The Theran Empire is the main antagonist of the Earthdawn Role-playing game. It was based on the island of Thera, to the southwest of Barsaive. The empire was considered the chief power at work in the Earthdawn setting, with provinces in modern day Africa, Southern Asia, as well as most of Europe. The Theran Empire, which rose to power during the Third World (of which little is known), was extremely magically advanced, possessing vast libraries of magical lore, powerful (if corrupt) wizards, and literal 'floating fortresses' ripped from the earth itself.