Vathora

Vathora (Elyrian:, Vathora, ) is the capital and largest city of Achysia. As the historic, cultural, and economic center of all Achysian states for more than a thousand years, Vathora is symbolically considered to be the heart of the country. It has a population of roughly 15 million people,being one of the largest cities in Azora, and it is situated at the mouth of the Althara river, on the coast of the Elyrian Sea. Administratively, the city is designated as the "Imperial Capital", being a province in and of itself. Traditionally, the city is divided between the Old Vathora, on the Zerakho Peninsula, the New Vathora and the City of Syrakho.

The location on which Vathora stands today was an important city of the Ancient Zathyrians, Larydeka. It was conquered by the Elyrians during the battle with the same name in which their forces won by what was considered to be a miracle, leading to the destruction of the old city, and the creation of Vathora on holy grounds. Vathora quickly became of the largest and most important cities of the empire due to its advantageous position, surpassed only by Elyria itself. Like most of the empire, the city suffered enormous damage during the Calamity, but despite that, the Shrine of the Holy Mercy remained intact, leading to the Hegemon Zereko choosing it as his capital, at the advice of the Augur Vayon. Vathora then served as the capital of one of the many successor states of the Elyrian Empire, until its realm became the only one still hanging on to its lineage, for nearly ten centuries. It was conquered and sacked during the War of Blood and Thorns, but it served as the heart of the reborn Radiant Crown. It avoided any further invasions despite being besieged two times during the Wars of the Faith, before being sacked again during the Republican Wars. It was bombed repeatedly during the Great Wars, but most of its historic center remained intact.

The city's population increased dramatically after the end of the wars due to refugees from Eastern Azora and immigrants from the ailing colonial empire of Achysia. Today, the city maintains its distinct Achysian and Vayonist culture, but at the same time, it is a melting point of cultures and influences. The city has bloomed ever since the 1550's, being at the forefront of the liberation of Achysian culture that is today known as "the Change", becoming famous for its music, books, and animation. It has attracted more than 15 million foreign visitors in 1605, and its one of the most important tourist destinations in Azora, due to both its historic monuments and unrestrained festivals. It is also a religious center and place of pilgrimage due to the Temple of the Divine Wisdom, while its status as Achysia's financial center makes it into one of the world's power cities.

Twin towns and sister cities
• Azhara, Ichoria