Osthedia Minor

Osthedia Minor (Theddite: Antilostheda, East Theddite: Antilos/Antilosthedia) is a region of Osthedia and was a province in the First Theddite Empire. The region traditionally encompasses the lands around the Thedda River within the often vaguely defined Osthedian borders. The majority of the region is sparsely populated, with the exception of the major city of Derricas and the surrounding areas.

History
Prior to the 141st century, the upper banks of the Thedda that typically define Osthedia Minor were mostly depopulated, with occasional settlements by Fellzi and Folondidas peoples. In 14088, the armies of the First Theddite Empire under Lenitac Trimenaso entered the region from the North, continuing their march down the Thedda. They encountered little to no resistance, and Trimenaso founded the cities of Derricas and New Trimen in 14089. Upon his return to Theddias, Theddite administrators were given the enormous task of organizing the massive territories of Osthedia into governable regions. Along with Transtheda and Osthedia Major, Osthedia Minor was considered part of the larger "Osthedia" region. Osthedia Minor was the most secure of the newly acquired lands, despite being a frontier vulnerable to attacks from the south, the majority of its small population consisted of veterans from the Theddite army and women of Folondite or Delian origin who had joined the army's vast caravans. The following decades also saw large amounts of immigration from the crowded cities of the Thedda Delta. After a few generations, the population of Antilostheda was totally Theddicized.

For most of its history, the province of Osthedia Minor was considered to be an especially easy province to govern, as revolts were infrequent due to the small, homogeneous population and sparsely populated hinterlands. Later on, Folondite migrations into the northern areas of the province were cause for unrest, but never on a critical level.

Geography
The primary feature of Antilostheda is the Thedda river, which runs through the entire region (sometimes, the river acted as a natural border when the frontiers became unmanageable). The vast majority of the population lives within several miles of the main river. The terrain near the Thedda is similar to the landscape of the Lower Thedda regions, consisting of fertile plains and farmlands. South of the river, the terrain is mostly steppes, with patches of forested land close to the riverbanks. The northern portion of the province is made up of rolling green hills, dotted with the occasional farmer's homestead. The great forests of Osthedia reach into some parts of the province from the North.