Thaedia

Intermittent clouds of ash look down upon this paragon of human civilization. Between the border volcanoes lie rolling hills, vast vineyards, and cities lined with marble statues. The citizens of Thaedia value education, erecting collegia dedicated to all aspects of knowledge; from agriculture-to-philosophy-to-history. Those who do not pursue scholarly or rural careers tend to join The Legion; Thaedia’s permanent military. Thaedian legionnaires are famed as the most disciplined soldiers in all of Scy’kadia, willing to fall upon their own swords by the word of a proven commander.

### Blood and Politics

Politics in Thaedia are dominated less by familial prominence and more by popularity or military influence. It can be a cutthroat arena, with wealthy citizens maneuvering their way to a seat on The Tiered Council, which votes on issues concerning the realm. The current empress of Thaedia, Juliara Investus, holds supreme command of The Legion and rose quickly to power after the last emperor went missing…

### Fire and Ice

The Thaedian capital, Solaria, lies nestled in the shadow of Mount Frostfire. The summit of this dormant volcano is coated in sorcerous ice, but Thaedians give less thought to that arcane mystery than they do to the oddly spicy grapes that grow around its base. From these grapes, fire-wine is derived, a burning delicacy that many find challenging to stomach.

### Collegia Arcana

Though troubled by Magic, Thaedians consider it yet another subject in need of study. The Collegia Arcana, situated just outside Solaria’s walls, is dedicated to this pursuit and its Mages are every bit as disciplined as their warrior-counterparts in The Legion, whom they assist against supernatural threats.

### The Indebted

Despite its outward appearance of grandeur and sophistication, Thaedia was built by slavery, and the practice is still widespread. From citizens selling themselves to pay off debts, to the descendants of captured tribes, to savage gladiators, slaves are an oft overlooked part of Thaedian life. Labelled "indebted" by their owners, such slaves are marked by collars, tattoos, or brands; all bearing the name or sigil of their owner.

### Cult Of The Nighthawk

Rumor has it that an underground cult exists; one that draws citizens to seek debauched experience over blessed knowledge. They embrace perversion and dabble in foul sorceries, their sigil a black hawk, a mockery of Thaedia’s national emblem, the phoenix. It is believed by some that fallen elves originally formed this cult, yet scant evidence exists...

### Notable History

Note: Records from before The Time Of Founding are notoriously scarce...

**1MR** – Warrior philosophers called the Thaed are entrenched in ruins around Mount Frostfire. In the lowlands, the Prych and Saarthi grow crops in rich soil.

**67MR** – Cyclopes attempt to wrest Mount Frostfire from its human occupants. The Thaed develop a methodical form of warfare to counter their monstrous but unruly attackers. In the wake of victory, the Thaed set about further organizing their forces. The Legion is born.

**110MR** – The Thaed conquer their lowland neighbors. Those who surrender are indebted to the victors, who use their captured workers to build Solaria. Tarnus Agreccio is named first consul of Thaedia.

**206MR** – A disease known as Shivering Gloom brings an end to Rhuul, allowing Thaedia to expand northward. Many Rhuu join the indebted.

**241MR** – Legion Commander Prado Hexator seizes power, becoming the first emperor of Thaedia. Despite expectations of a bloodthirsty rule, Emperor Prado forges roads throughout the empire and engages in tentative trade with Frael, particularly Jindris.

**277MR** – Thaedian caravans come under attack by Sogduli raiders. The Legion launches a campaign of extermination, uncovering the subterranean realm and its draconic ruler.

**286MR** – Emperor Nessius goes mad, calling for weeks of unacceptably cruel blood sports. He is eventually deposed and executed by his own Legion troops.

**325MR** – The Thaedian Collegia are constructed. Education in the empire becomes virtually mandatory for all but indebted and legionnaires.

**333MR** – A Vylkling fleet, led by Rønja Hákarldotter, raids Solaria and captures the city. The invaders are only repelled when the Collegia Arcana unleashes its most gifted students. Though the public remain wary of spellcraft, the training of mages is accepted as a necessity.

**350MR** – The horde of orc warchief Vorak Five-Tusk comes storming out of Frael. The Legion stands firm, grinding the orcs down across an unbelievably vast battlefront. Tales of their stoicism spread far-and-wide.

**368MR** – Goblins infected by the Scarlet Hand cause chaos in surrounding realms. Once again, The Legion defends Thaedia, preventing the plague from taking hold within its borders.

**403MR** – Ratrakârnos The Emerald Tyrant, perhaps the largest of green dragons, awakens from centuries of sleep. The monster lays waste to lowland Thaedia, until a strong farmer named Peracleon vows to slay him. Legends tell that Peracleon covers himself in cool mud, and leaps into Ratrakânos’ maw. From there, he pushes his two spears out through the beast's eyes.

**456MR** – Violent skirmishes break out as Thaedian forces vie with Arkhos for land surrounding the Serpent Marshes.

**468MR** – A magical explosion in the Thaedian city of Hercanium almost leads to war with Mureth when spellswords are captured at the scene. Crisis is averted however, when both realms agree to an exchange of arcane, philosophical, and scientific lore.

**474MR** – The Pharidae War begins.

**583MR** – Centurion Cassius Lergor slays Tomb Prince Kalomesch and the war draws to a close. Thaedia withdraws from Frael to rebuild it's strength.

**595MR** – Prophets across Scy’kadia receive visions of the Weftyril portals reawakening. Confusion meets these portents, but Thaedian heroes start heading Weftward.

**640MR** – Juliara Investus seizes power and is declared empress.