Almyras

Summary

Almyras (Al-my-ras) is a wind-swept frost covered city built into the rugged cliffs of the island Aurya, with tiered terraces carved into the rock. The city’s architecture blends harmoniously with its surroundings, with buildings made from dark granite and enchanted glass that resembles ice glittering in the sunlight. Almyras is renowned for Citadel of the Ice Prince, a towering structure that serves as both a defensive bastion and a place of magical study devoted to harnessing ice and storm magic.

Perched on the northernmost island of Therassia, Almyras serves as the kingdom's first line of defense against invaders approaching from The Northern Clans, in particular the Ice Fang Clan, raiding across the Arctic Sea.

The streets of Almyras spiral upward from the bustling docks to the upper terraces, connected by stairways and magical lifts powered by wind crystals. Every house in the city is designed as a small fort with windows only on the 2nd story and a balcony designed to throw stones, fire missiles or spells from. At the heart of the city is Stormbreak Square, a wide plaza surrounded by markets, temples, and administrative buildings. The square is dominated by a statue of Prince Myreas Findael, the founder of Almyras, who is said to have single-handedly fought off a Demonic incursion giving his life to protect his people.

The city’s position and focus on wind and storm magic make it both a vital port and a formidable fortress, ensuring that no fleet can approach Therassia’s shores unchallenged.

Economy

Almyras thrives on maritime trade and shipbuilding. Its proximity to the open sea makes it a hub for merchants and explorers, and its shipyards are famed for constructing windblown frigates, vessels imbued with magic that allows them to sail swiftly even against the wind.

The island’s rocky terrain is rich in rare minerals, particularly wind crystals, which are used to craft magical items and power air-based enchantments. These crystals are mined in the nearby Galeheart Quarry and refined within the city before being traded or used locally.

Fishing and whaling are also significant industries, with Almyran whalers seeking large sea beasts whose bones and oil are prized across Therassia.

Military Importance

Almyras is a critical defensive stronghold for the western approaches to Therassia. The Citadel of the Ice Prince houses a garrison of mages and holy knights trained in aerial and naval warfare. The city’s Gale Towers, a series of enchanted watchtowers along the coastline, use wind magic to amplify warnings and launch powerful air-based spells against approaching threats.

The Snow Griffin Roost is the norths primary station of the griffin riders, an order of knights who are trained in riding winged griffins into battle. They often go out on scouting missions across the waves and to harass any raiding ships.

The Northern Fleet, the smallest but fastest of Therassia’s naval divisions, is stationed in Almyras. Its ships are specifically designed to navigate the icy seas for skirmishes and reconnaissance missions in the Arctic Sea.

Culture

The people of Almyras have a deep connection to the wind and sea. The city celebrates the Festival of the Gales, during which residents release enchanted kites into the sky and perform rituals to honor the winds. Storytellers and musicians often weave tales of sea journeys, storm taming, and the bravery of Almyran mariners.

The Shrine of the Winter Goddess, located near the cliffs, is a sacred site where pilgrims pray for protection and guidance. The shrine is maintained by a sect of priests who are also skilled mages, blending spirituality with magical practice.

Notable Locations

1. Citadel of the Ice Prince: A towering fortress and magical academy specializing in ice and storm magic.
2. Stormbreak Square: The city’s central plaza, hosting markets, festivals, and political gatherings.
3. Galeheart Quarry: A rich mine producing wind crystals used in magical applications.
4. Shrine of the Winter Goddess: A sacred site for prayer and magical rituals honoring the long lost Goddess of Winter, Auril.
5. The Griffin Roost: A large tower complex that houses the knights and their griffin mounts.
6. The Dragons Hearth: A unique structure built into the side of a cliff where a dragon can stay in a heated environment.