Teos

Teos lies in jungles and hills south of the Cerulean Empire. It is an ancient land that ignored the growth of Cerul until the Ceruleans invaded them. Through luck and tenacity, they beat the Ceruleans on the walls of Teosa (702TE [293SA]) and remained independent. After the enemy withdrew, Teos made an alliance with Lemasa, granting Lemasa free use of Teosa and Usec in exchange for Lemasan aid against the Ceruleans if they invaded again. In the year 858TE [449SA], they transferred this agreement to the Kingdom of Vahear.

Teos prospered after the Fomorian alliance was made. In the year 1008TE [599SA], they merged with Sa'ues as part of a wedding alliance. When a resurgent Cerulean Empire ordered them to pay tribute or be conquered (1208TE [799SA]), they strengthened their ties with Vahear, expanded them to embrace the Kingdom of the East as well and opened embassies in the Katai duchies of Koi'lan and Tiansar. When the Ceruleans learned of these maneuvers (Teos made sure that they found out) they backed down and "left the rats to their warren." Since forestalling this threat, Teos has prospered.

Population

The nation's capital is Teosa (36,000). Its other cities are Usec (16,000) and Sa'ues (12,000). The total population is 270,000.

The Teosan Army consists of 2,400 elite footmen. During a war, the nation can levy 9,000 militia from the jungles and 5,600 from the hills. The Teosan fleet has 8 patrol barges on the river Inda and 35 warships, 3 trireme size or larger, on the seas. Most of the warships are built for patrol duties, scouting and outrunning enemies. They try to avoid battle.

Economy

The economy is based on the spice trade, gems and exotic foods. Teos depends on the raw materials and income that trade provides to maintain its wealth and security. They are the world's largest emerald producer. (Trade is important to support Teos's espionage and information gathering network. They spend more than 5,000GC a year on espionage and bribery.)

Religion

Teos is a lawful land. Its ruler is also its High Priest and, accordingly to religious doctrine, the "anointed son of Enki."

Personality

Teosans prefer a sedate, luxurious life without stress - where only minimal effort is required to survive. Under pressure, their slothfulness changes to frenetic, purposeful activity of amazing competence and ingenuity. they are clever and devious when their survival demands it. In normal times, Teosans are a calm and curious people who enjoy strangers, especially those who bring interesting tales from far away.

Legal System

Teos is a theocratic monarchy. Their ruler, "the anointed son of Enki," "Master of the Word," etc, is worshipped by his subjects. Under this divine ruler, the government is run by a Council of Three Princes (one ruling each city) and a stratified system of legates and judges. Nepotistic patronage and influence peddling are endemic. Legates and judges try felons and carry out their sentence of the felon is guilty. Standard punishments are imprisonment, slavery and death. The penalty for violating the known word of the "anointed one" is:

A) The felon is buried in the ground to his neck.

B) Over a seven - day period, the skin is flayed from his head.

C) On the afternoon of the seventh day, starving dogs are let into the courtyard. They have not been fed since the flaying started, are trained to kill men, and will eat the felon alive.

D) The felon's remains are ground into powder and scattered at least five miles out to sea. If his name is recorded anywhere, it is expunged from that record. To the Teosans, a man who is convicted of this crime ceases to exist.

Allies

Teos has treaties with Vahear and the Kingdom of the East. They have trade ties with the Dukes of Tiansar and Koi'lan.

Enemies

The Cerulean Empire is dedicated to the conquest of Teos.

Language

Basic Characteristics

Common Weapons

Javelins, Bows and Daggers

Ancestry

The Teosans are an ancient race, descended from subject peoples who survived the destruction of the area's previous empire and the creation of the Wasted Lands. Most have swarthy brown skin, fine - boned features and coal black hair. They can be compared to Earth's Indonesian peoples.

Calendar (Solar)

It is the year 1509 by the Teosan calendar. It dates from the ascension of the first emperor to be recognized as the anointed son of Enki.

The Culture Book