Thaylenah

Lore & Background

Thaylenah's history is deeply intertwined with the ancient wars of the Alethi kingdoms. Unlike the open warcamps of the Shattered Plains, Thaylenah built its society upon high coastal cliffs to protect itself from the relentless highstorms and the devastation of Desolations, utilizing vast underground tunnels for storage and defense rather than as primary living quarters. The city is a marvel of engineering, featuring palaces perched on precipices connected by stone bridges and reinforced subterranean chambers. This architectural necessity fostered a culture that values permanence over pageantry.

The nation has long maintained a complex relationship with Alethkar. While they share a common enemy in the Parshendi and later the Voidbringers, Thaylenah often viewed the internal squabbles of the Highprinces with skepticism. The royal family of Thaylenah held significant influence, ruled historically by figures such as King Nohadon or King Hatham during relevant timelines, and their decision to ally with or oppose various warlords could tip the balance of power on Roshar. During the events surrounding the War of Reckoning, Thaylenah became a crucial refuge and supply line, its granaries feeding armies that would otherwise starve in the barren Plains.

Culturally, the Thaylens are known for their stoicism and practicality. They do not engage in the same flamboyant displays of honor as some Alethi highprinces; instead, they focus on survival and the preservation of their people. Their military is disciplined and well-fortified, relying less on individual duels of honor and more on coordinated defense and overwhelming force when necessary.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled outside the granite walls, a deafening roar that shook dust from the ceiling of the great hall. Inside, the air was still, cool, and smelled faintly of wet stone and old parchment. A Thaylen guard stood motionless by the heavy doors, his armor polished to a mirror sheen, reflecting the flickering glow of the lanterns. He did not flinch as the storm intensified, for he knew that above them, the world was being torn apart, while below, in the heart of the stone city, lifelines remained secure.

Reader's Guide

Thaylenah is a sovereign nation on Roshar, characterized by its subterranean capital city carved into massive granite cliffs. Its primary goal has always been the survival and preservation of its people against the environmental horrors of highstorms and the existential threat of the Desolations. The nation operates with a centralized monarchy, though it has faced internal strife and external pressures from neighboring Alethkar.

The Thaylen military is renowned for its defensive capabilities and heavy infantry, utilizing their unique geography to create impregnable fortifications. They are major producers of grain, making them an essential economic partner in the region. Their role in the broader conflict involves maintaining a stable supply line for allied forces and serving as a strategic stronghold against the Voidbringers.

Key members include the royal family, who navigate complex political alliances with the Alethi Highprinces. The Thaylen people are culturally distinct, valuing endurance and practicality over the flashy honor codes of some other nations. In the War of Reckoning, Thaylenah proved to be a vital ally, providing resources and military support that were crucial for the survival of the coalition forces.

Did You Know?

• Thaylenah is a coastal metropolis built on towering cliffs, using underground tunnels for storage and defense rather than as an entirely subterranean city.
• The nation is famous for its vast granaries, which have historically saved many from starvation during sieges.
• Thaylen architecture features palaces perched on granite precipices connected by stone bridges, distinct from the fully underground dwellings of some other cultures.
• Unlike Queen Aesudan who rules Kharbranth, Thaylenah was historically led by monarchs such as King Nohadon or King Hatham.