Puerto Azul

When most people think of the floating island of Tarador, it is the majestic port city of Puerto Azul they think of. Most who visit the island see this place first, and the city of Puerto Azul makes an impression, from the lively guitar music to the colorful caniquine banners blowing in the wind.

Demographics

Unlike its counterpart, Corazon, Puerto Azul is home to many more travelers and traders. This has led to more diversity among its population. Most of the population is still human, followed by halflings, but there is also a much higher population of half-elves or tritons. Also, more individuals of other races settle here as opposed to Corazon.
As a port city, a large number of travelers find themselves as temporary residents. Most of these sailors are also human or occasionally halfling, but there are other, more exotic groups. These are often elves or even goblinoids. Ocean dwellers, such as merfolk or sea elves often come to trade with the Taradori.

Government

As with other places in Tarador, Puerto Azul does not have a true government. Instead, the city is effectively ruled by a wealthy upper class consisting primarily of wealthy trading houses. These houses are directly competing for wealth and influence, sometimes leading to bloody feuds between them.
The law in Puerto Azul-- such as it is-- is primarily enforced by a series of private militias. Such organizations are often sponsored by trading houses and tend to be extremely corrupt. The infamous Taradori corsairs also have more than their share of influence in the port and often find themselves effectively above the law.

Defences

Unlike its inland counterpart, Puerto Azul is much more easily defended. The bay is somewhat sheltered from naval attack and the cliffs make landing an invasion force an unattractive prospect. Any invaders coming in from the sea are effectively funneled into certain areas, greatly aiding in the defense.
The first line of defense for the city is the corsairs, a fleet of privateers meant to keep threats away from the city. They are very effective at this, but they are given enough independence that many corsairs are little more than pirates. The bay is unfortunately, very susceptible to blockades, making the corsairs' role all the more important.
The city, itself has no official defense force. Instead, it relies on the protection of volunteer militias. These people are rarely especially effective fighters, but most Taradori have at least some familiarity with the saber or rapier, allowing them to defend themselves if necessary.

Industry & Trade

Puerto Azul is the trading center of Tarador, and is where a large portion of the island's wealth flows through. The main export is the wines made in Corazon, widely recognized as the finest wines in the Twin Worlds. Aside from coin, this is usually exchanged for resources the island just doesn't have, particularly metals like iron and gold.
The trading houses of Puerto Azul have an incredible rivalry with the vintners of Corazon. This is unfortunate due to the fact that they depend on one another for their wealth. Practically, there is a limit to how much they can sabotage one another, and no matter how heated their feuds become they will still often conduct their business with one another.

Infrastructure

The city's most important feature is, unsurprisingly, the waterfront. Puerto Azul is built on a bay that now has a great many docks poking into the sea. Warehouses and boathouses are usually built floating for practical purposes due the the cliffs above. Narrow, winding roads lead to the rest of the city above. 
Many of the city's most prosperous are seen directly off the waterfront, including the trading houses and the homes of the wealthiest merchants. In addition, buildings meant to cater to the upper-class can also be found there. This creates the beautiful site of opulent buildings winding up cliffs next to the shimmering waters of the sea.
Further inland are the homes, and businesses of the common folk. Often, dockworkers and laborers have to walk through most of the city just to get to work. Still, this part of the city is home to some of the liveliest taverns and finest craftsmen in all of Puerto Azul.

History

Much of the history of the floating islands is unknown. It is believed that the residents of these islands originally fled from a great conflict. Most scholars believe this war to be either the Second Imperial War or Second Rising. These first settlers came to these places because their enemies would not be able to reach them.
Likewise, it is believed that the current site of Puerto Azul was the first place these ancient refugees landed. Unfortunately, the exact history has been lost, meaning anything written is usually the result of modern speculation and is often hotly debated in scholarly circles.
Luckily, this is where the rich tradition of Taradori theater is more than willing to make up the difference. While depictions vary wildly, Taradori plays often depict very frightened refugees coming to Tarador and fighting off impossible odds to thrive.
These plays often create some personal connections between the first Taradori and the enemy they're fleeing. The most popular modern play depicts these refugees as the village of the rival of Ansarien Ill'conter's "love". When they fled the mad wizard's wrath, Tarador itself rose up in their defense (personfied as a beautiful warrior-maiden).

Architecture

For the most part, Puerto Azul is built in the style of the rest of Tarador. This involves smooth plaster walls roof shingles made of red clay. However, this style isn't as universal as it is in other places on the island. The cliffs make stone easier to come by, leading many structures to be created of crushed stone and mortar. Often, these walls are still covered in plaster, to maintain the Taradori style.
In many ways, residents attempt to make their city a work of art in its own right. Trees are often grown wherever possible along the coastal cliffs. Flower gardens are quite popular, and combine with banners to leave the city awash with lively color. As such, Puerto Azul is known as one of the beautiful cities in the Twin Worlds.

Founding Date

Early 2nd Age

Type

City

Population

Approx. 20,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Puertan

Owning Organization

Tarador