Ialos

Ialos represents all the cultures of Maressea in one city, the hallmark of the perfect capital.

— Hajar Stoutsong, Dwarven explorer and chronicler

Summary

Ialos is the capital city of the nation of Maressea. Ialos is situated on the coast, which also makes it not only Maressea's largest port but the largest of the continent, Mysandros, also.

Government

Ialos holds the main government of the nation. Maressea is ruled by the Panarchon. When the Panarchon dies, or relinquishes their title voluntarily, they are replaced by a new individual who is voted in by a committee. Underneath the Panarchon, are the 'Prosons', whose responsibility is similar to the role of Minister in other governments. 'Proson' is Maressean for 'Master'. There is a Proson for each major sector. The Prosons' titles are tied to the god most closely associated with that area. For instance, the Proson ton Tidor, in common would be known as the Master of Ships (as Tidor is the Maressean spelling for Tidur, the god of the ocean).
The current Maressean government is:
Archon of Maressea: Tymon Vitalis
Proson ton Tidor / Master of Ships: Maro Melotis
Proson ton Nona / Master of Knowledge: Kassandra Kanela
Proson ton Toros / Master of War: Spiros Kostidis
Proson ton Armon / Master of Agriculture: Alcina Anastas
Proson ton Kraphos / Master of Trade: Atreus Samaras

Religion

Maressea is one of the most religious nations in Axora and its capital reflects that. The gods are well represents in Ialos with multitudes of shrines and temples dedicated to them within all the districts. Whilst Maressea worships the same gods, the level of reverence does difference from Aldenia, for instance. The Maresseans generally hold twelve in high regard, the ones they name the months after. However, even within those twelve, there appears to be three further levels. In the highest reverence are Alios, Tidor (Tidur), Zarena (Zarene) and Ispilla. Second tier includes Kraphos (Karf), Toros (Toar), Nona and Armon. Finally, the remaining four of what the Maresseans refer to as the High Gods, but are worshipped the least are Kephione (Cephione), Nition (Nitune), Aida (Aeda) and Athar (Athos). Outside of the High Gods, Essina is regarded well amongst the sailing community, but since Maressea rarely feels the effects of winter, the populace, in general, does not particularly recognise her amongst the top echelon.

Architecture

The majority of Ialos uses the local limestone in its structures. Whilst the limestone isn't quite on the same level as the whitestone of Dawnstone, when the sun is blazing down on Ialos, the effect is almost similar.

Geography & Climate

Maressea, in general, is a dry and arid nation. It's stony and dusty appearance lends itself to many of the names of the species that are native to its lends (such as the Dust Elves). Ialos is no different. Ialos enjoys strong sunshine and dry weather for most of the year. Being a coastal city, a slightly cooler sea breeze helps take the edge off what can bee searing heat at times. The port city benefits from the warm sea current that flows anti-clockwise from the south-east. The waters are warm and pleasant enough to dip one's toe in, should you feel so inclined. When rain does come, it tends to come hot, fast flashes.

Agriculture

The hills surrounding Ialos are known for their vineyards. As such, Ialos is the major hub for the trade of fine wine and olives, in particular. Other fruits that thrive in warmer climates, such as oranges and lemons, are also grown in large numbers in and around the city. With Ialos being a port city, there is also a booming fishing trade there.

Demographics

• 70% Human
• 20% Dust Elves
• 5% Dwarf
• 5% Other (inc. other Elven subspecies and Feldeni)

History

Origins

Ialos was founded by the first settlers that left Aldenia, which makes its official founding as 1AD (Age of Discovery), roughly 10,000BCE (Before Cataclysm's End). This makes it, along with Ellaluna in Suriima, one of the oldest settlements outside of Aldenia.

Pre-Cataclysm

Ialos' coastal location, and away from any land border, means that the city has rarely seen conflict itself. There were occasional flare-ups between Maressea and the Kingdom of Gonde in the northeast during the Age of Conflict (~5000 to 2000BCE), but after the 10 Year Winter, those diminished. Maressea has enjoyed a peaceful relationship with the other nation in Mysandros, Hantau, for the entirety of its existence.

During the Cataclysm War

The downside of Ialos' non-troubled past is that it made it a major target during the Cataclysm War. Ialos could have would have lent aid to Aldenia during the War, and as such, the forces of darkness sought to disrupt that by providing Ialos with its own distractions. Krythana was one of the more notable instances. The white dragon terrorised the Dust Elf city of Falerond, close to the border with Gonde, attempting to make it its lair. Other entities, including sea beasts to prevent the naval strength of Ialos and Maressea being utilised meant that Ialos had a particularly torrid time during the War.

Post-Cataclysm

Since the War, all Ialos has had to do is repair. Ialos now, compared to Ialos shortly before the break out of the Cataclysm War would be very hard to tell apart.

Type

Capital

Population

82000

Location under

Maressea

Owner/Ruler

Tymon Vitalis

Characters in Location

• Boetia Dynikos
• Linus Bohr
• Tsarra Petsalor