Asahiri

Asahiri (also known as The Emerald City) was a former major city in the nation of Paloro. Despite this, it was not the administrative capital, as that was always Palovina. It was ruled by the Daimyo Loic along with his Tetsu: Klaus and Landmine.

Geography
It was located in a swamp to the south of Palovina in the continent of Haven, in the south-west of the map in a region called Paltalia. It held a magnificent port (a Cothon) and a canal that connected Calamare to the Paloran Sea. The City itself was placed in this angle in order to provide a lucrative trading spot. This is possibly the reason for its substantial growth in such a short period of time. Geographically it was one of the most important cities in the Kingdom as it was situated on an intersection for the roads between Ashalfydia, Sanctuary, and Palovina. Furthermore, non-Paloran visitors were required to pay a toll to pass through the canal or bridge, though this was often not enforced.

Culture
The people of Asahiri identify themselves as Hanuyamese. Originally hailing from unknown lands west of Haven, they had arrived under the leadership of Loic. Having been leading the people away from starvation and near death, they settled with funds given by Keechoo and were able to create a small Inn with nearby huts to begin their town. The Asahiri are closely linked to Paloran culture in that they value the simplicity of nature and the waterways, having mimicked the lilypad symbol from Paloro. Furthermore, they believed in the Asharu faith and were very zealous. Having cultivated the waterways of the Sea of Haven, they are often found wearing a white and black banner with a green lilypad in the center. The White standing for the light of Asharu while the black stands for the darkness which they ward off. The lilypad is a symbol not only of their cultural traditions, but is also a representation of their favored deity known as Slapfish. Legend goes, a fish with knockback 10 enchantment was the original weapon of these people which managed to ward off fierce beasts. The slapfish itself was illuminating the light of Asharu and single-handedly converted the people into this faith. Landmine and Klaus were the two who managed to convert the Hanuyamese to this faith.

Nonetheless, the Hanuyamese stood proud in their new city as it marked the founding of this culture and unique identity which they have built.

History
Asahiri began construction on the 4th of February under the leadership of Loic, Klaus, and Landmine. These three were the original founders with many more coming shortly. Keechoo had assisted the three in their initial endeavors through funding. Soon, the city boomed with 17 people joining the town in two days. The city itself prospered as the original plan as to build a large canal(this canal is known as the Emerald Canal) through the swamp to connect the capital to the Sea of Haven. This ambitious endeavor was costly but due to the hard-work of the Hanuyamese people, they managed to connect the waterways and reap massive benefits of wealth. As of now, it seems that the city itself is the beacon of Paloran prosperity and the culture of the Hanuyamese has spread in a golden age as construction of the city was growing in mere days. On February 6th, the construction of a watermill for sufficient power was constructed as well as a massive holy site to Slapfish which was built in the Lake of Paloro. Being marked as the fastest growing town in all of Haven has given it some fame in its luxurious lifestyle and self-sufficient nature. It stood tall as monuments and buildings are made for all to enjoy. The welcoming people of Asahiri as continud to build the city in hopes of continued growth and affluence.

The Coup of Paloro
Main Article: The Coup Of Paloro

Soon enough, Keechoo was couped, first in a quiet secession of the throne, then to become a publicly declared coup once he had attained the throne once more. Loic was established as the new leader of Paloro, leading Keechoo to be banished from entering Asahiri. Keechoo would still visit time to time, only to be escorted away by Loic's supporters.

Eventually, The Kingdom of Aurora would send Loic an ultimatum, requesting Keechoo's return to the throne, and the big wheel situated in Asahiri, among other demands. In response, Loic ordered the entire city to be burned down, to which now it remains only in ruins.

After the Burning
After the city of Asahiri was razed, Asahiri experienced a troubled political environment. Paloro was significantly weakened population-wise, as the entire population of Asahiri had fled. As such, Paloro ceded the Aufsdale territory to Aurora, stating a population incapable of monitoring the land properly for the time being as the primary reason— and hoping to negotiate it back at a later date. Furthermore, Paloro had let Uldarash temporarily occupy the city of Asahiri, to connect the two halves of the Empire.

It was largely debated by the citizens that would later on emigrate to Paloro — particularly the migrating Pothic population — whether or not to rebuild the city. While it was certainly stunning in its prime, Keechoo had advised otherwise. Nonetheless, a group of citizens took it upon themselves to illegally reconstruct the city. When those that had remade it had gone inactive, it was several months after the city was originally burned. Being contacted by Loic, the owner of Asahiri then decided to sell it back to Loic, again without informing anyone.

At this time, Loic had recently been involved in Viodoxan politics, and was attempting to rediscover himself. With his new, illegal ownership of Asahiri, he had an outlet for his woes.

The Ashes
Autumn of 79 (9th of August, 2021)

In Loic's rage and sorrow, he had grown insane. He was stressed with the impeachment of his reign and furthermore the loss of his closest friends. He had been ins reach of his past but was lost. He went to the place of his founding, the place he truly felt at home. Having no where else to go, he contacted the Gods, turning Asahiri into a horrible mess of Nether. In exchange, Loic was among the gods and reincarnated as a Soleannen Spirit in exchange for Asahiri, his last legacy.

After the apparent destruction of the city, the Nether that had appeared around it appeared to spread. However, with the appearance of the strange tree of Listej, the corruption of the Paloran landscape had slowed down into a halt. Soon after the larger conflicts with the ruins were resolved, the Gaians had arrived, proposing to help fix up the city. In due time, they discovered that the city was incapable of being returned to its former overworld state.