Elchryst
Hidden deep in the Dunkirk Mountains, Elchryst was founded by those fleeing Marcisian oppression. The terrain was treacherous, and it's said that monsters freely roam in those peaks. Because of these difficulties, the Marcisians never gained full control of the region. It is said that seeing his countrymen suffering at the hands of the Marcisian Empire, Golaran the wizard asked the old gods for salvation. Desperate for help, outsiders and mages alike followed Golaran to what felt like certain death. Running low on rations and battered by icy winds, the refugees were beginning to give up hope, but Golaran came through. He led them to a secluded valley where they were safe to build a new life together.
Two centuries passed, and Elchryst only grew. It was there that Golaran gathered the rightful kings of Anestor and Utgard, and the queen of Canebras to plan the revolution. To this day, Elchryst represents freedom in Anestor. Magic is celebrated there. Golaran's personal castle was built into the mountains overlooking the city, and one of the country's most prestigious magic academies was erected there, built to teach the many fugitive mages who moved there. Those touched by the outer planes are more abundant in Elchryst and the surrounding mountains than anywhere else in the country as well, because that was the only place they had in the country they could live in safety throughout the occupation.
After the war, the dwarves of Canebras extended their tunnels to Elchryst, and a small dwarven city was built beneath the surface. The dwarves assisted in the construction of the small city's walls and in return, Queen Navelda's summer palace was built there in the mountains. Both countries benefited from the mountains' mines, and trade bloomed between the two countries in Elchryst.
Demographics
Elchryst is likely the most racially diverse city in all of Anestor. During the Marcisian occupation, mages and extraplanar races were hunted and seized by the Marcisian secret police, but Elchryst was their refuge, so that's where they went. The mage academy also attracts mages far and wide across the country.
Defences
Massive stone walls were erected around the city by the best dwarven masons. The mountainous terrain and inclement weather provide natural protection, but this is a city built like a fortress. Each ring of the city lies behind another, massive wall. If the city were under siege, and one wall were to fall, the citizens could simply retreat behind another wall. All together, there are five walls, and a castle, not to mention the tunnels down to Canebras which could be escaped within before being blown. Attacking this city would be very difficult.
Industry & Trade
Elchryst has great quarries and wealthy mines. More importantly, the city sits upon a font of magical energies. It is heavily exposed to other planes, and because of this, the mages of Elchryst are able to weave powerful enchantments.
Guilds and Factions
The Seekers of the Lost, Dunkirk Miner's Guild, The Elchryst Adventure League
Architecture
The buildings of Elchryst are made of white stone.
Geography
Elchryst sits in a valley between steep and rocky mountains. The Misty River flows out of the mountain to the north, through the city and south to Lake Elusian.
Natural Resources
The mountains are not the most acclimate, but there are farms around the city, which provide most of the food necessary to sustain the population. Some grains are imported up the river. Lumber from the mountains, along with stone, metals, and gems are plentiful in the mountains. Yaks are popular beasts of burden in the area, used for meat, leather, milk and transportation through the treacherous mountain.
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