The Founding of Jade

Founding

As Opal and Ruby began to become major centers of trade to the rest of the Shimmering Sea, particularly the nations of Ceralus, the need for secure passage to the Southlands re-emerged. Jade is a fortress built where the South River splits into the Horsetail and the Red River.

Jade was originally established as a military fortress and trade outposts of the Old Iron Legion and its size reflects that. vessels coming up from the South River must pass through Jade. The Old Fortress had been held until near the end of the Final Storm, when through lack of supplies and an outbreak of plague, the Last Legion was forced to abandon the city. The Last Legion did not disband, however, but continued to live off whatever they could get, eventually working to protect large nomadic groups. They served rich merchants around Opal and Ruby before deciding to return to Jade (after nearly fifty years, most of those who had been there originally had died).   They found that people from the Southlands had moved in in their absence. Rather than fight the Southlanders, the Last Legion (and those they brought with them) came to an arrangement. Jade is the only Jeweled City to have Southlander Merchant Families and the culture of the city is unique among the seven. The Commander of the Last Legion also serves as the Prince of the City, but his official title is Commander.