Nation: The Empire
Province: Eloesus
Population: 760,000
Thénai, the crown jewel of Eloesus and the largest city in the region, is as rich in history as it is in gold.
GEOGRAPHY
Thénai is 26 square miles, built on the shore of the Inlet of Thénai. The surrounding lands are collectively called Thenoa. It is the second largest city in the Empire, and the capital of Eloesus.
HISTORY
Early on, Thénai distinguished itself among the city-states of Eloesus. Its intrepid sailors and merchants ensured a prosperous civic economy. A popular revolt against the aristocracy allowed the institution of a new government by the chief rebel, Ansolon, and his wife Hordo, a radical government where the people voted for their leaders, which was called democracy. What followed between then and the re-establishment of the monarchy was called Thénai’s golden age.
The re-established kings in Thénai reigned from 30 Y.E. until the establishment of Eloesus as an Imperial province. The Thenoan Kingdom extended its grip over what is now the province of Gad and established suzerainty over the Amazon Isles.
In the First Eloesian-Imperial War (361 Y.E. to 371 Y.E.), Arestides the Good of the Lekko family, the Thenoan king, invaded Anthania and overran the city of Anthans. His fleet of triremes were overcome by aggressive boarding tactics of Admiral Lucius, and destroyed. Stranded, Arestides had no escape and guerilla warfare by citizens ensured his army’s destruction, circa 371 YE. The emperor Gabolus executed him.
In the Second Eloesian-Imperial War from 390 to 395 YE, Arestochos the Blessed, Thenoan king and initiated theurge, won several victories against the Imperials and for a short time drove Imperials out of Gad. The victory was short-lived and they were soon crushed. A treaty was signed, forcing Thénai to give up control of its colonies in Gad and compelling them into a damaging peace with the Empire.
The Third Eloesian-Imperial War began in 451 YE. The emperor Anthanius III invaded Eloesus with the intention of ceding it as a province. The king of Thénai formed an alliance with the two other prominent city-states (Kersepoli and Tharta) to halt the Imperials.
However, in 460 YE, after an extended siege, the king of Thénai surrendered to the Imperials. His hopes for mercy were dashed when the commanding legate, Felix, ordered the entire royal family executed. The city was plundered, and Felix was made governor of the new province of Eloesus.
In 480 YE, the self-proclaimed God-King Heidathra rose to power. In a coordinated strike, the Eloesians rose up against the Imperials. The rioters killed Felix and all the soldiers in Thénai. For a while, thanks to distractions at home, the Empire did not immediately respond. However, the Empire—under the command of Grand Legate Caro—sent a massive force to quell the rebellion. A thirty-year long struggle ensued in what was known as the Last Eloesian-Imperial War. In 508 YE, the tide seemed to have turned against Heidathra. The new king of Thénai—after a protracted siege—made an agreement with Caro that no harm would come to either the city or himself. Once again, they surrendered. Thénai was spared; other cities were not as lucky. The royal family was abolished.
SIGHTS
- The Lion’s Gate: The ancient gate of Thénai which has stood since forgotten times. It is named for the leonine figures carved into the stone.
- The House of Andereon: The sprawling home of an Imperial sympathizer family.
- The Governor’s Mansion: The Eloesian center of government, converted from the ancient House of Lekko.
- The Temple to Amara the Watchful: One of the largest temples in the known world. The burial-place of Thenoan kings and, more recently, the Governors of Eloesus.
- The College of Theurges: An academy for theurgy and the sacred knowledge of the gods.
- The Temple of All Gods: A large temple devoted to all known deities.
- The Arena of Felix: A gladiatorial arena begun in 461 YE and — due to the distractions of war — completed in 515 YE. It is the home of the Eloesian gladiatorial team (the Sacred Band of Eloesus).
