Tarnassus

Tarnassus is the capital city of Akarros, situated at the bay of the Oroi River. It houses the royal Koronoi family of Akarros. It is the most populous city in the Midrealms continent.

## History

### Capital of the Azurite Empire (1091-1135)

In 1091, the emperor of the Azurite Empire moved the capital from the declining and vulnerable city of Tarkis to the flourishing and more secure city of Tarnassus. When the empire collapsed in 1135, The Tarnassians would continuously view themselves as the inheritors of the empire, being the capital of the empire when it fell.

### Capital of Akarros (1135-present)

Tarnassus has been the capital of the Akarros kingdom since the establishment of the state. Tarnassus has undergone a steady development in this era, growing to become the biggest city in the Midrealms by population.

## Places

### The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is the main residence of the royal family of Akarros. The palace was constructed during the days of the Azurite Empire as a summer retreat for its emperors, hence the name. Since the Empire moved its capital to Tarnassus, it became the main residence and would continue being the main residence of the royal family of the Akarros royals following the empire's collapse. The palace used to be located on the outskirts of the city, but the city has since grown around the palace and walls have been constructed to maintain security of the royal family.

### Port of Tarnas

The Port of Tarnas is the name of the port of Tarnassus, named after the legendary founder of the city. Located in a deep bay, the port supports trade coming from foreign lands as well as inland trade flowing south from the Oroi River. Many guild houses and trading companies are located along the harbor. The harbor is unique due to the many columns and archways that adorn the roads along the harbor, giving the place a majestic look compared to most other harbors.

### Square of the Titans

The square of the Titans is the main market square in Tarnassus. It is named so due to its enourmous size and openness and for its main attraction, the 100 foot tall warrior statue called "The Avatar of Strafas" standing in the center of the square. The square hosts a sea of market stalls and vendors and is the main location for major cultural events.

### The Sprawl

The sections of the city outside of the city walls are known as 'The Sprawl'. The Sprawl consists of smaller family domiciles inhabited by daytalers, paupers and squatters. The neighborhoods are generally squalid and impoverished and crime is a daily part of life. The main road arteries leading to the core part of Tarnassus tend to be well-guarded and administered to prevent trouble.

### The Twin Wardens

At the mouth of the Oroi River in the southern part of Tarnassus stands The Twin Wardens. On the west bank stands a large armored male statue carrying a sword and a shield, while on the east bank stands a similar statue, except it is female. Both statues face towards one another whilst holding their sword triumphantly in the air. The statues represent Aerenos an Eribia, two legendary heroes from an antique age who became lovers and fought together against forces of evil.