Thsúntos (thsúnˈtos)

An important cultural and religious centre in Nisosia, Thsúntos is located at the point where two rivers - the Nutengzêti and the Tillzêti - merge.
Although no record exists of its founding, Thsúntos has been continuously inhabited since before the Fourth Age, when it was known by Nisosian traders as Rymertuniqa. Even then, it had a floating market which attracted traders from Qereqia, Anaqia, Ulusukia, Lephidia, and Zal. Thsúntos is now a large city and a major trading hub.
Rymertuniqa grew to significance after the birth of Orcholis, when the merging rivers where the demigod was found became a site of pilgrimage for Emeaionti. A shrine to Orcholis was estalished, but religious tensions between Emeaionti and Zîkhâisughem led to the occupation and assimilation of the city by Nisosia, following the Four Moon War.

Landmarks

The main land route in and out of Thsúntos is the Two-Penny Road, home to the Two-Penny Inn, which has a justifiable claim to be the world's oldest drinking establishment. A wineseller's stall run by a husband and wife, both called Nasamiituuq, features in a 4.1834 sketch by Fiovi Marakou, in the place that the Two-Penny Inn now sits.
There are a collection of islands in the river delta, navigable via boats and bridges. The southernmost of these is not a natural island, but an accretion of wrecked and derelict ships, many dating back centuries. The Kurtûsh binding takes its name from the island, and is still used to attach new derelicts to the island. A flickering light at its highest mast functions as a lighthouse, warning ships away from the shallow rocks nearby. Despite this, children can often be seen sailing small boats around the foot of the island or leaping between the lower ships, especially during the evenings and at low tide. The shallow water and tidal pool trap glowfish, crab, and other seacreatures that youngsters can sell to waterside restaurants and at the night market.
Of Thsúntos' many restaurants, Vintners' is the most famous and exclusive. Only reachable by boat and with an invitation, it sits on its own island, built into a stone temple dedicated to a local deity of feasting and revelry. It has legendarily large winecellars, a ballroom, sleeping quarters, and a flock of in-house entertainers and courtesans. Since 5.900, it has broadcast music through a radio transmitter mounted into the temple tower. Apart from its wine, Vintners' specialises in seafood and is famous for its pearl oysters, which are grown in beds around the foundations. The oysters, however, are becoming increasingly expensive, as the crop diminishes year on year.
Founded in 5.898 as a competitor to Vintners', the Razorshell nightclub is infamous for its association with the cult, the Oracles of Qyne, who are known to use it to recruit. Major celebrities associated with the cult, including Eoin O'Heyne, Astakos, and Thoösa Kallixenia, have performed there, attracting large crowds of foreigners and spreading the cult's influence.

Type

Large city