Üniyodh

We might have named it for a military triumph, but I reckon the real triumph is that this city is still standing after all these years.

Üniyodh is the largest port city in Ozäxa-Lavüdh , occupying the Tsädh River Delta where it meets the western ocean. It serves as the regional capital for the southern provinces of Ozäxa-Lavüdh, and was formerly the capital of the independent Kingdom of Zdärrözadh .

History

Due to its strategic location, the Tsädh River Delta has been occupied for many thousands of years. When the specific settlement that would become Üniyodh was built isn't known, but it grew over the years to subsume those around it and take control of the delta. With it, it gained control over the river's trade and access to the ocean, and the leaders of this city would soon expand their influence and found the Kingdom of Zdärrözadh.
While the kingdom and its capital flourished for many years, it fell to the encroaching Urisoril Empire. During this time, it acted as a harsh gateway between the riverside countries and the ocean, refusing all passage unless strict taxes were paid by merchant ships.
The city was eventually reconquered for Zdärrözadh by a combined force of many countries, including Ozäxa-Lavüdh and Ovük . The battle for the city, which raged for many weeks, is often considered the highest point of the whole reconquest of the nation, and the city was given its modern moniker as a result. The celebrations held in the wake of the empire's eviction from the city were legendary for the time, and the anniversary of this victory is still commemorated.
Unfortunately for the city and its re-established monarchy, though peace reigned for many years, it could not last forever. The sudden and tragic deaths of the crown prince and almost all of his family just off the coast threw the city into chaos, and the war fought a decade later over succession would see the city conquered by Ozäxa-Lavüdh in the year 12 War.
This tumultuous time was finally brought to an end in 46 War with the signing of the Treaty of Üniyodh, which naturally occurred in the titular city. With its signing, Üniyodh and much of the land around it became an official part of Ozäxa-Lavüdh, and the capital of its southern provinces. However, this treaty also affected the river which ran through and around the city, increasing the flow of trade ships and goods that passed through each year. Though no ships were required to stop in Üniyodh, many did, and the city became fabulously wealthy.
In the 557 years since the signing of the treaty, the city has been largely at peace. The primary exceptions to this were the severe floods caused by The Collision, which sank significant parts of the coast and wreaked havoc elsewhere, and the outbreak of the Rainbow Plague that swept the continent. In the latter case, the city was particularly badly affected, as the bustling trade port saw many travellers infected with the disease pass through its streets.

Industry

A large part of Üniyodh's wealth comes from being a stop-over location for trade ships travelling up and down the River Tsädh, as well as those travelling along the south-western coast of Thurásin on which it sits. Aside from this, the fertility of the river delta gives the city bountiful harvests that it uses to be a small breadbasket for Ozäxa-Lavüdh, and to many of the other countries in the region.

Location of Üniyodh by Isaac Thompson

Alternative Name(s)

Tsäzosh (old name)

Type

Large city

Inhabitant Demonym

Ünayo

Independence

Though it has been hundreds of years since the fall of Zdärrözadh, many in Üniyodh still bitterly resent the presence of Ozäxa-Lavüdh in their lands. Various attempts have been made to restore this monarchy, either by defecting to the kingdom of Sambogen that is run by its descendants, or by finding another distant member to take control. All of these have ended in failure, as Üniyodh is simply too valuable for Ozäxa-Lavüdh to lose.
In recent years, a more gradual approach has been taken, with elected members of the Ozäxa-Lavüdhayo from the area recommending greater and greater autonomy within the diarchy. Some of these measures have been granted, but the diarchy keeps a close eye on the south, just in case these good-faith offerings are misused. If they were to act, however, most in Üniyodh would fight to protect their liberties.

Burning Book by Movidagrafica