Olnath

The Terosian capital lies at the mouth of the Oln, where the river reaches Leviathan Bay.

Olnath is home to the Bronze Palace, where the Lord High Governor of Teros resides. The city also hosts the primary garrison of the Peacekeepers.

History

Power and politics

Government

Since Forbin's occupation of Teros following the War of Salvation, Olnath has been home to a large force of Peacekeepers, and the city is governed by the Lord High Governor, Menishar Kandrick, who resides in the Bronze Palace. The Governor oversees the whole of the occupied regions of Teros in addition to the practical running of the city.

Defence and security

The Peacekeepers are the primary defence and security force in the city. Across Teros, they are led by the Grand Commander, Garra Nortis. The city's own garrison is headed by the cruel Captain Orran.

The City Guard is a force of Terosian guards under the embittered Commander Derikeen, and is (in theory at least) independent of Forbin's direct control. In practice, the Guard is tasked with menial and non-critical tasks, and no real responsibility.
Olnath is encircled on three sides by city walls, although these were significantly damaged in the War of Salvation. The western and southern sections are mostly ruined, and the southern gate and its defensive bastion has never been rebuilt.
Olnath's Harbourmaster, the self-serving Wittan Yall, is responsible for both day-to-day management of the harbour and for its defence.

Other powers

Olnath is home to many other groups striving for power and influence, including merchants, religious groups, criminals, and dissidents.
The city's grand temples form a hub of power and influence when acting in concert. The temples of Temple of Balcosh, Temple of Frenar and Temple of Lessada are among the most influential. Jires, Piatok, Mavani, and Treca also have temples within the city.

The city's guilds and professional bodies, such as those of the merchants, sailors or the shipwrights constantly jostle for position and influence amongst themselves, and frequently find themselves at odds with the occupiers from Forbin.

Numerous criminal organisations compete for power and profit in the city. The Crown Street Gang, led by the fierce Andamar Beshtann, and the thieving Chandin Rats are just two examples.

While many of Teros's noble families were eliminated or diminished by the War of Salvation, a number of important houses remain and exert some influence. The Adash-Meen, Ordiss and Varcheen families are three examples.

The Dispossessed are a collection of young nobles whose families lost property and prestige when Teros was defeated during the War of Salvation. Their leader, Falak Bess, directs operations from within the city.

Geography and environment

Local geography

Olnath lies at the mouth of the River Oln, where its waters spill into Leviathan Bay. The city occupies the south bank of the river and is encircled by walls that extend to the harbour. The river is wide and swift at this point, requiring the impressive Chandin Bridge to connect the city to the Othershore across the river. The city’s position ensures its prominence as both a trade hub and a political center, with the fertile plains and roads leading to Amur Lefra further enhancing its strategic importance. Beyond the city walls, The Othershore contains stables, inns, and small farms, with the Obelisk of Zarroth standing as a relic of the past.

Design and architecture

City Districts

Olnath is divided into distinct districts, each with a unique role and social character. At its heart lies the Royal District, perched on a slight rise overlooking Leviathan Bay. This prestigious area houses the Bronze Palace, now the seat of the Lord High Governor, and the Royal Crypt, which lies beneath the palace and contains the remains of Terosian monarchs. Decorative gardens and fountains provide splashes of greenery here, while high walls separate the district from the rest of the city.
Adjacent to the Royal District is the Temple District, the spiritual core of the city. Grand temples to Balcosh, Mavani, Piatok, and Lessada all rise here, alongside the imposing but shattered ruins of the Temple of Jarkash, destroyed centuries ago. At the edge of the district, the Temple of Frenar serves as both a place of worship and a center for learning; its attached school educating initiates in history, mathematics, and celestial studies. Middle-class homes fill the district’s northern and eastern edges.
The Market Quarter, located near the city’s center, buzzes with activity. Anchored by the grand Arena, which hosts gladiatorial games and chariot races, this district is a hub of commerce and entertainment. Close by is the Wells of Lessada, a popular bathhouse. The Grand Bazaar spills into open squares filled with stalls selling spices, textiles, and perfumes, while a dedicated Livestock Market Plaza lies to the south, where farmers and traders gather to buy and sell animals. Guildhalls for merchants and artisans are scattered throughout the quarter, often doubling as meeting spaces and places of negotiation.

To the east, the Bridge District connects Olnath to the Othershore via the Chandin Bridge. This district is a nexus for travellers and trade, with the towering Wayfarer’s Inn offering rooms and a lookout point with sweeping views of the city and river. The district is home to the guildhalls of shop traders and labourers, reflecting its working-class character. Narrow streets and modest homes dominate the area, bustling with the comings and goings of merchants and river traffic.
The Riverside District lies along the southern bank of the River Oln. The Riverquay, with its reinforced embankments, provides moorings for riverboats carrying goods and passengers to and from the city. Simple homes line the streets here, interspersed with taverns, fishmongers, and shrines. The guildhall of the Rivermen, dedicated to those who navigate the river, can be found here, standing near a bustling plaza where teamsters and stevedores gather.
Along the coastline, the Harbour District serves as the city’s maritime gateway. Protected by a harbour wall crowned with a lighthouse, the docks handle sea trade and fishing. The Temple of Jires stands prominently halfway along the quayside, offering blessings to sailors and fishermen, while at the end of the harbour wall stands the modest Temple of Treca, where Brother Lindameen presides.. The Guild of Shipwrights and Guild of Sailors have their headquarters hear. Nearby, the old Royal Dockyard lies idle under the Peacekeepers' watch, while the Harbourmaster oversees all activity from his small but well-positioned tower. This district is lively and practical, with shipwrights, fish markets, and warehouses dominating the landscape. The Little Passu is a popular harbourside eatery.

At the city’s southern edge, Southgate is both a gateway and a bustling hub. The ruined South Gate and its broken bastion mark the city’s entrance from the south, The area is also home to caravanserai and workshops, serving as a stopping point for merchant caravans and travellers entering or leaving the city.

City Infrastructure

Olnath’s infrastructure blends historical ingenuity with the practical needs of a modern city. The Chandin Bridge, a marvel of engineering, connects the city to the Othershore and ensures the flow of trade and travel. The Riverquay and the protected harbour provide vital access to river and sea routes, while reinforced embankments guard against erosion along the riverbank. Freshwater is drawn from public wells located throughout the city, though wealthier districts rely on private cisterns to collect rainwater. In the Temple and Royal Districts, rudimentary sewers and drainage systems carry waste away, while poorer areas depend on open ditches or manual collection.
The catacombs beneath the city, initially stone quarries, were repurposed over centuries for burials. These vast, interconnected tunnels now extend beneath the Temple and Southgate Districts, with some sections submerged or forgotten. While parts of the catacombs remain sacred spaces, others are occupied by vagrants, and their reputation for eerie mysteries deters most visitors.

The harbour wall and lighthouse stand as critical components of the city’s maritime infrastructure, guiding ships into Leviathan Bay while protecting the docks from storms. Bastions at the Southgate and Chandin Bridge serve as defensive outposts, though the scars of the War of Salvation remain visible on many fortifications.

Architectural Style

The architecture of Olnath reflects Terosian resilience and artistry. Local stone forms the backbone of the city’s buildings, with white marble used sparingly to highlight significant structures such as temples and the Bronze Palace. Noble and religious buildings are characterized by strong geometric designs, tall columns, and arches that convey power and permanence. Decorative motifs, including sunbursts, waves, and serpents, pay homage to the gods and to nature.
Houses in wealthier districts feature central courtyards with mosaics and colonnades, blending comfort with aesthetic appeal. Middle-class homes incorporate painted murals and shaded verandas, offering respite from the heat. In contrast, the poorer districts like Riverside and the Bridge District are defined by utilitarian housing with clay walls, steep roofs, and shared courtyards.
Public spaces like the Arena and the Grand Bazaar reflect the city’s vibrant culture, with open squares and shaded walkways accommodating large gatherings. Decorative statues, fountains, and shrines are scattered throughout the city, adding a touch of beauty to its bustling streets. Despite the scars of war and occupation, Olnath’s architecture remains a testament to its enduring spirit.

Landmarks and key locations

• The Bronze Palace: Situated in the Royal District, the Bronze Palace is perched on a rise overlooking Leviathan Bay. Once the residence of Terosian monarchs, it now serves as the administrative seat of the Lord High Governor, symbolizing both Terosian heritage and Forbin's occupation.
• The Royal Crypt: Located beneath the Bronze Palace in the Royal District, this crypt holds the remains of Terosian monarchs. Incorporated into the catacombs during the 12th century, it connects to the sprawling network of tunnels beneath the city.
• Temple of Balcosh: This grand building is the largest temple in the city, and is overseen by Brother Vaynan.
• Temple of Mavani: The temple is built of pale stone, and features twin domed towers. Mother Gessinda is the High Priestess here.
• Olnath Temple of Lessada: The Temple of Lessada is the smallest and least ostentatious of the temples in the district. It is overseen by Sister Masanee.
• Olnath Temple of Piatok: The martial and overbearing Nemmin-Tir Fettann heads the priests at this ornately decorated temple.
• Temple of Treca: This small temple at the end of the harbour wall is run by Brother Lindameen, a popular priest among the city's sailors.
• The Temple of Frenar: Positioned in the Temple District, this temple of the god of death and stars doubles as a school, educating initiates in celestial studies, history, and mathematics.
• The Temple of Jires: Located along the quayside in the Harbour District, this temple honors the god of the seas and provides blessings for sailors. Its prime location near the docks makes it a hub for maritime worship. Sister Sabniss is the senior priest here.
• The ruined Temple of Jarkash: These shattered remnants of a temple to the malevolent god Jarkash stand in the Temple District. Destroyed in the 6th century, they serve as a grim reminder of Teros’s darker history.
• The Grand Arena: Dominating the heart of the Market Quarter, the Grand Arena is an iconic structure used for gladiatorial contests, chariot races, and grand public events. Its southern entrance faces the Tomb of Jaron IV, a grand mausoleum adorned with massive statues of monstrous beasts.
• The South Gate: Located at the southern boundary of the city in Southgate, the broken South Gate serves as Olnath’s main entry point for travellers and caravans. It's great bastion remains mostly in ruins.
• Wells of Lessada: A popular bathhouse run by the smooth and seductive Sevad Galmeer.
• The Chandin Bridge: Spanning the River Oln at the northeastern edge of the city, this fortified bridge is a vital trade route linking Olnath to The Othershore and beyond. The bridge is named after King Chandin of House Bektris, a significant figure in Terosian history.
• The Catacombs: A labyrinth of tunnels running beneath the Temple and Southgate Districts, the catacombs were originally stone quarries later repurposed as burial spaces. While parts remain flooded, others house impoverished residents and contain numerous forgotten chambers.
• The Harbourmaster’s Tower: Found in the Harbour District, this small yet vital tower on the harbourside is the administrative center for the Harbourmaster, who oversees trade and dock operations.
• The Livestock Market Plaza: South of the Grand Arena in the Market Quarter, this bustling plaza serves as the city’s center for livestock trade and agricultural goods, attracting merchants and farmers from the surrounding countryside.
• The Bazaar: Stretching across the Market Quarter near the Arena, the Bazaar is a lively hub of commerce. Its stalls and shops sell goods ranging from spices and textiles to perfumes and tools, drawing traders from across the archipelago.
• The Tomb of Brenak: Built in 1311 by Tovish, the son of Brenak, this elaborate tomb lies near the eastern wall of the city in the Temple District. It honors one of Teros's historic leaders and features intricate carvings.
• The Tomb of Elsharod: Nestled near the river in Riverside, this modest tomb is a place of discreet pilgrimage for followers of Pirogane. It honors Elsharod, a controversial usurper and betrayer from Terosian history.
• The Tomb of Marak I: Standing just outside the city’s eastern wall, this tomb memorializes one of Teros’s early kings. Its prominent location reflects the historical significance of Marak I's reign.
• The Obelisk of Zarroth: Found in The Othershore, this ancient stone obelisk commemorates Zarroth, revered as founder of the realm of Teros.

Transport

Ships sail from Olnath across Leviathan Bay and beyond to the ports of the Sea of Fair Winds.
Across the river, roads lead northwest to Osran Bara and eastwards through the fertile plain of the Oln towards Amur Lefra and the southern Redpeaks.
South of the city, a road leads towards Lespir on the southern coast.

Demographics

Population

Olnath has a total population of approximately 94,300.

Wealth and class

Education

Economy

Olnath’s economy has long been shaped by its strategic location at the mouth of the Oln River, where it flows into Leviathan Bay. As the capital of Teros and a central hub for trade, the city has flourished for centuries as a center of commerce, craftsmanship, and maritime activity. Even after the War of Salvation, which brought Teros under Forbin's control, Olnath has remained an economic powerhouse, its industries and trade routes still critical to the prosperity of the region.
The city benefits from the fertile lands surrounding Leviathan Bay, which support a thriving agricultural sector that supplies grain, fruit, and Fish to both the local population and traders from across the archipelago. Olnath’s access to river routes and its large port make it a key player in both domestic and international trade, allowing it to maintain its position as a vital link between the southern coast of Teros Major, the Sea of Fair Winds, and the ports of Forbin.
Despite the damage wrought during the War of Salvation, which left parts of the city in ruins, Olnath has managed to rebuild its economy through resilient industries such as fishing, perfumery, and trade in aromatic resins and incense. The city’s thriving marketplace is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people, who have adapted to the political changes of the last two decades while preserving their traditions of craftsmanship and commerce.

Key industries

• Fishing: Olnath’s port is a vital center for fishing, with fleets regularly sailing into Leviathan Bay and the surrounding seas. The city’s fishermen supply a variety of fish to local markets, including species such as Dolki and Kiddri, which are staples of the local diet. Much of the city’s fish is dried or salted for export, making it a valuable commodity in trade with both Teros Major and Forbin.
• Aromatic resins and incense: Olnath is renowned for its production of aromatic resins, which are harvested from the forests and hills surrounding Leviathan Bay. These resins, particularly the rare and highly prized Olmari resin, are used to produce incense and perfumes, which are exported to the great cities of Forbin and beyond. The city’s skilled artisans are experts in the distillation of these resins, creating fragrant oils and incense sticks that are sought after by nobles and religious orders alike.
• Perfume production: Building on its expertise with aromatic resins, Olnath has developed a thriving perfume industry. The city’s perfumers are renowned for crafting exquisite fragrances that blend local resins with exotic oils and flowers imported from across the Helerin Archipelago. Olnath’s perfumes are considered luxury goods, highly prized by the elite across the islands.
• Metalwork: Olnath’s artisans have a long history of metalworking, producing fine tools, weapons, and decorative items for both local use and export. Copper and iron are brought in from the southern Redpeaks and the Midar Hills, where they are refined and crafted into a variety of goods. The city’s blacksmiths are especially skilled in creating intricate metalwork, from ornate jewellery to durable weaponry used by the Peacekeepers and local militias.
• Shipbuilding: Given its prime location on Leviathan Bay, Olnath has a modest but important shipbuilding industry. The city’s shipwrights produce both trading vessels and smaller warships that are essential for maintaining trade routes and defending the southern coast. Olnath-built ships are known for their sturdiness and agility, making them prized by merchants and military forces alike.

Trade

Olnath’s strategic position at the mouth of the Oln on Leviathan Bay ensures its role as a major trade hub.
Ships laden with goods sail from Olnath’s port to the great cities around the Sea of Fair Winds, while river barges carry grain, fruit, and other agricultural products down the Oln to supply the capital. Olnath’s markets are filled with a variety of goods, from locally produced fish and perfumes to exotic spices and textiles imported from Mar Mabon Townships.
The city’s connections to other southern towns of Teros Major, including Lespir and Osran Bara, and its road networks that stretch inland toward Amur Lefra and the Redpeak region, ensure a constant flow of goods and resources. This has allowed Olnath to maintain its status as a thriving economic center, despite the political upheaval and damage caused by the War of Salvation.
As the capital of Teros and the seat of the Lord High Governor, Olnath remains at the heart of both the nation’s economy and its governance.

Culture

Notable people

Type

Capital

Population

94300

Location under

Teros Major

Included Locations

• Bronze Palace
• Olnath Arena
• Olnath Catacombs
• Olnath Temple of Balcosh
• Olnath Temple of Frenar
• Olnath Temple of Jarkash
• Olnath Temple of Jires
• Olnath Temple of Lessada
• Olnath Temple of Mavani
• Olnath Temple of Piatok
• Olnath Temple of Treca
• Terosian Royal Crypt
• The Little Passu
• Tomb of Brenak
• Tomb of Elsharod
• Tomb of Marak I
• Wells of Lessada

Owning Organization

Teros