Teiros

Teiros
Artwork by Rahul Venugopal The city of Teiros rising along the cliffs.
Settlement Type	Coastal City
Sovereignty	Royal Republic of Brennis
Region	Northern Brennis
Seat	Villa Marina
Seat Type	Doge
Ruler	Cassius Fabiola
Founded	2E, Y77
Destroyed	3E, Y59; Rebuilt Y61
Named for	Legate Teiros Gallus
Religions	Brennisian Pantheon
Languages	Brennisian
Demographics	95% Human, 3% Elf, 2% Orc

Teiros is a city along the northern coast of the island of Brennis. A former naval hub of the once-wide empire, Teiros' importance diminished greatly following the empire's collapse. The city has seen a revitalization in modern times, with growth in the tourism and entertainment industries.

History

Staging Grounds

Artwork by Noah Greene.
A storm approaching from Marina Bay.

Government

The central government of Teiros rests upon the Doge, however other local parties wrest for control of the city's government through less savory means.

Doge

Originally, Teiros was led by a Legate, a high-ranking member of the Brennisian Legion. Following the city's departure as a naval stronghold, a new system one put into place: that of the Doge. The Doge acts as the mayor and magistrate of the city, overseeing tax collection, law enforcement, and other day-to-day administrative duties for the city and its surrounding settlements. The Doge is elected by citizens and serves for six years before reelection. The Doge, however, can be disposed prior to the full term, should his or her constituents feel it is necessary.

To achieve this, a majority of the city's residents must sign a petition, which is then sent to the Assembly's Review Council for acceptance or rejection. If the sitting Doge is successfully removed, a new election will be held. Even with his or her degree of local power, the Doge always answers directly to the Assembly, and must obey all laws, levies, and other resolutions passed.

Teiros Mafia

Since its resurgence as a hotbed of gambling and entertainment, the underbelly of Teiros has been infiltrated by multiple influential families. These families hope to use extortion, threats, and violence to increase their power and influence over the city and its happenings, giving rise to the local mafia. The rivaling families feud amongst each other, hoping to wrest control of the streets once and for all. The most prominent family is House Salucci, led by Bianca Salucci. Lesser families are House Martelli, House Valentini, and House Buffone.

Economy

Mining

Given is proximity to Mount Arada, the city has developed a large mining operation to the south of the city. While other mines on the island produce ores such as iron, the Teiros mines primarily yield gemstones and silver. The mining operation has given rise to a bustling jewelry industry in the city, and has helped increase the Republic's own material wealth in the modern era.

Agriculture

Sweeping plains meet the city to the east, providing fertile land for the city to plow and harvest. With the growing demand for food in the bursting capital of Vizidel, much of the arable land is at use. The city's farmers most often plant wheat, with rows of fig and olive trees lining their fields. Though the city consumes its fair share of foodstuff, most ends up elsewhere on the island. Though there is the occasional vineyard dotting the country around Teiros, the region generally receives too much rain for grapes.

Places of Interest

Piazza Vittoria

The Piazza Vittoria is the central plaza within the city, and a gathering place for the city's citizens as well as its visitors. Surrounding the plaza are several of Teiros' largest and most opulent casinos and theaters. In its center lies an extravagantly sculpted fountain, with the images of the Brennisian gods and goddesses etched into the marble. Local folklore claims that tossing a coin in the fountain and shouting "Vittoria" will bring good luck. Within the plaza, vendors and street performers can be found even into the early hours of the morning, leading to an informal nickname of the "Sleepless Square."

Democles' Redoubt

Once the impregnable Fort Aradamus, it has fallen into ruin after centuries of neglect and abandonment from the Brennisian Legion. The ruins now, however, hold a shrine dedicated to the Miscreant God Democles, venerated by the many gamblers who pass through the city. Local visitors and superstitious foreign tourists leave offerings at the god's shrine before making trips to the city's many casinos and gambling houses. Those who manage to win often leave a portion of their winnings at the shrine as well, not wanting to bring about bad luck by spiting the god.

Villa Marina

Villa Marina is the historic home of the currently-seated Doge of the city, as well as an assembly hall for the town's citizens. The villa is a grand estate which initially housed members of the royal family who visited Teiros. Construction began shortly after the earthquake that decimated the city, with the royal family hoping it may act as a symbol for the city rising again. Though it took decades to complete, the villa was soon replaced with a larger palace and then fell into disarray. With the first Doge taking over, the villa was restored to its former glory. It now also houses a small museum dedicated to the naval heritage the city still holds in its heart.

People of Interest

Bianca Salucci, House Salucci Matriarch and Casino Owner
Enzo Martelli, House Martelli Patriarch