The Nemeion group canon takes place in a fantastical Greco-Roman society, and borrows much of its vernacular from Latin. Our combat system takes inspiration from gladiator traditions. The land in which the group canon presides is referred to as Nemeia. The species of big cat that occupies the group's focus are referred to simply as Nemeion lions, lions, sabers, or cats.
Phaidros - The Nemean Lion, a legendary, mythical beast with unbreakable claws and golden fur impenetrable by weapons of man. He was born to the god Zeus and the moon goddess Selene, and was a mighty, unstoppable foe feared by all of Greece. When Phaidros was born, his mother Selene kept him hidden from the goddess Hera, for she knew that the bride of Zeus was a jealous, spiteful goddess. But even Selene could not keep her secret hidden from the mother of creation forever. Hera soon learned of her husband’s affair with the moon goddess, and as punishment, Hera plucked the cub from his cradle to raise as her own.
Beaten and battered, Hera trained the Nemean Lion until he became ruthless and bloodthirsty. When his training was complete, Hera cast Phaidros from the heavens to stand guard at Zeus’ temple, cursing him to an eternity of servitude. While the Nemean Lion stood guard on the mountain of Tretos, no one could offer worship to the god Zeus—exactly as Hera intended. Worshippers who journeyed to the shrine were met by the Lion’s ferocity, and anyone who bolstered the courage to face him were no match against his unbreakable claws.
For decades Phaidros stood watch at the temple of Nemeia, luring unsuspecting travelers into his den where he would devour them without mercy. Over time, Phaidros grew maddened with each passing season, unable to leave the temple that he had been cursed to guard. Saddened by her son’s torment, Selene sent forth a young lioness to the temple in hopes that she could ease his suffering. Phaidros fell quickly for the lioness, taking her as his mate. He tucked his Queen away within the caverns of Tretos, hiding her from the wrathful gaze of the goddess Hera. For many years Phaidros and his Queen lived happily, protecting his father’s temple from all who dared oppose.
As time passed, the people of Nemeia began to fear the Nemean lion, and pleaded to the gods to be saved. In her mercy, Hera bestowed a gift upon the Caesar’s son, Heracles, blessing him with godly strength and the promise that she would spare his people. With his newfound blessing, Heracles descended upon the temple of Tretos to face the Nemean lion. In a grueling battle to the death, Heracles would slay phaidros, claiming his golden pelt as his prize. With Phaidros defeated, Heracles sought to return to his people, but he was stopped by the soft, gentle sound of a distant cry. There beneath the temple, nestled beside the body of their departed mother, lay three tiny cubs with little tusks protruding from their lower jaws. Heracles, who felt guilty of his transgression, made a promise to raise the cubs as if they were his own. He gathered each tiny cub into their father’s pelt, and carried them to the city of Athens to be gifted to the Caesar. As the cubs grew older, the Caesar paired each one with one of the colosseum’s prized African Lions, and the Nemeion lion breed was born.
Julianus Aurelius Paratus II was born to a line of Caesars who have ruled Nemeia for well over two hundred years. He is the eldest son of three boys, and the rightful heir to the throne of Athens─the capital of Nemeia. He is a firm, yet just Caesar, one who cares deeply for his people, his wife, and his pets. His parents, both members of the noble class, were well-respected and influential in the Roman Empire.
From a young age, Julianus was taught the ways of the Empire, the importance of duty, honor, and loyalty. He was educated in the art of war, philosophy, and governance, and was expected to one day take his place as a leader among the Roman elite. He was always fascinated by the majestic Nemeion that roamed the arena, their strength and grace captivating him. He would often sneak into the arena after hours against his father’s wishes just to watch them prowl and play.
As he grew older, Julianus's passion for Nemeion lions only grew stronger. He spent all of his free time studying them, learning about their habits and behavior. He even went so far as to build his own private arena, where he could train and care for his own lions. He spent years researching and experimenting, trying to understand the secret to making his lions smarter. He hired the best trainers and scientists, and even traveled to distant lands in search of new ideas and new breeds. And finally, after years of hard work, he succeeded.
Julianus's lions were not just strong and graceful - they were also intelligent and loyal. They could perform tricks and tasks, and even protect their master from harm. He spent all of his wealth and resources on his lions, feeding them the finest meats and giving them the best care. He even went so far as to marry a woman named Anthea, who was known for her beauty and her love of lions. Together, Julianus and Anthea raised dozens of Nemeion, each one more magnificent than the last.
Anthea Aurelia Paratus was born in a small village nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside. She grew up in a loving family, surrounded by fields of golden wheat and crystal clear streams. From a young age, Anthea was known for her kindness and compassion, always putting the needs of others before her own.
As she grew older, Anthea's beauty and grace caught the eye of many young men in the village. Despite her many suitors, Anthea continued to long for more than the life of a simple farmer. One day, while Anthea was out tending to her family's garden, the Caesar Julianus Aurelius Paratus II was passing through the village on his way to the city. Anthea, with her sparkling eyes and bright smile, captured his heart in an instant.
Over the next few months, Julianus returned to the village many times, and each time he would visit Anthea. They would sit together under the shade of a willow tree, talking for hours about their dreams and aspirations as Nemeion trainers. Anthea was enchanted by Julianus's stories of his life in the city, and the grand plans he had for their future together.
Finally, on a warm summer's day, Julianus took Anthea by the hand and led her to a secluded spot in the forest. There, he knelt down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. Anthea, overjoyed, said yes.
As the years passed, Anthea and Julianus built a life together filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Julianus, now a successful Caesar, ruled with kindness and fairness, and Anthea was by his side every step of the way. After suffering from several miscarriages, she turned her focus to creating a legacy with the Nemeion breed. While she may not play a huge part in her husband's affairs, she is one of the most prominent female figures across all of Nemeia. She believes in the domestication of the Nemeion lion breed, and is an advocate against animal cruelty. She is well-known for breeding Nemeion cubs, which she gifts to the citizens of Nemeia.