Ancient History of Niahidros:
Niahidros (pronounced nee-ah-HEE-dros), is an autonomous city-state located to the east of Corthirios It was founded in the year c. -2000 MR by settlers from this western neighbor. It served as a lucrative trading port for those of the then-mysterious Augluric Isles. From this trade the city grew rich, which made it a prime target for ancient brigands.
To fortify against these often raids, the city wrought great stone walls, resistant to all but the most brutul assault. As the city grew wealthier, and the generational gap since their shared origin in Corthirios grew wider, a seperation movement was formed. Taxes stopped being paid, and no Corthirian ship was able to pass through their waters without a toll. This angered the rulers of their parent country, and in the year -1700 MR a large armada was sent to Niahidros. The sheer size of this armada was enough to wipe any contemporary city off the map, though fate seemed to shine on the harbor. A great tempest ravaged the fleet, tearing it apart ship by ship.
By the time this armada reached Niahidros, the latter far outnumbered the former. Great stones were cast from catapults, and many ships were sank. The walls were breached, though the ensuing offensive force was soon disbanded by a fierce Niahidran hoplite guard. In three days, the Corthirian attackers were defeated. This emboldened the city, and through this pride the harbor’s wealth was increased twofold.
Modern History of Niahidros:
Over the millennia Niahidros has remained relatively neutral in the realm’s affairs. Such a reputation has caused many in war-torn countries to flee to the harbor, seeking to share in its wealth. Such folk are welcomed, and generally put to work in the shipyard by the various mayor-merchants of the city.
Though their relationship was strained by early warfare, the overarching common qualities and customs between Corthirios and Niahidros have bridged the gap of hostility. They remain on good, if independant, terms in the present day.
Economy of Niahidros:
The main source of income from Niahidros is the various trading ships that ferry goods to and fro from the city. In addition, pearls are in a relatively abundant quantity around the harbor and the island upon which it stands. Such jewels of the sea are prized for their great magickal conductivity in alchemy. Thus, many mages and sorcerers have hired out teams to both collect pearls, and discover the source of their plenty.
Besides these lucrative businesses, there lies an unsavory nature to some of Niahidros’s activities. In particular, for whatever reason, assassins are present in the same abundancy as the pearls. Their skill is great, and as such they are prized in the world of criminality. Because of the city’s neutral and small nature, these criminals have found a haven from sophisticated constabulary.