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Location
The north-eastern corner of the Mediterranean is referred to as the Aegean Sea. It is there that the three kingdoms of Hellas are located. Athenia is a mainland state, whilst Colchis and Taengea are clusters of isles. Each are ruled by a separate monarchy and exist entirely independent of one another despite a long history of inter-marriage, trade and conflict. Ten years ago, a peace treaty was brokered between the three states. This agreement, plus a shared political system, social ethos and religion unify Athenia, Colchis and Taengea into the land we call Hellas.
Athenia occupies the southern-most tip of the European continent and is the largest of the three Hellenic states. It boasts the largest population, army and land mass. Taengea is situated east of Athenia and is a cluster of three islands. The isle of Serenn is the largest and holds the majority of Taengea's provinces, including the capital. The Isle of Emae is smaller and to the south. Several provinces under the House of Dimitrou are located there. The isle of Macendia is a single province under the House of Leventi and a tiny island off the eastern coast of Serenn. Colchis lies to the north, nestled beside the Bosphrous Strait of Hattusa and only a day's journey by ship from the "Northern Lands" (modern day Greece and Bulgaria). Colchis's provinces are scattered across the isles of Kos, Milos, Naxos, Nótos and Samos. These isles are mountainous and consist of extensive mines, caves and tidal pools.
AnachronismMany of the names of Hellenic isles and provinces have been taken / adapted from the Greek world (ancient and modern) but are not replicas of their namesakes. For example: the isle of Samos does exist but it has no relation to the isle in Colchis.
Maps
For maps of Hellas and its surrounding areas see the Cartography section in Hellas's Visuals page.
Historical Age
The land of Hellas has only existed for the last ten years under the peace treaty negotiated by the current royal families. However, each kingdom dates back hundreds of years in their own right. The first historical script with a useable date is from 1162 BC but other writings talk of stories from millenia before. The three Hellenic kingdoms share a great deal of their history thanks to a shared ecological environment, climate, political alliances, inter-marriage between the royal families and the occasional conflict or intra-kingdom wars.
Read more on comparative ages of our lands and empires in the Lands Overview page.
Population
Placed in the center of our world, Hellas has a grand opportunity for travel and trade making their populations fluid, diverse and bustling. Despite having the smallest land mass in the known world they are an advanced people with a large population and mastery over seafare and military tactics. They are, therefore, not to be underestimated.
There is a large range of settlements in Hellas, from large cities to the smallest hamlets and their temperate climate means they enjoy a number of different environments from the mountains to the sea, from meadows to forests.
In Athenia, society is built on intelligence, philosophy and etiquette with a heavy focus on political dealings. In Colchis, the people are strong and defiant, committed to honour and hardy in constitution, with a mastery in warfare. For Taengeans, play is as important and work and they take great satisfaction in turning their complex and flourishing economy into a game of negotiation, deceit and fine wine.
Read more about the peoples of Hellas under the Hellenic People section in Hellas's Social page.
Size and TravelLatitude and LongitudeHellas is the smallest of our lands and occupies a small portion of the south-eastern corner of Europe and a cluster of islands in the Aegean Sea. As Colchis and Taengea are entirely surrounded by water any travel across Hellas in any direction requires seafare.
By Sea
Athenia <> Colchis
2 days
Athenia <> Taengea
2 days
Colchis <> Taengea
1.5 days
For more information on manners of travel, see the Transport section of Hellas's Science page.
See also the Cartography section in Hellas's Visuals page or the Interactive Map in our Encyclopaedia homepage for diagrams of the area.
International TravelAssyriaAssyria lies directly east of Hellas, with the empire of Hattusa sitting in between. To calculate times / distance, add the time taken to reach Hattusa's border (in the Size and Travel section of Assyria's Land page) to the time to cross Hattusa's latitude (in the Size and Travel section of Hattusa's Land page). Add the seafare listed above depending on the kingdom your character is travelling to.
BabyloniaBabylonia is to the east of Assyria and one of the furthest lands from Hellas. Calculate the distance by adding the travel time to reach the Assyrian border (in the Size and Travel section of Babylonia's Land page), to cross Assyria's latitude (in the Size and Travel section of Assyria's Land page) and Hattusa's latitude (in the Size and Travel section of Hattusa's Land page). Then add the appropriate seafare listed above depending on the kingdom your character is travelling to.
Bedoa'mtBedoa'mt lies south of Hellas, the other side of the Mediterranean Sea. Travel between Bedoa'mt and Hellas must be done by sea. Times vary depending on where along the north African coast you character is travelling to or from.
By Sea
From Athenia
1 - 4 weeks
From Colchis
Add 2 days
From Taengea
Add two days
HattusaJust across the Aegean Sea is Hattusa, Hellas's strongest trading partner and the largest land in Aeipathy. Times below are to Arzawa on Hattusa's eastern coast. To travel to the Hattusa capital or other large cities check the inter-city travel times in the Size and Travel section of Hattusa's Land page.
By Sea
From Athenia
3 days
From Colchis
1 day
From Taengea
1 day
K'm'tIn the north-east of the African continent lies K'm't. Travellers can make a direct sea voyage from any of the Hellas kingdoms to the northern coast of K'm't, across the Mediterranean Sea.
By Sea
From Athenia or Taengea
12 days
From Colchis
2 weeks
OstjörðOstjörð monopolises the north-western corner of the European continent. The easiest way to reach their lands across land from Athenia. From Colchis or Taengea simply add the appropriate latitude / longitude travel times listed above. Alternatively, a character can travel by sea around the European mainland and up to the North Sea. This would be a slower means for single travellers but faster for large army convoys.
Walking
Horseback / Chariot
Single Traveller
4 months
7 weeks
Small Group
6 months
2.5 months
Large Group / Convoy
7.5 months
3 months
By Sea
All Travellers
2 months
PhoeniciaPhoenicia lies on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean. A character can sail to Hattusa or Assyria and travel down to Phoenicia or make a direct sea voyage there. Remember to add any additional travel for the particular city your character is headed for in Phoenicia (in the Size and Travel section of Phoenicia's Land page).
By Land
By Sea
All Travellers
Calculate time of travel by combining the time to reach Assyria or Hattusa (above) with the time to cross Hattusa and / or Assyria's longitude (in the Size and Travel section of Hattusa's Land page and Assyria's Land page).
2 weeks
RomaOccupying most of modern day Italy, Austria, Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia and parts of Albania and Spain, travel times vary for Roma depending on which area is your destination. Any can be reached by land, sea or a combination of the two.
Walking
Horseback / Chariot
To Remusi Lands
Single Traveller
2 days
4 days
Small Group
10 days
6 days
Large Group / Convoy
2 weeks
10 days
To Netuno Lands
Single Traveller
7 weeks
3.5 weeks
Small Group
3 months
5 weeks
Large Group / Convoy
4 months
2 months
To Mainland Roma
Single Traveller
10 weeks
5 weeks
Small Group
4.5 months
8 weeks
Large Group / Convoy
6 months
2.5 months
To Cassia Lands
Single Traveller
Seafare required
Small Group
Large Group / Convoy
To Cannae's Western Lands
Single Traveller
3.5 months
3 months
Small Group
6.5 months
4 months
Large Group / Convoy
8.5 months
3.5 months
By Sea
To Remusi Lands
Unnecessary
To Netuno Lands
3 weeks from Hellas. Or, sail for 9 days after reaching Remusi lands.
To Mainland Roma
10 days from Hellas. Or, sail for 2 days after reaching Remusi lands.
To Cassia Lands
3 weeks from Hellas. Or, sail for 7 days after reaching Roma Mainland.
To Cannae's Western Lands
5 weeks from Hellas. Or, sail for 9 days after reaching Cassia lands.
For more information on manners of travel, see the Transport section of Hellas's Science page.
See also the Cartography section in Hellas's Visuals page or the Interactive Map in our Encyclopaedia homepage for diagrams of the area.
AnachronismAll travel times / distances on Aeipathy have been fictionalised (to a point) to create a realistic but workable roleplaying world. For ideas on how to "wiggle" your travel time to meet your roleplaying needs, see the Lands Overview page or message our staff team.
Climate
Hellas enjoys the richest of climates in the world of Aeipathy. Its location provides a balmy warmth, whilst the surrounding seas bring cooling winds and rainfall. This makes Hellas a paradise of arable farming and livestock grazing; particularly in Athenia and Taengea where the provinces are large enough to support fields and meadows. In Colchis, the mountainous land forces the southern winds to cleave and the waves to break. Their altitude and uneven ground make farming difficult and they often suffer from more extreme weather like heavy gales, thunderous storms and the occasional hurricane.
Referred to As
Climate / Weather
Spring
Season of Thallo
A vibrant spring awaits Hellas every year. Flowers are in full bloom, new shoots appear and crops begin their new life cycle. Baby animals can be seen in meadows and the waters warm to welcome more fish from the south after the winter. It is a time of fresh beginnings and greatly enjoyed by the Hellenes.
Summer
Season of Auxo
Summer is equally fine for the Hellenic people but can run too hot some years. This can create a humid and uncomfortably sticky atmosphere that has ladies in their thinnest silks and harvests brought in early. Otherwise, Hellenic summers are enjoyed beneath vivid sunshine and mild winds. It is also the busiest time for fishing in the Aegean.
Autumn
Season of Carpo
With the autumn comes the wind. Whilst gentle breezes and even howling winds can be felt at all times of the year, autumn is when gales and storms are at their most likely, particularly for Colchis. This can make sea travel more challenging (but not impossible) and the harvest of crops a bustery experience.
Winter
Season of Chione
In Athenia and Taengea winter a merely a cooler version of spring in which the greenery dims and the days shorten. There is no real extremes in temperature and an additional layer to one's chiton is enough to stay warm most days. In Colchis, higher altitudes drive the climate much lower. The ground is permanently frosted for weeks on end and snow can lay thickly in the highest provinces and cities (including the capital). As Colchis relies on the other states for most of its food supply, this icy winter has little effect on their economy; unless the trade ships have been unable to deliver the winter supplies under the heavy winds of the previous season.
For information on calendar months, see the Calendar heading in the Language and Communication section of Hellas's Science page.
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The Provinces
Settlements
In Athenia, settlements can be found all over with a variety of provinces and environs to be explored. Taengea has a similar, idyllic terrain. In Colchis, many towns and cities are carved from the mountains themselves or hug along cliff-faces. It is rare to see a town too close to the shoreline for fear of storms and most structures and homes are built from stone, not wood, regardless of the residents' class or wealth. All three kingdoms have large towns and cities all around their isles / lands. The capital cities of the three kingdoms are Athenia, Midas and Vasiliadon respectively.
Athenia All Athenian provinces are located on the European mainland.
Population1,600
Military UnitThe Red Hearts
Main ExportHorses. Sub-ExportLand tax, grain, fruit.
Aetaea
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaAntonis VarónosOpen
Population6,900
Military UnitTh Foxlights
Main ExportTimber. Sub-ExportHerbs, grain, flowers.
Aetola
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaStravos VarónosOpen
Population7,500
Military UnitThe Axemen
Main ExportTimber. Sub-ExportStone, clay, grain, fruit.
Aetotis
KingdomTaengea
DynasteíaMikaelidas VarónosOpen
Population1,100
Military UnitPoseidon's Own
Main ExportTemple taxes. Sub-ExportFish, shellfish, trinkets.
Almosis
Population4,800
Military UnitThe White Shields
Main ExportSquid and Shellfish. Sub-ExportFish, octopus, ship parts.
Arcanaes
KingdomColchis
DynasteíaThanasi VarónosOpen
Population3,800
Military UnitThe Golden Shields
Main ExportJewellery and Goldwork. Sub-ExportGold ore, jewels, ironwork, pressed leather.
Arcasis
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaMarikas VarónosOpen
Population11,900
Military UnitThe Ten Thousand
Main ExportGrain. Sub-ExportWheat, corn, vegetables, fruit.
Argothia
KingdomTaengea
DynasteíaLeventi VarónosOpen
Population2,900
Military UnitThe Fearless
Main ExportGames-runner taxes. Sub-ExportTextiles, jewellery, pottery.
Athenia
KingdomAthenia (Capital City)
DynasteíaXanthos Population22,100
Military UnitThe Athenian Guard
Main ExportFish. Sub-ExportEverything.
Attia
Population3,100
Military UnitThe Black Dogs
Main ExportWine. Sub-ExportFruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers.
Attictris
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaStravos VarónosOpen
Population4,000
Military UnitThe Phalanx Prime
Main ExportFruit. Sub-ExportVines, reeds, wine.
Boetris
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaStravos VarónosOpen
Population3,800
Military UnitThe Rivermen
Main ExportTimber. Sub-ExportCeramics, fabrics, textiles.
Carinth
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaMarikas VarónosOpen
Population5,400
Military UnitThe Legion of Bows
Main ExportTimber. Sub-ExportArchery bows and arrows, carpentry.
Chacris
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaMarikas VarónosOpen
Population2,900
Military UnitThe Magnus Moras
Main ExportStone. Sub-ExportNone.
Chaoedia
Population3,800
Military UnitThe Knives
Main ExportGlass. Sub-ExportWine, trinkets, jewellery.
Elierea
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaAntonis VarónosOpen
Population4,500
Military UnitThe Blue Wraiths
Main ExportFish. Sub-ExportShellfish, whale oil, ship sails.
Elimea
KingdomColchis
DynasteíaKotas VarónosOpen
Population1,600
Military UnitThe Silver Soldiers
Main ExportFresh water. Sub-ExportSilver-work, stone and granite.
Elisaea
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaStravos VarónosOpen
Population4,200
Military UnitThe Fangs of the Sea
Main ExportFish. Sub-ExportShellfish, whale oil, ceramics.
Elopia
KingdomTaengea
DynasteíaLeventi VarónosOpen
Population3,400
Military UnitThe Leventi Blood
Main ExportTimber. Sub-ExportWoodwork, flowers, grain.
Epirus
KingdomTaengea
DynasteíaCondos VarónosOpen
Population4,500
Military UnitThe Beasts of Burden
Main ExportWine. Sub-ExportFruits and flowers.
Epistis
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaMarikas VarónosOpen
Population2,100
Military UnitThe Sentinels
Main ExportFish. Sub-ExportShellfish, shark meat, jewellery.
Eubocris
KingdomColchis
DynasteíaKotas VarónosOpen
Population2,100
Military UnitThe Men of the Heights
Main ExportStone. Sub-ExportFresh water, textiles.
Eubois
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaMarikas VarónosOpen
Population7,100
Military UnitThe Black Rooks
Main ExportFish. Sub-ExportShip parts, sailing equipment.
Euttica
Population2,900
Military UnitThe Sky Walkers
Main ExportTransport Levees. Sub-ExportAccountancy skills, stone, leather work.
Laconia
KingdomColchis
DynasteíaDrakos VarónosOpen
Population3,800
Military UnitThe Fifth Phalanx
Main ExportGrain. Sub-ExportFruit, wine, rice.
Laconis
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaXanthos VarónosOpen
Population7,200
Military UnitThe Phalanx of the Earth
Main ExportParchment. Sub-ExportReeds, dates, fruits, goat's milk.
Loclis
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaAntonis VarónosOpen
Population5,300
Military UnitThe Sea Roamers
Main ExportFish. Sub-ExportShellfish, whale oil, rowboats and dingies.
Lyncaea
KingdomColchis
DynasteíaKotas VarónosOpen
Population1,700
Military UnitThe Stone Wall
Main ExportMasonry. Sub-ExportFabrics, leather and metal tools.
Lyncestia
Population3,900
Military UnitThe Macendia Giants
Main ExportHorses. Sub-ExportLand-taxes, fruit, vegetables.
Magnemea
KingdomColchis
DynasteíaDrakos VarónosOpen
Population5,700
Military UnitThe Damned
Main ExportStone. Sub-ExportMetal-work, iron ore, precious jewels.
Magnestis
Population1,100
Military UnitThe Creatures of the Deep
Main ExportFish. Sub-ExportOctopus, shellfish, jewellery and handicrafts.
Pholis
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaAntonis VarónosOpen
Population4,400
Military UnitThe Rangers
Main ExportPeaches. Sub-ExportFruit, textiles, clothing.
Phossis
KingdomTaengea
DynasteíaCondos VarónosOpen
Population2,100
Military UnitThe Jilted Lovers
Main ExportWine. Sub-ExportProstitution taxes, land-rent, textiles.
Pieria
KingdomColchis
DynasteíaThanasi VarónosOpen
Population900
Military UnitThe Flametongues
Main ExportSilver ore. Sub-ExportStone, temple taxes.
Piessis
KingdomAthenia
DynasteíaStravos VarónosOpen
Population7,200
Military UnitThe Grim Knives
Main ExportTextiles. Sub-ExportFabric, clothing, woven baskets.
Thesdiki
KingdomTaengea
DynasteíaCondos VarónosOpen
Population4,200
Military UnitThe Life Warriors
Main ExportFruit. Sub-ExportWine, grain, rice, vegetables.
Thesnia
Population2,900
Military UnitThe Murder of Crows
Main ExportMeat. Sub-ExportFruit, grain.
Thessmea
KingdomTaengea
DynasteíaMikaelidas VarónosOpen
Population3,600
Military UnitThe Monsters Below
Main ExportTourism taxes. Sub-ExportFresh water, volcanic rock, fruit.
Thestus
KingdomTaengea
DynasteíaLeventi VarónosOpen
Population2,900
Military UnitThe First Ones
Main ExportAccounting and law services. Sub-ExportVisitor-taxes, sculpture, stone-work, leather.
Vasiliádon
KingdomTaengea (Capital City)
DynasteíaMikaelidas Population12,890
Military UnitThe City Guard
Main ExportTrade taxes. Sub-ExportEverything.
Wildlife and Resources
Flora
Flowers grow well in Hellas during the rainy season, due to the flowing underwater springs. Their period of growth is short and so flowers are considered special and expensive luxuries. Local blooms include: tulips, crocuses, snowdrops, oleanders, fuchsias, hydrangeas, jasmines, wisterias and lilies. Only areas close to the northern orsouthern coast have the climate to grow these plants year round.
Common herbs able to be grown across the country include rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender and juniper.
Trees and forestry account for just 25% of Hellas's territory. Little of this is hard wood suitable for building, so instead it is used for botanical purposes. These species include: the olive tree, wild maple, sycamore, bay laurel, pistachio, turkish hazel, palm, lime, cypress and judas trees. These provide Hellas's thriving oils, nuts and medicinal trade. There is a limited stock of oak and pine trees in Hellas.
For more information on crops, vegetables and edible flora see the Food and Cuisine section in Hellas's Social page.
For more on medicinal herbs and healing practices see the Medicine section of Hellas's Science page.
For a full breakdown of ingredients and foodstuffs and how they are used for cooking and / or medicine, see our Flora and Fauna database.
Fauna
The mammals of Hellas range from the common squirrels, shrews, rabbits, porcupines and field mice to bats, jackals, wildcats, wolves, hyenas, caracals, foxes and the occasional otter in wet areas. Gazelle, goats, deer and boars can also be found, both domesticated and wild. The asiatic lion, the caspian tiger and the brown bear are also present, but rare.
Attracted by Hellas's warm temperatures, the empire is home to many cold-blooded reptiles and amphibians including snakes, lizards, salamanders, geckos and newts. There are rare sightings of tortoises, and turtles can be found in the Black Sea on Hellas's north coast.
Hellas is home to an expansive array of birds, including those hunted for their meat such as geese and pheasant (see below for the full list) and wilder aviary creatures including: buzzards, swifts, nightjays, coots, cranes, storks, hawks, eagles, kites, owls, falcons, kingfishers, shreeks, crows, larks, swallows, wrens and magpies. Closer to water sources are gulls, pelicans and herons. Flamingos and peacocks are sometimes kept as pets by the wealthy.
For a full breakdown of ingredients and foodstuffs and how they are used for cooking and / or medicine, see our Flora and Fauna database.
Natural MaterialsFresh Water Despite limited rainfall, fresh water is more or less plentiful in Hellas, provided you are close to a source. Advanced construction, acqueducts and collection means, provide citizens of all major cities with wells and man-made springs from which water can be fetched. Tall, large vases are most commonly used to fetch water, and for long journeys wax-treated hide sacks can carry small amounts without leaking. As it is common to fetch water at the beginning of the day, small crowds often form around wells and springs, turning a simple task into a daily, communal event. Alongside fruit juice and goat's milk, water is the most common drink in Hellas.
Crops Wheat and barley grow across Hellas, but mainly towards the northand west of the empire. Many fortified cities are reliant on the delivery of wheat and barley, pre-ground and ready for baking use. When trade routes are compromised, these resources are usually the first to diminish. Otherwise, most enjoy ample supply. The grain is rarely baked into loafs of fluffy bread but instead thin, soft and chewy pita-like discs eaten as side dishes to other meals.
Ore Metal ore is plentiful in Hellas. While they do not have the masses of gold enjoyed by Egypt or the bronze and jewels of Hellas, Hellas have enough of each to supply their own demands. Meteorite iron and native or imported iron ore is Hellas's greatest asset because they have the means by which to heat and forge iron. This is a unique ability across the Orient and civilised world and places Hellas in a position of great power and jealousy.
Timber Timber and hardwood is limited in Hellas. There is enough to support their society in a pinch, but Hellas turns to Assyria and the more forested lands of the fertile crescent for imported hardwood. Elm and maple can supply for crafts and homewares but when posts are needed for building construction, harder materials are necessary and must be sought from elsewhere.
Vegetables General foodstuffs grow well in Hellas. As wet soil is limited, rootvegetables are not common, but chickpeas, lentils, nuts, and fruits provide the vitamins and minerals they might otherwise lack. Figs, apricaots, cherries, almonds, hazelnuts, lemons, oranges and bergamots all grow well in Hellas's varied climate.
Meat Commonly eaten domesticated meat in Hellas includes: mutton, pork, venison and pheasant. In higher-class circles, birds like doves and starlings are also hunted and prepared for dining. Beef is more common on the western coast of the empire, where the Arzawan territories cultivate the zepu humped cow. Otherwise cows are not domesticated in Hellas. Fish is also supremely common in cities near the coast such as Kizzuwatna, Nerik and Arzawa, but reserved for the wealthy in the capital.
Read more about internationally traded goods in the International Trade section on the Lands Overview page.
Read more about home cooking and potential recipes in the Food and Cuisine section of Hellas's Social page.
For a full breakdown of ingredients and foodstuffs and how they are used for cooking and / or medicine, see our Flora and Fauna database.
