Azure

A coastal port city that overlooks the Agate Sea, Azure is a thriving trade center with bustling industries in fishing, transportation, and shipping. Its standing army also boasts the largest military naval force in Horizon in the form of the Blue Armada; a fleet of nearly 100 ships.
Azure was initially founded in 495 EP shortly after Renaren's Conquest of Horizon, but truly came into its own around 645 EP thanks to intrepid explorers looking to open up trade with the isolated city of Ioma as well as coastal cities of the Verge. The coast proved abundant in fishing and trade, and the city quickly blossomed, taking its name from the vibrant blues of the ocean and sky.
Unfortunately, such a vibrant trade hub invited far less savory visitors from the Verge, so in response to the growing threat of piracy and raids, the Blue Armada was constructed and has served as a nigh-impenetrable force ever since.
Stylistically, Azure's architecture utilizes the abundance of strong granite from the surrounding countryside. It features: • Sturdy, multi-story stone buildings with sloped roofs made of either tile or wood. ○ Many of these buildings feature shops on their lowest floors and private residences on the floors above. • An absolutely sprawling market district centered around fishing and shipping, but also features a diverse assortment of crafting, trading, and many other services. • The walls of the city protrude out into the water, forming the bustling port that houses hundreds, if not upwards of a thousand, ships and boats at any given time. ○ Two towering lighthouses are situated on the wall towers of both sides of the city.
The Floating Palace The keep of Azure is not located in the city proper. Rather, it is built upon a small "island" just off the shore, accessible only by an impressive stone bridge or the separate docks used to house and maintain the Blue Armada. At low tide, the sandbar that supports the bridge is just visible above the surface of the water.

Founding Date

495 EP