Themides

Man is by nature a chaotic creature, a thin line separating him from degenerating into an animal. Only the guidance of a strong hand can prevent that.

— quote from "Iustus Regem"

Philosopher, writer, political activist, reactionary. Unsuccessful at first, an obscure, fringe activist among the philosophers of Thenia, outside circumstances would see him become one of the most influential thinkers in Themyran history.

The Reactionary

Born in 1346 DA to a wealthy Thenian family, Themides enjoyed a comprehensive education at one of the cities prestigious academies. Like his father and many of his peers, he worked to become a politician, a member of the prestigious class of the Gerousai, who had controlled Themyran politics for centuries.
His life falls into what historians call the Final Phase of Themyran Katonai (Rule of the People) or Republicanism as it is more commonly called. The institutions that governed the various city-states had been in place for the better part of 1000 years and the decay started to show.
Corruption ran rampant, politicíans hailed more often than not from the high nobility, offices and powers were abused on an unprecedented scale.
In this environment, Themides developed a staunchly reactionary and anti-republican worldview. Dropping out of school, he instead began to preach his ideas on the streets. Working odd jobs during the day, he used nighttime to write pamphlets in which he called out the "degeneracy" of the current system.

A man or woman is smart or at least has the potential to be smart. The masses are not and can never be educated. They will always follow those with the finest tongue. Yet why do we see a system in which the masses hold sway over the state as desirable?

— excerpt from "Contrare Republica"

Kingmaker

Despite the obvious failings of the current order, Themides remained a rather obscure figure, his ideology seen as too extreme. This changed however as the year 1407 saw the beginning of what is now called the Crisis of the 15th Century. A combination of disastrous foreign campaigns, heatwaves and droughts, plagues and political mismanagement caused a near-total collapse of order.
Governments fell like dominoes, in many cases being replaced by mob rule. Among the chaos, Themides message gained more and more followers and soon he found himself head of a powerful movement. Spreading throughout Themyra his movement enabled many generals to dissolve the broken republican structures. Following Themides example of the Iustus Reget or Just King, Kings and Tyrants replaced assemblies. Themyra entered the Age of Kings.

Downfall and Legacy

Within a decade Themides had gone from being seen as a fringe extremist to ruling Themyra in all but name. Kingmaker he was called, for his words burnt in the hearts of millions and with a single sentence he could bring down even the most powerful of lords.
His luck would not hold, however. After shaping Themyran politics for over 30 years he fell prey to the intrigues of a rival. Dragged from his home by the same mob that had washed him into power, he was pushed through the streets and finally ripped apart in front of Thenia's Great Assembly Hall, now a burned ruin.
His ideology would outlive him. The Age of Kings lasted over 1300 years and throughout the world, his ideas serve as the model many Kings strive to rule after. Themidians, those that believe in the inherent need for an absolute ruler, can be found in many countries around the world.

Life

1346 DA 1435 DA 89 years old

Circumstances of Death

Ripped apart by an angry mob

Man has an inherent need for leadership. A good King knows how to approach him. Where to use force and where to show restraint. To appear strong to ward off opponents but weak to give the mob the illusion of control.

— "Iustus Regem"

The mob is a dangerous tool. On one hand, its power if contained and directed into the right path will ensure the suppression of one's opponents. If left alone, the mob will devolve as mans animalistic nature shows itself. It will grow and lash out, enemies and allies changing within the hour. If one wishes to stir the fires of the mob, he should never give himself to the illusion of control.

— "Contra Republica"

by Mai Anh Tran