Ancient Rome - Third Samnite War 298 bce

A man in his mid-50s with sun-weathered skin and a stately presence. He has piercing gray eyes, a clean-shaven face, and graying hair neatly combed back. He wears a fine blue himation adorned with a silver brooch engraved with a wave encircling an olive branch.

Thalassios is pragmatic yet idealistic, committed to maintaining Velia as a bastion of intellectual freedom. His decisions are rooted in logic, but he shows compassion for scholars and traders, earning him respect despite criticism for his cautious approach.

Born to a prominent family of merchants and philosophers, Thalassios was exposed to both commerce and Eleatic thought. He rose through Velia’s political ranks, gaining respect for his mediation skills and securing advantageous trade agreements, ensuring Velia's neutrality during conflicts in southern Italy.