five chief gods of Eloesus, but also of those gods in their various aspects: Amara the Mother, Amara the Virgin, Nix of the Silvered Sword, and so on. As the Academies of Eloesus grew in influence, the study of philosophy and the seeking of knowledge began to replace Korthians’ ancient piety.
The Imperials seized control of Korthos in 453 YE and—even at the height of the Last Eloesian-Imperial War (ca. 480-510 YE)—the Korthians did not join with the rebel king Heidathra. The Phalcar family, the most “ancient and noble” family of Korthos who ruled the city, swore its allegiance to the Empire in an attempt to continue its power. Achaeus Phalcar was made Magistrate of Korthos (subservient to the governor) soon after the conquest.
GEOGRAPHY
Korthos is built at the termination point of the Korthian Inlet, which leads out into the wider Middle Sea. Korthos is famous for the nine hills on which it is built. The rich tend to live at the top of the hills, while the poor tend to live in the smoke-clogged base.
SIGHTS
- The Hierophant Collegium: Still standing, this is the premier training ground in Eloesus for hierophants. The twenty teachers train the young men and women in both the magical arts of hierophantia and the sacred knowledge of the cult of Arephon.
- The Sacred House of Arephon: A temple devoted to the god of lightning and thunder. It is closed off to the public; only initiated hierophants may enter.
- The Temple of Nix: The goddess of the nighttime and poisonous herbs has a large temple here.
- House of Phalcar: The manor of the noble Phalcar family. A large, ostentatious marble mansion built on one of Korthos’ nine hills.
- Mount Kronos: A volcano on a peninsula seventeen miles outside Korthos. The mountains’ eruptions are responsible for the rich black soil which yields the fine grapes used to produce Korthian wine. The volcano has lain dormant for hundreds of years, the last recorded eruption having been in 10 Y.E.
