Despite its size and advancement, this city still has a quaint and homey feel to it. I feel as if I've stepped into a location from a fairy tale. It seems the architects kept the older rustic style from its early days even well into the modern era. Despite moving from our small town to this bustling city, I still somehow feel a bit at home and welcomed here. — An excerpt from a letter written by a young adult to their parents back home.
Azarp is an ancient gnomish city located in the southern region of (island). It was built long before
The Great Shattering, which it survived and its people continue to inhabit it in the current era. This settlement started as a small village that expanded over time.
Geographical Region
The island its located on was in a moderate to warm region and maintained this climate after the Shatter. Azarp is bordered by a mix of forests and marshland. There is also the (lake) on its western side.
Due to its location on sturdy soil and not along a coast, the entire city survived the Shatter in one piece. Its section of island was also minimally segmented. Any major fissures and damage was far enough away to not have an impact.
Architecture
Azarp's oldest buildings and structures are located at its center. As the settlement expanded, newer additions would be spread around its center to accommodate various needs. Old and new structures alike are built with wood from the surrounding forests.
Older buildings were primarily simple wooden structures. Over time a mixture of white and grey stonework and accents were added. As Azarp grew, so did its buildings. Homes increased in height, apartment complexes were added, everything in general expanded to better fit its growing population.
Many buildings have a cottage aesthetic which the city maintained through the centuries. Its inhabitants take pride in the city's appearance and ensure to maintain its cleanliness. The streets are paved with large cobble stones and are well kept.
Locations of Interest
Azarp has two of the oldest universities in all of Phaiyon. There is a standard education one and another to handle magical studies. Classes were halted for a while after the Shatter, but in recent years have picked up once more as new people migrate to the city.
Along part of the lake shore is an assortment of rental cottages. They are popular among tourists and are almost always booked months out in advance.
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