[tay-nah-ree-us]
Overview:
Taenarius is one of the few cities within Donatus Stultitia, located on the southeastern edge of the region. It sits on the very periphery of the harsh Mirage Plains, where life is challenging but possible. The city relies heavily on the brief rainy season, during which flocks of beasts pass through their lands, allowing the inhabitants to store essential resources for the long, dry periods. Taenarius is built underground, with a network of tunnels providing refuge from the blistering heat and offering protection from the ever-present threat of Gnoll raids.
Description:
Taenarius is an underground city, its structures carved into the earth to escape the extreme temperatures of the surface. The tunnels and caverns are cool and shaded, providing a stark contrast to the harsh, sun-baked plains above. The city is ingeniously designed with ventilation shafts that circulate air, maintaining a livable environment. The entrances to the city are well-hidden, blending seamlessly with the landscape to avoid detection by the Gnolls. The citizens of Taenarius are a motley crew, comprised of numerous races from across Siar’Morrin. For some, it is an escape from lives best forgotten in the more interconnected regions; for others, it is a place of refuge and new beginnings. The diversity of the population has led to a rich cultural tapestry, with various traditions, languages, and practices blending together to create a unique community.
History:
The true origins of Taenarius are difficult to trace, with no definitive record of who first carved its foundations into the edge of the Mirage Plains. What is certain is that the city has stood for centuries, its people surviving through resilience and adaptation to one of the harshest environments in Siar’Morrin. Oral traditions preserve fragments of its beginnings, though they differ on the details.
Some claim that dwarves fleeing the Shadow Aisle Mountains stumbled upon this place during their exile, others tell of a band of warriors ambushed by Ankhegs, who turned the creatures’ own burrows into a fortress. Most scholars believe there is truth in both tales, woven together over time. Whether born of dwarven exiles, desperate warriors, or some forgotten alternative, Taenarius has always been a place defined by necessity, endurance, and the ability to transform hardship into sanctuary. Its people see the uncertainty not as weakness, but as proof that Taenarius belongs to all who find refuge within its walls.
Significance:
Its strategic location on the edge of the Mirage Plains allows it to act as a gateway between the harsher interior and the more fertile lands beyond. For those that know of its location, it can offer a life line for those that have been forced to trek across the harsh environment.
Notable Features:
- Underground Tunnels: The city is built entirely underground, with a network of tunnels and caverns providing shelter from the extreme heat and protection from Gnoll raids.
- Ventilation Shafts: Ingeniously designed shafts that circulate air throughout the city, ensuring a cool and livable environment.
- Natural Springs: Freshwater springs and underground reservoirs supply the city with clean water, a vital resource in the arid plains.
- Hidden Entrances: Well-concealed entrances that blend into the landscape, keeping the city hidden from potential threats.
- Storage Caverns: Large caverns dedicated to storing food and resources gathered during the rainy season, ensuring the city’s survival through the dry periods.
Local Legends or Stories:
Two main legends tell the tale of Taenarius’ creation. One story claims that dwarves fleeing the Shadow Aisle Mountains found themselves stranded on the Mirage Plains. In their time of desperation, they discovered salvation in the migrating herds and the ensuing wet period. Seeing this as a divine sign, they decided to establish a new home on the plains, carving out the underground city of Taenarius with their unparalleled craftsmanship. The dwarves’ resourcefulness and determination laid the foundation for the city’s enduring legacy. The alternate story recounts how a band of lost warriors was ambushed by Ankhegs. Turning the tables on their attackers, the warriors not only fought off the Ankhegs but also chased them into their underground burrows. After clearing out the Ankhegs, the warriors found the burrows to be well-positioned, likely chosen by the Ankhegs to take advantage of the migrating beasts. Following this tradition, they inhabited the land, expanding and fortifying the burrows to create the city of Taenarius.
Visitors’ Experience:
Visitors to Taenarius are often struck by the stark contrast between the harsh surface and the cool, sheltered environment of the underground city. The tunnels and caverns are a marvel of human engineering, showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the inhabitants. Visitors can explore the labyrinthine passages, see the natural springs, and learn about the city’s history and culture through guided tours. The hidden entrances and concealed design add an element of mystery and intrigue, making a visit to Taenarius an unforgettable experience. During the rainy season, visitors can witness the bustling activity as the city prepares for the dry months ahead, offering a glimpse into the resilience and adaptability of its people.