Beitris

Beitris (also called 'City of the Moray Eels' or 'Great Queen of the Southern Seas') is one of the largest and most important cities in Askedoria - a thriving multicultural hub and centre of commerce. Situated a few miles inland from the mouth of the Zautas (Agipon) river, Beitris is connected to the sea through its port district Uios Beitris. The city was founded by Etoi settlers who called it Beitrizidas after the first daughter of their mythical sphinx-queen. During the Iskuzai conquest of Askedoria it was one of the last Etoi colonies to hold out against the invaders. After the city submitted to the Iskuzai by diplomatic means it became a member of the Amphictony of Aulea. Beitris is characterised by both Etoi and Iskuzai influences. As such, it is typical for the hybrid Zeugridas culture that dominates eastern Askedoria.
Beitris was the first colony in Askedoria founded by the Etoi after their arrival. It quickly grew into an urban centre thanks to its port, called Uios Beitris, and became the capital of an Etoi polity called the 'Pearl Kingdom' - one of the Coastal Eparchies. The city was governed by a council of matriarchs who represented its different Thiasoi and elected one of them as queen. Beitris' symbol and heraldic beast is the moray eel which is why it is also called 'city of the moray eels'. The city was protected from any attacks by land or sea by imposing cyclopian walls and a sizeable, undefeated navy. The Beitrian ships were known for their slim hull design and speed. The city's landmark were the famous two Queens' Towers that guarded the entrance of its harbour and belonged to the tallest structures in Askedoria. 
The city's last independent Etoi queen was Acamante. When the Iskuzai people invaded Askedoria from the north, one of their warlords named Thesmis the Leopard fought the mercenary armies employed by the Beitrians and besieged the city for many years. Although his assaults against the towering city walls remained unsuccessful, the situation became untenable for the inhabitants of Beitris. Eventually, the queen, too proud to submit to the Iskuzai, surrendered the city by committing suicide. Although victorious, the Iskuzai needed to pacify their new conquest and prevent civil strife with the native populace. Thus, a democratic order that enfranchised both Iskuzai and Etoi patricians was establish to govern Beitris. The city was divided between the Iskuzai and the Etoi. Everything on the left bank of the Zautas river would be given to Thesmis and his followers, the districts on the right bank would remain under the control of Acamante's lineage.
In the years following the Iskuzai conquest of Beitris, the city's assembly was increasingly split between lineages that supported the old Etoi aristocracy led by the Acamantidai and those who supported the Iskuzai under the leadership of the Thesmidai. Open conflict between both factions erupted once more when Erigone, matriarch of the Acamantidai, died suddenly from snake poisoning.
Beitris' Summer Celebration, held in honour of Beitrizidas, is among the most important religious festivals of the city.