Akanthos used to be a large, sleepy village in the Oldwoods. Founded by a disillusioned Dragonlord Bastiaan the Gladehearted after his dragon died, it was a peaceful settlement that was home to both native and settler races before it was destroyed by fire.
This village used to be Helikaon's home and was run by his parents Agaleus and Syntra, who were the village leaders. Despite this, residents of Akanthos were slightly distrustful of the Elf because of his perceived rudeness and fascination with the Dragonlords.