Linares

Linares was the capital of the Verenian Empire and the capital of the Linarian Kingdom before it. Linares began as a small merchant and fisherman's town around the year 1162 DE on the northern edge of the Lina, the largest lake in Verenia. As its wealth grew, Linares quickly became a political and military power in the region, eventually forming a political system led by competing aristocratic families that contributed to the central army, a system that would inspire the government of the Verenian Empire. Around 1810 DE, the Tycenian Dynasty would come to power in Linares, taking the title of King and leading the modern Linarian Kingdom. However, when the Magi Devan Markus led a conquest of the continent from the southern academies, Linares would take the brunt of the invasion. In 1894 DE, King Leron Tyce would host the Council of the Last Year in Linares where the Verenian Empire was formed, with Linares becoming its capital and Leron its Emperor.

Linares would expand even more as it takes the role of the center of Verenian politics. The Palace would be expanded multiple times as the seat of the Imperial throne, taking on its signature Tower that stands hundreds of feet above the rest of the city. The walls of Linares would be strengthened for defense and the Anthean Temple in the Plaza of the Stars would become the grandest location of the Anthist religion. Linares would become one of the most splenderous cities in the entire Empire.

Despite its importance to the Empire, Linares would not see any serious conflict until the War of Inheritance in 87 VE-92 VE where the city would be besieged by Osborn rebels in 88-89 VE, eventually culminating in the Battle of Linares that almost saw the sacking of the Imperial capital in 89 VE. The city's defenses were further reinforced after the end of the war.