History so far...

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The Nemeans that were mentor to Steven Dunbar were followers of a great village in Northern Greece. Their worship of the Lion as a symbol of Strength and Honor is a derivative of the Followers of Nemea, a group of nomadic travellers who adapted the ways of the Lion after hearing tales of it's bravery and heroism. The fact is that there are two very different lions. The original Lion of Nemea was far from honorable, relying on it's tough hide to protect if from harm as it terrorized the countryside. The second was proud and heroic, which the Followers discovered.

The first Lion was named Aethon the child of Ares, formed of the rocks in the earth, and the breath of the God of War. He was twice the size of the lions we know today. The lion was fierce, and strong. Ares bestowed the fury of War. This lion was strong, and easily defeated many opponents. It came to pass that the Lion was to be the ruler of the beasts. He was sent by Ares to patrol the land, and seek out enemies to slay in the name of the God of War. In this he did delight. Hundreds were slain by the lion, whose howls could be heard for miles afterward.

One day, Athena, the Goddess of wisdom, took the form of a female lion, and met with the Lion, which she then begat Nemea. Nemea was a smaller Lion. Nemea was strong, but was also wise. He did not seek the slaughter of men for the enjoyment of his mother as did Aethon to his Father Ares. Nemea was sent to found a great city. And this he did. And it did prosper.

The Village of Nemea was prosperous. A trade city, many people would travel to this land to find exotic furs, spices, and jewels. The Lion taught his people the value of Strength tempered with Heroism. Many men learned the secrets of the gods, and how to use great power within themselves to defeat their enemies, while remaining passive and not acting in War. When Ares heard of this he got angry and sent Aethon to destroy Nemea. Aethon came to the village and did battle with Nemea. The two massive beasts fought day and night, and in the end, Nemea was killed since his Father could not be killed by any weapons, even the claws of his son were useless.

Aethon ruled the village of Nemea with an iron fist. He became so tyrannical, that he was feared throughout the land. Those who followed the teachings of Nemea were exiled and killed. Only a few escaped to pass on the knowledge of Nemean power.

The king of Mycenae, Eurystheus, was a follower of Nemea, and when he was consulted by Hera to bring the half god Heracles to justice, the king saw a way to exact vengeance upon the evil Aethon. It then came to pass that Heracles was to slay the Nemean Lion. Though it was an epic battle, Heracles was indeed able to kill Aethon by strangling him. The terror of Nemea was over.

Though the Lions were dead, many battles still occurred, and the followers of Nemea were constantly sought out for advice, and forced to use their powers to help. Upon the battle of Chaeronea, the vast majority of the Nemeans were killed by the Macedonians. Inscribed upon the Statue of the Lion was the word: "May those who suppose that these men did or suffered anything dishonorable perish wretchedly."

The Statue was found by the Seekers of Nemea, a group devoted to re-discovering the power of Nemea. These men interpreted the Lion of Nemea, that was slain by Heracles, to be an honorable beast. The fact that there were two Lions was lost to time, until Members of all three groups found eachother in Alluvium. The Seekers of Nemea, the Warriors of Nemea, and the Followers of Nemea.

It took Steven and Boltac many weeks to find the Statue of Nemea. The idol was kept by a vicious Macedonian, who cared little for the followers of a dead lion. The two adventured through many lands, in the African Province they found many adversities, including evils far worse than can be put here. Far south, in the Sutherlands, they finally discovered the ancient relic. Now the idol is safe with the Warriors of Nemea.