Ios
Ios is the capital of Laridia and the imperial city of The Halmaric Empire. Founded in 1559 by Laridos the Great, it has been an important settlement of the Laridian people for centuries. Its location at the mouth of the Anwen River, which runs deep through the Laridian countryside, makes it the richest port in Laridia. Raw materials from the heartland enter the city of Arosdor upriver, where they are processed. The final products often make their way to Ios, where they can be bought and sold or sent across the sea. Having stood through numerous periods of cultural change, the city's architecture is diverse and a marvel to those fortunate enough to see it.
Demographics
The inhabitants of Ios are a diverse lot when compared with the rest of Laridia. The city's role as the main seaport in the area ensures that plenty of folk from abroad find themselves there, whether for a few days or their entire lives. The majority of Ios's population is human, comprising sizeable numbers of Laridians, Ilwé, and Entilons. However, a modest number of other races also call Ios their home. The Fishgate district houses a large minority of Idnoqual, and many Mele can be found scattered about the city. Many Vaelir live there also, but rarely as ordinary residents due to both their high rate of enslavement and prevalence as mercenaries.
History
Laridos the Great established the city at the mouth of the Anwen River in 1559 after his people made landfall in Deklonia. The city was first called Lamne Ewos, which meant "New City" in Old Mastalic. However, the centuries corrupted and shortened this name to the modern Ios, which coincidentally means "eye," perhaps referring to the great lighthouse the city is known for. Lamne Ewos was an early center of trade and culture for the fledgling Laridian people, uniting them in their efforts to build a new home for themselves. It was also the nation's seat of government from an early stage, housing the king ever since there was a crown to wear. When King Derwan established the Kotivarium in 1658, the city became the beating heart of education in Central Deklonia. When the Lamorien Empire inevitably stretched its fingers northward, Laridia fell under its control. Despite the exchange of power, the city was not diminished but exalted by the Mele, who greatly admired its old Tokérnic architecture and ideal location. After the rise of Halmar the Conqueror in 2237 and the retreat of mellic power, Ios became the capital of the Halmaric Empire and remains so to this day.
Natural Resources
Ios lies near the Anwen river delta—a fertile land of abundant grain that feeds the city and is sold throughout the empire. Its location on the coast also allows for an abundance of seafood, salt, and other oceanic resources.
Founding Date
1559
Alternative Name(s)
The Great City, Lamne Ewos, Lamne Lis
Type
Capital
Population
c. 536,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Iosan
Owning Organization
"Ios, from its lush gardens to its towering spires, is truly unmatched by the other achievements of mankind. It is an echo of a more glorious past, of ivory towers and alabaster halls untouched by common hands. Looking longingly westward towards Tokérn it stands—a testament to a time long past, before the great humbling of man." -Hrolin of Lentus, The Vlasirion of Hrolin in Prose
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