Thuvia

Situated on the southern edge of the Inner Sea, between ancient Osirion and godless Rahadoum, Thuvia (pronounced THOO-vee-uh) is a land focused almost entirely on the export of a single product. For over a thousand years it has been the sole manufacturer of sun orchid elixir, an alchemical brew which, if taken regularly, will stop the aging process.

The An Dynasty of Osirion sent fleets to conquer what is now Thuvia and Rahadoum after Pharaoh An-Hepsu II established the port of Totra in Osirion. Thuvia gained its independence from Osirion following the assassination of the last Osiriani governor of Thuvia in -141 AR. No replacement was sent from the capital of Sothis, effectively relinquishing control of the province.

Government

In theory, the five city states are equal, but Merab has the most influence. The interior of the land is ruled by local warlords called Water Lords who control the oases and lakes. Many of them are little better than bandits.

Citadel of the Alchemist

The five city states of Thuvia built a fortress somewhere in the desert believed to be the home of the alchemist Artokus Kirran. Each month a blind-mute is said to leave the fortress carrying six vials of the precious sun orchid elixir for auction to foreign bidders in one of the five city-states.

Sun orchid elixir

Many mortals seeking to slow down or stop the aging process seek the rare sun orchid elixir, a draught of which pauses the imbiber's age for a few years' time, without any side-effects of using magic for the same purposes. Vanity seekers go to nearly any length to acquire the elixir. Much of Thuvia's economy is centered on the production of the elixir, however the use of the elixir is outlawed within Thuvia (with the exception of the formula's creator). Each vial requires six mature sun orchids and one month to ferment, although the exact formula used is a closely guarded state secret. Only six vials are produced each year. The vials sell for about 50,000 gp each.

Merab

Merab is the largest of Thuvia’s city states, and the closest thing the land has to a capital city. It was here that Artokus Kirran discovered the sun orchid elixir, and the city is still renowned for its alchemists. It is ruled by Ilepodus, Patron of Merab. The city’s patron deity is Ra the Sun God. As one of Thuvia’s five city states, once every five years it is the city’s turn to sell six vials of the prized sun orchid elixir to foreign bidders.

Dunwor

Duwwor has a large temple to Gozreh. Its people try to live in harmony with the desert, and the city is a good place to find a desert guide. Its ruler is Kharane, Defender of Duwwor. As one of Thuvia’s five city states, once every five years it is the city’s turn to sell six vials of the prized sun orchid elixir to foreign bidders.

Aspenthar

Aspenthar is Thuvia’s second largest city. It is ruled by Prince Zinlow. Martial training is mandatory for all citizens. As one of Thuvia’s five city states, once every five years it is the city’s turn to sell six vials of the prized sun orchid elixir to foreign bidders.

Lamasara

Lamasara is famous for its performers and artisans. Its ruler is Queen Zamere. As one of Thuvia’s five city states, once every five years it is the city’s turn to sell six vials of the prized sun orchid elixir to foreign bidders.

Among the notable buildings in the city is the Serene Spiral, Lamasara's majestic temple of Ra, which Artokus Kirran once visited with his familiar, Tukalo.

Pashow

Pashow is the smallest of Thuvia’s city-states. Its patron deity is Nethys. It is ruled by Emir Guldis. As one of Thuvia’s five city-states, once every five years it is the city’s turn to sell six vials of the prized sun orchid elixir to foreign bidders. The loss of the last two shipments of the elixir has damaged the young Emir’s standing, and some would like to see him replaced as ruler.