Major Cities: Sparta, Demokratia (Athens), Heliopoli, Thebai
Allies & Rivals: Mycenae, Pylos, Ithaca, Salamis, and countless island-states
Enemies: Troy, the Sea Peoples, Canaanite raiders, internal rivalries
Pantheon: The Olympians – Zeus, Hera, Athena, Apollo, Poseidon, Artemis, and many others
Mythras is not a single kingdom but a patchwork of city-states bound by shared tongue, blood, and gods, yet divided by pride and rivalry. Each polis (city) champions its own customs, but all Achaeans honor the same heroic code: arete (excellence), kleos (glory), and xenia (sacred hospitality).
This is an age of heroes, when men and women are closer to the gods than mortals will ever be again. The deeds of champions echo into eternity, and the favor or wrath of the Olympians can change the fate of armies.
Yet all is not secure. Raiders from the sea — the Peleset and the Sherden — strike southern shores. Prophets whisper that the gods are setting the Achaeans against Troy to decide the fate of the world.
A land of warriors, ruled by dual kings and a council of elders.
Boys are raised in the agoge, trained from childhood for war.
Women hold unusual freedom, overseeing estates while men fight.
Spartan warriors are famed for their ash-wood spears, round bronze shields, and crimson cloaks.
Patron Gods: Ares and Artemis Orthia.
Known for its assemblies, Demokratia is an experiment in collective rule. All free men may speak in the agora, though power often lies with the wealthiest.
Masters of cunning words, law, and debate.
Renowned for their craftsmen, philosophers, and naval builders.
Patron Gods: Athena Polias, Poseidon, and Hephaestus.
A coastal trading polis, famed for its vast harbors and wealth.
Ships from Egypt, Canaan, and Sicily dock here; its agora overflows with exotic goods.
Heliopoli fields the largest fleet of Hellas, rivaling even the Mycenaeans.
Patron Gods: Apollo, honored as lord of commerce and light, and Hermes, guardian of travelers.
A city haunted by tragedy: the legacy of Oedipus still lingers, and its walls have seen countless betrayals.
Fierce warriors and loyal allies, yet distrusted for their past treacheries.
Known for their sacred bands of elite fighters.
Patron Gods: Dionysus (born in Thebes) and Hera.
Symposia: Banquets where wine flows, songs are sung, and heroes boast of deeds.
Oracles: Prophets and priestesses, most famously at Delphi, where Apollo’s will is spoken through the Pythia.
Hero Cults: Shrines to dead champions, believed to grant strength to warriors who honor them.
Games: Athletic contests test strength, speed, and cunning, often held at sanctuaries of Zeus.
Xenia: The sacred bond of hospitality. Breaking it invites divine punishment.
While Troy draws the attention of kings, the southern shores of Hellas are ravaged by the Sea Peoples — mysterious raiders from distant coasts.
Peleset (Philistines): Strong warriors, tall and bronze-helmed, feared for their great shields and wide swords.
Sherden: Sea-born mercenaries, horn-helmed and brutal.
Lukka: Pirate fleets from Anatolia, striking swiftly.
These foes burn villages, seize slaves, and test the defenses of Heliopoli and Thebai. Many whisper that they are the heralds of a new age, one that may sweep away the old order.
The gods are ever-present in Hellas, walking the line between patron and tyrant:
Zeus – King of the gods, ruler of storm and justice. His will decides the fate of men and heroes alike.
Hera – Protector of marriage, vengeful and cunning, supports the Achaeans against Troy.
Athena – Goddess of wisdom and warcraft, patroness of Demokratia.
Apollo – Archer god of prophecy and plague, beloved in Heliopoli.
Artemis – Virgin huntress, honored in Sparta.
Poseidon – Lord of the sea, revered by sailors and feared by those who break their oaths.
Ares – God of slaughter, patron of Sparta, worshiped in blood and fury.
Dionysus – God of wine, madness, and ecstasy, central to Thebai.
The Gathering at Aulis: The fleets of Hellas prepare to sail against Troy, but omens delay them.
The Sea Peoples Raids: Villages in the south burn; refugees flood into the cities. Heliopoli fears its harbors may fall.
The Rivalry of Kings: Agamemnon claims leadership, but many city-states bristle at his arrogance. Odysseus schemes, Nestor advises, and Achilles broods.
The Voice of the Gods: Oracles give conflicting visions — some claim Troy will fall, others that Hellas itself will burn.