Pasos

Early History

Pasos was one of the earliest human settlements, and can track its founding back to sometime between 2700 - 2900 1A, to what was probably the first human kingdom on Omas. Nestled on the edge of what was then a forest, Pasos lived in peace and cooperation with the wood elves of the Smokey Forest until the Dwarvish Conquest began in 2950 1A, when dwarves attacked and quickly took over the city and its holdings.  

Imperial Stronghold

In 50 2A an asteroid fell almost directly on Pasos. Thanks to powerful magic from the wood elves still living in the Smokey Forest, the destruction of the asteroid was contained to a small area, forming what is now known as the Lashrain Crater and changing the landscape around Pasos from a vast forest to ashen plains. Over many hundreds of years, rain (and, twice massive flooding) filled a portion of the crater, which overflowed and flooded into Pasos. As an act of compassion, the dwarvish overseer allowed the people of Pasos to rebuild their city around the new river that flowed through it.   Impressed with the beauty of the rebuilt city, Emperor Hezami Jadeheart took Pasos as his above-ground stronghold, moving his court there every year after the winter passed, a tradition upheld throughout the years of the Empire.  

Source of Labor

As the Jadeheart Empire expanded its exploration of resources both above and below ground, a need arose for skilled and unskilled labor. In 504 2A, Emperor Thasgrid Jadeheart II ordered the conscription of all able bodied people to labor either in mines or transporting goods. Pasos lost over half of its population to conscription.  

Site of the Early Rebellion

In 575 2A, Lysikles was born in Pasos. He grew up to be a traveling bard, and founder of the Revolution of the Oppressed. Starting in inns and farmhouses in Pasos and its surroundings, he told tales of what the world could look like if everyone lived in peace and harmony.  

Strategic Position

During the revolution, the city of Pasos held an advantage over most other freed cities - proximity to the Taenarian Dynasty. The elves were among the highest contributors of supplies and people during the war, and Alea Taenarian was second in command to Lysikles, making Pasos the ideal place from which to plan the actions of rebellion forces.
Until 610 2A, Pasos was the de facto headquarters of the revolution, and still today the city's war college bears Lysikles' name.  

Third Age

In modern times, Pasos is a hub of science and innovation, and many guilds call the city home; it boasts some of the best human institutions of learning. Being a large city on the main trade route through Omas, it receives many newcomers and a continual influx of goods and services. It is home to the largest dedicated market on the continent.