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1. Basic Information
- Name: House Thenos
- Species: Human
- Symbol/Heraldry: A black mountain split by a silver rift, beneath a burning sun.
- Seat / Domain: Iterdeep, Shadow Aisle Mountains
- Current Head: King Vornis Thenos
- Core Traits: Isolationist, martial, secretive, once devout but now irreligious.
2. Overview
House Thenos rules Iterdeep, the gateway through the Shadow Aisle Mountains. Once a proud and religiously devout family who presided over a vital artery of trade, their reputation has curdled in recent years into one of secrecy, mistrust, and ruthless control. Where they were once seen as stalwart guardians of Siar’Morrin’s east–west connection, they are now regarded as dangerous isolationists who have sealed their borders and silenced their shrines.
3. History
- Origins: House Thenos rose during the early Biranian Empire as custodians of the Shadow Aisle pass, descendants of those who first fortified Iterdeep. Their claim of descent from Sthenos, the god of endurance, lent them legitimacy as both rulers and guardians.
- Notable Events:
- Golden Age of Trade: For centuries, Iterdeep flourished as the principal gateway between east and west. Shrines to Gahrian and Mercio brought pilgrims, merchants, and prosperity.
- The Breaking of the Shrines: A decade ago, King Vornis outlawed religion and ordered the destruction of shrines, extinguishing the cultural lifeblood of Iterdeep. This marked the beginning of the kingdom’s descent into secrecy and paranoia.
- The Closing of Iterdeep’s Gates: With Iterdeep fortified and closed, trade routes were forced elsewhere, starving Iterdeep of commerce but making it impenetrable.
- Current Status: House Thenos clings tightly to power, but its reputation is in decline. Once admired for resilience and faith, they are now feared for isolation and fanatic secrecy. Neighbouring realms view them with suspicion, and whispers abound of corruption within Iterdeep’s walls.
4. Leadership & Family
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Current Leader:
- King Vornis Thenos: Once beloved, now mistrusted. His sudden shift to autocracy and isolationism a decade ago remains unexplained.
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Notable Members:
- High Marshal Bryndis Thenos: His son, commander of Iterdeep’s armies. Brutal but effective in defence of the Shadow Aisle Mountains. Loyal to his father despite growing unease at his policies.
- Corrin Thenos: Daughter of Vornis, estranged from her house. Now a legendary warrior of the Rift Watch, revered abroad but distrusted at home.
5. Culture & Reputation
- Core Beliefs: Once centred on piety and devotion, Iterdeep’s faith has been forcibly erased under Vornis. Now the culture is one of control, suspicion, and self-preservation, bound by loyalty to the crown and silence about Iterdeep’s secrets.
- Influence: Still feared for its strategic fortress and disciplined armies, but diminished in prestige due to its isolation and perceived decline.
- Allies/Rivals:
- Allies:
- Rivals: