The Patriarchy of Mithras
Built on the ashes of the Empire of Thessa, Mithras started as a slave rebellion. During Thessa's fall it was one of the most militaristic countries in the world. Tired of war, Deserters and Mercenary armies contractually bound to Thessa joined the slaves in a coup destroying Thessa from within, a country paranoid of attack from without.
The massive Arcan Tableland was as legend has it, a mountain cut in half by the Sword of Thess, Goddess and protector of the Kingdom of Thessa. The River Tarq splits the tableland in two (Greater and Lesser Arca) with Greater Arca protected on one side by the Skara mountain range.
Cities
Etrusk – The capital of the Faith of Mithras, Etrusk was once a gleaming city, with paved roads and marble buildings, It is now a hodgepodge of structures. With anyone welcome to join their society (as long as they claim fealty to the True Faith), architecture from around the world has merged with the columned buildings of Etrusk.
The Theocratic leaders of Mithras live within a massive tower, with a base the size of a large castle. The Tower of Mith can be seen from the furthest edge of the kingdom. Each floor of the Tower is open only to specific ranks of the theocracy, with many of the upper floors off limits completely except to a select few.
Nova – Nova was the first city built after the fall of Thessa by the people of Mithras. As if to declare their might to the people of the world, Nova was built several hundred feet above the River Tarq clinging to the edges of Greater and Lesser Arca. Built almost like a bridge Nova was equipped with waterwheel elevators to the bottom of the Tarquin Canyon, giving quick access to fresh water, and transport to the open sea. Nova is often a stopping point for travelers as its beauty is unimaginable. Utilizing the marble quarries of Arca, the Mithrans built a gleaming white jewel in the center of their Kingdom.
Lacon – The fields south of Etrusk were Thessa's one weak point, and to keep itself safe, the Fortress Wall of Lacon was built from the mountains to the sea. When Emperor Lacon died, the wall was officially named after him (many years before it was completed). As soldiers were stationed along it, small towns emerged to meet the soldiers needs. These towns eventually grew into each other creating the Fortress town of Lacon.
Marath – The town of Marath carries the infamous name of Port Town of Sin. Sitting atop the rocky cliffs of the Cape of Arca, furthest point from the capital, the cape is a welcome sight to sailors on cold nights. The Slave industry has a heavy hand in the function of the city and welcome new comers to stay and enjoy the wonders of the port, permanently. Marath is one of the most racially diverse cities in Mithras, as any and all are welcome as long as they are willing to enjoy the pleasures of the Lightgiver as well as all other pleasures.
Organizations
Umbra Imperia – The notorious Thessan Shades once guarded the Emperors of Thessa from the shadows. They are now known colloquially as Mithran Shades or simply, the Shades and are utilized as assassins and bounty hunters by the Delosan sect to keep the other sects and possible insurrections in check.
Opera Publica – The Office of Public Works control the massive slave trade within Mithras and many of the priests of Marath work within the organization as it parallels their beliefs. Their fleet of ships travel the continents buying slaves to use in the service of the Lightgiver.
Spatha Thessa – the Swords of Thess are an Imperial insurrection group aiming to return an unknown heir of the Thessan crown to power. While the last Emperor left no heir, it is believed a distant relative is being kept in safety until the group can ensure the success of a coup.
