Overview
Laizhou is the capital of Shaoying in central Valrindor. Armies stage there repeatedly against the shapers because the city sits close to Shroudvale.
Cityscape
Laizhou is Shaoying's large imperial capital, with paved roads, wide streets, green-tiled roofs, curved eaves, gold-trimmed wooden beams, gardens, ponds, and essence lanterns.
The emperor's palace has green roofs, sweeping gold-trimmed arches, grand gates, walls, a large courtyard, patterned stone paths, gardens, and ponds. Under Emperor Xu Mingdao, the palace becomes a military meeting point for Kaldaryn-aligned commanders and allies.
Military Use
Under the Green Emperor, Garrik and Astrid reach Laizhou after landing in Shaoying from the coast. Mercenaries and mages enlist in Laizhou, and Garrik and Astrid join Shaoying's military there.
During the Maraveth War, Laizhou gathers Kaldaryn, Shaoying, Thundermarch, and northern city-state troops. Jin Leiyun meets Yingshui and Isrynn there after losing Tianlei, and Eira and Kaelion later enter the palace courtyard when they reach the city from Taizhou. When the march begins, earth mages build passageways from Laizhou toward Maraveth because no established road connects them directly.
History
In 3252 AX, Laizhou remains Shaoying's capital and again fills with soldiers, mages, Ulzathir travelers, and Haverloch natives during the Great Shaper War. Helena reunites with Isaac there, and the city empties when humanity mobilizes for the march against Shroudvale.
The shaper breakout devastates much of Shaoying and Linsothar before Kaldaryn's army begins restoring portions of the ravaged territories. Laizhou later remains the capital. By 5368 AX, Laizhou and Hengzhou sustain the front near Omberion and Maraveth through camps, troops, and supply lines.