Theiros

"City of the Minotaurs..."

On the southwestern coast of Golthien sits the city-state of Theiros, otherwise known as the "Golden City of the Minotaurs." A tall and stately city of many stone spires, Theiros shines with a marbled white sheen, constantly reflecting the waters of the bay where it's countless ships find harbor. It is an ivory haven in the otherwise blasted east. As expected, Theiros is a city predominantly comprised of Minotaurs. In fact, though within the city walls resides people of all walks of life, only the minotaurs of Theiros may become full citizens. This is accomplished through martial service to the city war council, or in other words, active military duty. Only minotaurs may apply for this honor, and in return, only minotaurs have any say or vote in local politics. Theiros is technically a representative democracy, run by elected consuls comprising a senate of twelve. The degree to which the twelve have or have not been compromised by "outside interests" is knowledge only privy to a select few. Theiros is something of a burgeoning empire, as many other nations in the south of Golthien claim to be. Its holdings include several cities and townships run by non-minotaur settlers, such as Partha and Avoun, each of which act as vassals to the city-state and are run by proconsuls appointed by the senate (typically minotaur war heroes too popular to keep within Theiros proper, for fear of their "electability" by the current consuls). Theiros often squabbles with the Houlon Empire, but neither nation has been involved in a full-scale war in several decades. It is sometimes said that Theiros in peacetime is something to be feared far more than any possible war, as it is then, bathed in the boredom that peace affords, that Theiros turns its eyes towards the rest of the world, hungry for conquest. Theiros has been known to sail its navy across the World Sea, looking for lands to claim. At one time or another, Theiros has laid claim to several island nations, such as The Serpent's Teeth, but a general lack of manpower (thankfully limited by the overall breeding capabilities of the minotaur race) has never allowed the wannabe empire to maintain such a holding. In Theiros there is a saying. "Life is cruel, but do not fret. It shall be over soon enough." This sort of gallows humor best represents the mindset of the average Theirosian. A tough people, battle hardened, but not so much that they cannot laugh. They are not an evil people. They simply consider themselves realistic. And in the eastern realm of Golthien, that is about the most charity one can expect.

Demographics

85% minotaur, 10% human, 5% mixed other

Government

Theiros is ruled by a senate consisting of twelve minotaur consuls known as the "Gold Horns" (for their golden tipped horns, naturally).

Defences

Theiros is defended by an honor guard of 800 minotaurs known as the "Ivory Tips." Beyond this, virtually the entire city can be mustered for its defenses in a relatively short amount of time. All residents are required to spend time (roughly two years) in the armed services (either the royal army of navy) in order to earn their status as citizens.

Industry & Trade

Some of the finest mercenaries known to man come from Theiros, having been trained in both their armies and gladiatorial pits. Weapons and armor are also major exports. Beyond this, the "high gardens" of the city are mostly intended to provide food stock for the residents of the city. Some Theirosians fancy themselves fine artists, and as such, "fine art" from the city of the minotaurs tends to make the rounds at various art auction houses. Minotuar art is sometimes en vogue, perhaps more as curiosities than as exemplars of painterly form.

Infrastructure

Theiros features modern aqueducts, canals and sewers. It features one of the largest seaports at the "end of the world."

Assets

The arsenal of Theiros is well known across Golthien, and the city provides arms and armor for many of their neighboring nations. That is, of course, when they are not at war.

Guilds and Factions

Not many guilds exist within the city, as the senate frowns upon any organization that could rise to significant power enough to challenge its rule. It is, however, rumored that an "underground" exists in the city. One comprised of idealistic youth. Minotaurs who believe there is more to life than prowess on the battlefield. If this underground exists, they are smart enough to keep themselves well hidden, for as peace-loving as the consuls make themselves out to be, the repercussions for any with political aspirations outside their own are... rather dire.

History

Theiros is a relatively new city-state, having only arisen over the last five hundred years. It was founded by minotaur seafarers, ones turned away from many (if not all) "civilized" ports, and who found the last bastion of untamed land in the known world. They modeled their society after that of the original Lentokki (members of a once peaceful nation -- one of the earliest democracies in fact -- now fallen to the God Kings who even stole their name).

Architecture

The general architecture of the city is extremely "Romanesque" in nature. Lots of stone buildings and city works. Lavish palaces. Multiple fighting arenas outfitted with copious seating and private boxes for the royals.

Geography

Situated on one of the last verdant plains in the far east, Theiros also commands a good portion of the eastern seaboard.

Natural Resources

Theiros is rich in both food from the sea and from the well-farmed lands surrounding the city itself. These lands are often farmed by human peasants, practically indentured to their landowning minotaur masters.