Theneas

The Radiant Emerald

A view of the city

# *The Radiant Emerald*

## **Recent Events**

The city has experienced a shift of power in recent times, while once a very accepting and tolerant place it has taken on a more authoritarian and sinister nature.

## **Important Locations**

### **The Twisted Gardens**

Using their connection to the trees of Theneas, the elves have created a huge labyrinth of hanging gardens. The floor and foundation of the gardens weaved using the branches of the trees themselves.

## Surrounding area

### Thenanon

The Mountains at the Foot of which Theneas sits.

### Duin Parf Edhellen (Rivers Landing)

A Medium sized market town some 30 miles south of Theneas on the Thensire/Thenduin.

### Thenithir

The port city where the Thensire/Thenduin enters the ocean.

### Then Taur

The forests around Theneas. South-hyarmen, West-Numen, North-Forn.

## Llyn Thenea, The Daughters of Thenea & The Birth of Moldira

Arthwyr the Uniter, First High Chief of Vogh Moldir and the champion of the first arrivals. Defender, champion, paragon of virtue and scourge of the Elves. Songs are sung of such deeds, milennia old and lost to time. The venerable poets of Vogh Moldir recount the definitive history of their vaunted scion with such surety, as if they were there to witness the deeds of Arthwyr and his companions. They were not.

The deeds of Arthwyr have gone down in legend in Vogh Moldir, told and retold. Fanciful lies. The memory of the Elves is long and they do not forgive easily.

When the Elves first arrived on Ekros, their ships carried them through the mist clouded waters of a vast unending lake. As the mist parted and land first crept into sight, tall figures could be seen crowding the approaching shore. Men. Warriors all, led by the man who would be the Uniter.

First to set foot on the shores of Ekros was Lady Thenea, leader of the Elfen cohort and wise beyond her years. Thenea brought with her 12 daughters, each powerful sorceresses and warriors. Within the beautiful swanlike barges of the Elfen host were crowded the remnants of their people. Mostly women and children, the last remnants of their kind.

Desperate for aid and in search of a new homeland for her people, Lady Thenea sought sanctuary from the human peoples of Voghia. Wise though she was, in her desperation, Thenea did not see the ambition in the young human leaders eyes. In return for sanctuary, the young chief Arthwyr, sought the assistance of Thenea and her people in realising his grand dream, to unite the lands of humanity from the Llyn to the Durus. Left with little choice, Lady Thenea aided Arthwyr in his conquest, lending the formidable magical might of Thenea and her daughters to Arthwyr's army. Side by side, the two brought death to Arthwyr's enemies and united the land under the leadership of the newly crowned High Chief.

After a decade of conquest, the land of Voghia was settled in peace. A final daughter was born to Thenea and in celebration of this newly found homeland, was named Moldira "Daughter of the Lake." Blind were the Elves in those bygone days, to the treachery of jealous men.

None now live in Theneas that sailed in the Mistblown Fleet, though many claim their grandparents were children aboard those fated vessels. In time, the Elves drifted apart from the realm of Voghia, seeking instead a homeland of their own. Settling in lands to the South, Thenea led her people in a time of prosperity and harmony. Voghian men took Elfen wives, and adopted their children as their own, unsure of their own past and how they made it to the shores of Ekros. Elfen and Voghian warriors trained side by side, instructing one another in their own warrior traditions. Thenea lending her name to the land she had claimed for her people, Theneas.

Though death and horror still hounded the Elfen refugees it seemed, no matter which realm they inhabited. For the peace of Theneas was rent by the Beli Mawr. Arthwyr, at the head of a terrible host, broke faith with Thenea and brought death to her people. Leading a host of barely clothed berserkers, tattooed head to toe in glyphs of magical warding, learned from the Elves themselves, Arthwyr ravaged the Kingdom of Theneas.

Thenea entrusted her daughters with the defence of the city and rode out to challenge Arthwyr at the head of a host of glimmering Elfin knights. Warriors bearing the mist shrouded silver swan banner of their lady. Though fiercely they fought, Thenea and her knights were greatly outnumbered and mercilessly cut down.

The daughters of Thenea, left to protect the city of Theneas, were distraught at their mothers passing. With Arthwyr's host gathered at the walls, his intentions unknown, and left with very few warriors with which to defend the city, all seemed lost.

It was the youngest of Thenea's daughters that delivered the city from ruin. Moldira, often regarded as the weakest and most timid of Thenea's daughters, stalked across the beleaguered city's battlements. Spying Arthwyr's pennants amidst his host of baying, chanting warriors, Moldira leapt from the city walls and made her way to Arthwyr. Not a man dared touch her, for they saw the fierceness of the Beli Mawr in her eyes. Parting before a daughter's wrath, the Voghian army stepped aside and allowed their leader to answer Moldira's challenge. Theneas did not fall that day, there was no battle and the army of Voghia returned home. For at a whispered word from Moldira, Arthwyr set her up upon his horse and rode northwards into the Durus Mountains.

Gossips amongst the court of Theneas claim that Arthwyr and Moldira were secretly in league with one another, plotting the downfall of her mother. More salacious tales claim the two were secret lovers. Some outlandish whispers even suggest that Moldira was the bastard daughter of Arthwyr and Thenea and that the Uniter invaded Theneas to free his daughter from her mother's tyrannical clutches. Arthwyr's name is not fondly remembered by the people of Theneas, a biword for treachery and a reminder never to trust to the word of men.

## Knighthood in Theneas

### History

On landing the shores of Voghia, few warriors stood amongst the frightened mass seeking sanctuary. Yet Lady Thenea and her daughters were left with little choice but to prepare their people for war at Arthwyr's side.

Lacking any significant number of trained and experienced warriors, Thenea and her daughters charged the women of the host with the initial duty of preparing themselves for battle. Instructing this initial host of young women in the arts of warfare both mundane and magical and forming them into a tightly bound sisterhood. The Sisters of the Silver Swan took as their banner the vehicle of their salvation. Charged primarily with the defence of the Elvish people, the sisters were also expected to transfer their knowledge on. Each sister was expected to instruct at least two children in the arts of warfare and battle magic. All elfin children were offered the chance to train under the sisterhood, for Thenea needed every able-bodied warrior she could find. Thus, the egalitarian tradition of squireship in Theneas was born.

No horses accompanied the Mistblown Fleet on its voyage to Ekros, the swan-like ships of the Elfin refugees bore their beleaguered cargo to safety but little else. Again, the elves would need rely on the generosity of their hosts. Provided with stout garrons and sturdy mountain ponies, the elves soon took to the arts of mounted combat, preferring to fight atop their mounts wielding long slender swords and lances.

The Sisters of the Silver Swan died heroically at the side of their Lady a decade later, betrayed by their longtime ally Arthwyr the Uniter. Yet the squires they had begun to train a decade ago had benefitted from the long period of tutelage. The first squires raised to the rank of 'Knight' in Theneas were skilled warriors but untested in battle, few had ever struck a blow in anger.

The Council of Sisters organised massed melees and mock combats in an effort to test their new warriors limits. The most skillfull and impressive warriors being granted an esteemed position in the newly formed "Knights of the Silver Swan." Chosen by a Thenean Silvermane stallion, and gifted a shining suit of silvered plate bedecked with swan-like plumage. These Knights carried the tradition of their honoured matrons with them onto battlefields thereafter.

### Knighthood

Theneas, once the home of chivalry in Ekros, has recently fallen far from its noble heritage. In the not so distant past, Theneas was the gleaming pinnacle of courtly romance. It is from Theneas that the ideals of knighthood spread across the continent, emulations of the valiant guardians of Thenea milennia before.

The cultures of man have long since corrupted the ideals of the knight. A position now conferred by blood, wealth and on occasion, martial prowess. Not so the "True Knights" of Theneas. As it was in the early days of the Mistblown Fleet's arrival, any child of Theneas may train to become a knight.

But what so distinguishes the Knights of Theneas from the armoured and mounted warriors of the humans? Time, Duty and Honour.

#### Time

A Knight of Theneas swears their vows decades before ever wielding a lance or sitting astride a Silvermane. Young 'pages' must petition their desired teacher and prove their worth to the potential mentor. What trials the mentor imposes vary, yet it is not uncommon for a page to be expected to impress their intended mentor over a handful of decades.

If they are successfully accepted as a 'squire' in this time, they will swear the Knightly vows common to all Knights of Theneas:

" I (name), swear these vows as my own. I am hereby sworn to duty, to speak only the truth, to use arms to defend the mistblown, to use might to uphold the lost. My heart knows only honour. My blade shall not rest lest the sisters will it. For this day and all the days hereafter"

So sworn, a squire may begin their training in earnest.

#### Duty

Knights of Theneas rule no lands, they are not landowners saddled with the petty concerns of lesser 'knights.' A knight of Theneas spends their days on the road and their nights under the stars. Their duty is to the land and peoples of Thenea. Long ago, the Sisterhood of the Silver Swan were formed to champion the people of Thenea when their need was greatest. The Knights of Theneas uphold that duty to this day. Charged above all with protecting those who cannot protect themselves, knights patrol the lands of Theneas, offering their services to all who require them. Unconcerned with tales of their prowess or songs of their deeds, a knight of Theneas is just as likely to be seen assisting a traveller who's horse has thrown a shoe or presiding over a local dispute, as they are to be riding to the defence of a maiden beset by bandits. That is not to say that songs are not sung of legendary knights, simply that a life of duty is reward all of its own. Squires travel alongside their masters and mentors, never far from their side, in order to learn the life of duty and self-sacrifice firsthand.

#### Honour

The human races speak of honour as a commodity, something tangible that can be traded for wealth and renown. Few outside of Theneas, save for perhaps the valiant Wards, see Honour truly. A Knight of Theneas is Honour made manifest. To know and to do what is right. Honour lay in right action, to know without knowing what virtue entails. This skill is by far what distinguishes a Knight of Theneas from those of other lands that lay claim to the title. A Silvermane steed will not allow those without honour to mount them, so natural is the power of Honour in the land of the Mistblown. In recent times, a rift has opened amongst the Knights. Torn between the duty to their land and people and their duty to the Sisters. Many knights view the new regime of Theneas for what it is, a corruption of the ideals of their ancestors. Surely they will not ignore the most desperate plight of their people?

Half a century or more may pass before a squire is deemed worthy of being elevated to the vaunted ranks of Knight. A squire by this time may have more experience than countless grizzled human veterans of Ekros.

Little is known of the knighting ceremony itself for they are performed in secret, secluded places known only to the squire's mentor. Often, forest glades, tranquil meadows or remote mountainous pools. What is known is that no further vows are sworn, for the time for words has long since passed. It is here, a squire will receive their arms and armour and should they prove worthy, a Silvermane will emerge from the wilds to inspect their prospective master.

Thus armed and armoured, and deemed worthy by their mount, a Knight of Theneas shall set forth to undertake their duty. Bringing justice to the lands of Theneas.

### Skills of a Knight of Theneas

Through centuries of experience and training a Knight of Theneas would far surpass the skills of most other warriors of Ekros. Refining their martial and magical skills for the span of many human lifetimes. It is only this lengthy process and the high expectations placed upon a Knight that limits their numbers. Despite their skill, Knights of Theneas are rarely seen beyond the borders of their land. Their steeds seem reluctant to venture too far from Thenean soil. The Knights themselves do not relish the prospect of conquest, seeing it as foolish vainglory.

A Knight of Theneas may take many forms, a heavily armoured mounted warrior, wielding lance and sword against their foes. An expert wielder of magical arts, using powers honed across the centuries. Or perhaps a combination of the two. Such warriors would attract great rewards as mercenaries, singlehandedly able to turn the tide of battle, if ever one were to forsake their duty to Theneas.

## Culture

Whilst in many ways, Theneas mirrors the cultures around it, with common folk working the land for their lords, raising sheep and cattle, growing crops to sell at the market. There is plenty that sets the land of Theneas apart. In other lands, commonfolk must trust in the benevolence of their lords, perpetually at their mercy. In Theneas, both commoner and noble alike know that the Knights of Theneas are ever vigilant and will not hesitate to visit swift justice on any that abuse their power or position.

The population of Theneas, owing to the unique lifespans of the elves and their bedraggled arrival on the shores of Ekros, is far lower than other neighbouring lands. The territory controlled by Theneas is far smaller than the surrounding nation states, leading the people of Theneas to be forever watchful of their borders for fear of annexation.

Thenean society is almost entirely driven by the pursuit of perfection. Due to their extended lifespans, Theneans dedicate many decades to honing their craft. From the lowest farmer or cobbler to the highest cheesemaker or goldsmith, the people of Theneas endeavour to perfect their craft. The city of Theneas is a city of industry and endeavour with guilds of master craftsmen established to pursue perfection in every conceivable venture. Until very recently, free of the fear of maltreatment by their lords, the people of Theneas were free to dedicate themselves to any and all pursuits, great renown could be earned by those willing to dedicate their lives to their chosen craft.

Thenean craftsmanship is universally regarded as of an almost supernaturally high quality, though none would ever dare rush a Thenean craftsman. A humble nailor, for example, could spend many months fashioning the straightest and most sturdy fastening, aesthetically beautiful beyond words. Such is the satisfaction taken in Theneas from a job well done, for why craft anything at all if it is not perfect in every conceivable way?

## Military

Internally defended by The Knights of Theneas, few military measures are taken by the ruling Council of Sisters. The common soldiery of Theneas is mostly comprised of citizen soldiers who are called upon in times of need. Few relish the prospect of military service, seeing it as an unwelcome distraction from pursuing their chosen profession. There are however, a minority of Thenean citizens that have taken to perfecting the art of war. Numbering just a few thousand dedicated men and women, a gathering of warriors whose sole drive is to master every aspect of warfare. The Falcon Guard, many of whom failed in their pursuit of Knighthood, now serve as the guardians of the Sisters and the city of Theneas proper. From amongst their ranks come some of the finest military minds Ekros has ever seen. Were it not for the general reluctance of Theneans to engage in protracted campaigns of conquest, surely there would be few able to stop such brilliant military leaders.

In recent history, skirmishes between Vogh Moldir and Theneas have been on the rise. The land between Llyn Moldir, the ancestral lake of the Mistblown Fleet, is often contested. Thenean society, whilst reluctant to expand, sees this specific piece of territory as rightly belonging to them. Thus, military campaigns to capture and defend this contested land are widely supported amongst Theneans.

Warfare is not highly valued by Thenean society at large, needless destruction is anathema to a society so closely tied to creation. The warlike people of Vogh Moldir are openly mocked for their "brutish and barbaric ways." Still fresh in the cultural memory of Theneas is the violent and destructive arrival forced upon Lady Thenea by the early Voghians. Fresher still is the ghastly betrayal by Arthwyr the Uniter that saw much of Theneas ravaged at the hands of baying Voghian hounds. The Falcon Guard stand ready, disciplined and focused in their pursuit of prowess, should any such attempt be made again.

## Tellers of Theneas

Much like their counterparts in Vogh Moldir, The Tellers of Theneas share stories and tales of the surrounding region and people. While the Poets Court of Vogh Moldir focuses on the grand epics of Voghian warriors and High Chiefs of old, the Tellers of Theneas instead choose to recount the lessons learned by the Mistblown Fleet by regaling their audience with stories of the land around them. Often times their stories revolve around morals and fate, learning opportunities for the young to understand their place in the world as well as reminding the elves of their tragic history. Never to be repeated or forgotten.

## Modern conflict with Vogh Moldir

The Elves of Theneas believe Llyn Moldir to be the lake they arrived on and their ancestral land belonging to them. Voghians believe the lake to be the provider of life for their own people and Llynrid as the birthplace of their hero Arthwyr.

Because of these reasons as well as the many core value differences between the two people and their history, tensions are always high and there seems to be a consistent hostility usually inflicted through acts of espionage and sabotage between the two rival city states.