Fot Sterkha

Outside the western wall of Fot Sterkha, nearly a hundred Alkquan prepare their fortifications for this evening's inevitable battle. The great forest of the Wilderlands stretching out before them in the dim evening light. A gruff jord, Commandant Morul, approaches the the young group of troops.
"Colli, you and the new bloods are to aid in the outer defense this night."
"But, ma'am, they just finished their training a fortnight ago and have only served on the wall. We will surely lose some."
The Commandant snaps back, "We lose dozens nearly every year on this night. They must learn what is at stake. Plus they will have help, I will not leave them hopeless."
Lieutenant Colli nods grimly and turns back to her unit to give the order. Their faces turn ashen as night falls, as the entirety of the shattered moon comes together in the The Coalescence, and the first blood thirsty howls can be heard in the night.

Bastion of the West

The Bastion of the West and Rock of Gawyl, Fot Sterkha stands strong as the bastion that holds the monsters of the Wilderlands at bay from striking deeper into the lands of Elturia. Established shortly after the first incursion of Werewolves the first Queen charged the Alkquan with establishing the fort. These people were naturally resistant to the Lycan curse, so in the Queen's eyes it solved two problems. The Alkquan now had a place to call home (since they had been refugees for nearly a century), and her western border would be defended by a capable group of people.

As the Alkquan arrived to the entrance of the Wilderlands, the threats of the land of monsters struck almost immediately. Gawyl Lueftie led the defense of their people from atop a hill with a massive boulder. This site became the center of where the Alkquan people built Fot Sterkha. In the center of the settlement lies a memorial to the battle, and a seed of dissent for the young people that call this place home. Though many within Elturia hold high honors for the denizens of Fot Sterkha for providing refuge from the terrible dangers of the Wilderlands.

Test of Worth

The Alkquan people have adapted to the militaristic lifestyle quickly. Their conditions have caused them to be some of the best fighters in Elturia, and the few that leave to make their way in the world become famed monster hunters. From a young age each child that calls Fot Sterkha its home is expected to train in some form of combat, whether that is ranged, melee, or spell craft. Fot Sterkha is the only location where members of the Evokaria are not allowed to spirit away magically gifted children. They must maintain a constant presence within the settlement in order to train them.

Government

The settlement is run almost entirely by a Sargur, a noble title granted by the queen that comes with military obligations. The title is hereditary as long as the heir is suitable to lead. Fot Sterkha is currently run Sargur Fur, a fire Alkquan that that has a fierce desire to protect her people. She longs for a place they can call home that does not put them in near constant danger.

Points of interest

Fot Sterkha has the amenities of a small city. There is a local tavern known as Gate's Rest, a general store that acts as military surplus known as the Ready Room, and one the most renowned weapon smith in all of Elturia. People come far and wide just to visit Jordni's Forge. He is the premiere weapon smith, and one of few in the land that has an innate understand of how to imbue a weapon with silver. The Rock of Gawyl also sees many visitors that wish to pay their respects throughout the day.

Population/Demographics
8,500 Inhabitants (85% Alkquan, 5% Human/Stonekin, 5% Drekkin, 5% Other Races)

Alternative Name(s)

Bastion of the West, Rock of Gawyl, Steadfast Sterkha, Fot Alqk

Type

Military, Base

Inhabitant Demonym

Sterkhans, Alqks

Owner/Ruler

Queen Elturandis II

Owning Organization

Elturian Kingdom

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