Thalos
| Thalos | |
|---|---|
 Thalos, as appearing in the Chainmail Miniatures Core Rulebook (2002) | |
| General information | |
| Motto: | "For Almira and the Shield Mother!"[1] |
| Region: | Western Oerik |
| Government | |
| Ruler: | Queen Almira XXI |
| Government: | Matriarchal monarchy, with advisory body |
| Alignments: | Good |
| Established: | 121 CY |
| Demographics | |
| Provinces: | Ten (one per tribe) |
| Races: | Human, Gnome |
| Groups | |
| Religions: | Stern Alia, the Shield Mother |
| Enemies: | Ravilla |
Thalos is an island-nation in Western Oerik populated largely by humans and gnomes.
Description
Thalos is a nation noted mostly for its holy warriors dedicated to fighting the good fight. It is led by templars and paladins dedicated to Stern Alia (and Stratis)—even their Queen is a paladin. They are allied with gnomes who practice "arcane technology", building golems and constructs.
Thalos typically is noted for protecting its own, and not having any expansionistic or colonial tendencies. However, several hundred years after its founding, Queen Almira XXI made a push to crusade for the reconquest of their ancient homeland[2][3] before they had been pushed out by the elves of Ravilla.
History
Much of the history of Thalos is tied up in war and contention with Ravilla. The nation of Thalos was objectively only formed because of Ravilla's expansionism. Prior to the Elven nation's sweeping imperialism and conquering, humans were disparate tribes living across Western Oerik.[1] The tribes were pushed harder and harder by the Ravillan elves. Every time the tribes would move, the elves would simply expand further, occupying the humans' former territory. Amongst the Strongbow tribe was a woman known as Chief Almira. She eventually convinced most of the tribal leaders that they must do two things: move beyond the grasping hands of the Ravillans, and make a new home. Rather than submit to the invaders, she led an exodus of humans further and further west, only three tribes did not follow her.
The Scouring of Thalos
In 531 (111 CY), the tribes came to the westernmost extreme of Oerik.[1] There, they found the enormous island off the coast, and began constructing an entire fleet of barges to bring them across the strait to the island Almira dubbed Thalos (meaning "fortress"[1]) After six months, they arrived on the island, finding it swarming with kobold warrens. They clashed with kobolds for several years, but, by 541 (121 CY) the war was over with the last of the kobolds remaining underground, removing the threat.[1]
Almira was unanimously crowned Queen Almira I.
Govis
In 852 (432 CY), Ravilla created the "human puppet state" of Govis, which was populated by the humans' descendants. It was intended as a buffer between Ravilla and Thalos.
For nearly 100 years, the elven-educated, elven-raised humans of Govis thrived. Finally, in 944 (524 CY), Quenn Almira XIX began a crusade to regain Govis, which succeeded in the same year.[4] This gave Thalos a foothold on the mainland.[4]
After Thalos reconquered Govis, the Petty Wars generally kept factions of Western Oerik embroiled in minor dustups and clashes such as border skirmishes from 950 to 1005 (530 CY to 585 CY).
The God War
The Godwar began in 1006 (586 CY), and Thalos engaged in battle with all other factions, vying to attain the divine power of Stratis, the God of War, and have one of their warlords claim his portfolio.
Geography
The Northwestern extent of Western Oerik which comprises Thalos is what would otherwise be an enormous, pointed peninsula, if not for a titanic water gap separating it into an island distinct from the mainland. The body of water's name is unknown. It is a significant feature, though, as it is incredibly wide and surprisingly direct in its course between the island and shore.
Members
Unlike many other parts of Oerik, especially the Flanaess, the gnomes of Thalos create what are variously known as "automatons", "constructs" or simply "war machines". Examples include the "Hammer" and the "Pulverizer" which are used in the military.
Religion
The chief deity of Thalos is Stern Alia. Stratis was also worshipped until his demise.
Many of the military soldiers in Thalos are paladins and templars who are "stalwart servants of the Shield Mother"[5]. She is the sponsor of the nation as a whole and her holy symbols and image are noticeable in many, many places throughout the kingdom. In Thalos, Stern Alia's presence has been described as "the goddess whose countenance peers out from every Thalos shield and ornament."[6]
Notably, a significant number of paladins in Thalos once worshipped Stratis, including one of the warlords of Thalos, Zadkiel. After Stratis was slain, he could no longer sponsor Zadkiel or grant spells and divine abilities, so "the Shield Mother watches over the paladins of Stratis".[7]
Languages
Government
There has only ever been a line of Queens in Thalos—and each one of them has always taken the name "Almira" upon her coronation. The ruler of Thalos in 1012 SE (592 CY) is Queen Almira XXI. The first Queen Almira was crowned by unanimous popular acclaim.[1]
Amira I established ten provinces of equal size, each governed by a single tribe. There is an advisory body of Regents in which each tribe has two representatives.[1]
Heraldry
In all practicality, the symbol of Stern Alia is almost universally recognized in Western Oerik as a symbol of Thalos.
There is also artwork of an eagle-and-anchor banner (shown at right). It is unknown if this is a national symbol or if it may apply to the Thalish navy.
Military
The military of Thalos is known as the "Forces of Justice" to Thalians.[2]
In addition to the paladins and templars of Stern Alia the Shield Mother, there are angelic beings like aasimars and celestials who supplement the army. Thalos also has a Navy which "dominates the seas".[3]
Economy
Resources
Rumors and legends
Publishing history
Ravilla was only ever found in the Chainmail Miniatures Game and the Dragon magazine articles which supported it, written by Chris Pramas.
References
Citations
- ↑ a b c d e f g Dragon #287 (Sep 2001), p.88.
- ↑ a b Chainmail Miniatures Game Starter Set (2001), p.(insert), Your First Warband: Thalos.
- ↑ a b Chainmail Miniatures Game Starter Set (2001), p.9, Rulebook.
- ↑ a b "The Free States". Dragon #293 (Mar 2002), p.100.
- ↑ Fire & Ice, p18
- ↑ Core Rulebook, p16.
- ↑ The Ghostwind Campaign (2002), p.11.
Bibliography
- Tweet, Jonathan, Rob Heinsoo, and Chris Pramas. Chainmail Miniatures Game Starter Set. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2001. Item code 88339
- Pramas, Chris. "The Armies of Thalos." Dragon #287. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2001.
- ---- Fire & Ice: Set 3 Guidebook. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2002.
- Pramas, Chris and Rob Heinssoo. Chainmail Miniatures Game, Core Rulebook. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2002.
- Pramas, Chris, Rob Heinsoo, Charles Ryan, Jonathan Tweet and Skip Williams. The Ghostwind Campaign. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2002. Item code 17861. ISBN 0-7430-0591-0.
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
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