City of Garlond

The City of Garlond is a city-state in northwestern Galessia, nestled between the Great Forest of Baxbury, the Galespine Mountains, the Dwarven Kingdom of Starn, and the northwestern reaches of the Kingdom of Grasynnia. Constructed against the slopes of the Galespine Mountains, Garlond is one of the last two remaining independent city-states in western Galessia, having managed to repel all attacking forces during the Zenith War. Known for its many towers, cold climate, artisanry, and steadfast military, Garlond has been standing strong despite its relative youth as a nation. It is governed by the Council of Three, currently comprised of the city judge, the captain of the Garlond Watch, and the guildmaster of the Alchemists' Guild.

History

The City of Garlond was founded two centuries ago by three siblings: Sidonia Garlond, master alchemist, Bertram Garlond, prodigous swordsman, and Hugo Garlond, paladin of Tyr, God of Justice. The three Garlonds had been adventuring throughout the world in the years prior, and having seen naught but strife and danger, sought to establish a safe haven for all. First little more than a camp at the foot of the mountains, the promise of safety in Garlond soon began attracting outcasts from all backgrounds, including dwarven mason Alfot. Alfot soon became instrumental to the city's future, as under his command began the construction of the stone walls and spires that Garlond is now known for.
Within a century, Garlond grew from a group of tents to a city of stone with thousands of inhabitants, under the rule of the Garlonds' successors, now known as the Council of Three. However, the promise of a safe haven ironically also attracted those seeking to perpetrate criminal activity. In response to this, the Council established the Garlond Watch to be not just the city guards, but the police and military, too. Under the command of the youngest member of the Council, the warrior Laurence Dendrith, the Garlond Watch was supercharged with coin, manpower and resources, and within Laurence's lifetime, grew into one of the most sturdy defense forces in the known world.
During the Zenith War, this investment paid dividend. When the Grasynnian Falchions marched west to conquer the city-states, where their southern neighbor Yearwood fell, Garlond managed to hold their ground. No Falchion ever set foot in the city, the walls, gates, and towers never fell, and the Grasynnians had to eventually cut their losses and retreat. Since the war ended, the news of Garlond's successful defense has attracted many refugees from wartorn regions such as the Marrens, the Kingdom of Dergeria, Witchnail, and the Verdant Hills. However, the war has also made the city more wary and careful: many refugees approach, but only few are allowed beyond the gates anymore, due to fear of Grasynnian spies or seedy criminals slipping in along with them. Many decry this as a betrayal of the city's origins as a safe haven for the disavowed, but the Council of Three has so far refused to relax this stance.

Geography

The City of Garlond is set against the southern flank of the western Galespine Mountains, built into the mountains' sides. As such, the terrain is rugged and rocky, and the climate is cold, especially in winter. However, due to being on the south side of the mountains, Garlond also has a warm season during which agriculture is possible. Evergreen trees dot the landscape surrounding the city, and form the source of most of the heating materials used by its population, as well as wood used in crafts.
No major river courses through its lands, only two minor rivers, the Rivers Aran and Anjil, which meet at the hamlet of Radia Forks to form the River Aranjil, which flows on into Grasynnian territory, where it meets the Rothe near its mouth at Hartmere. Other minor hamlets exist in the city's radius, but they are rarely considered to owe any allegiance to Garlond.

Politics and Society

The City of Garlond is a city-state ruled by the Council of Three, decreed by the founders to ever be comprised of "a warrior, an artisan, and a wiseman". Currently, the seats are occupied by Captain Errol Dendrith of the Garlond Watch, Master Markrag Chiptusk of the Alchemists' Guild, and Judge Rayne Blackwell. The Council decides together on any law, decree, and course for the city and its people. Once a month, citizens of Garlond can make a petition before the Council, which will be heard and considered by all members. Upon voluntary retirement, a Council member chooses their replacement. Upon death, the two remaining members select their new colleague. The City of Garlond takes its defense very seriously, and due to this, the members of the Garlond Watch are held in high esteem. Similarly, stonemasons, armorers, and smiths are highly regarded, and their guilds in the city are renowned as being among the best throughout the Three Great Continents.
Due to their recent conflict and the construction of the nearby Fort Althea, the City of Garlond regards the Kingdom of Grasynnia as hostile. Relations with Starn are uneasy due to their alliance with Grasynnia, but due to no battle having been fought between the two despite sharing a mountain range, and the city's prominent dwarven population, Garlond does not regard Starn as an enemy. It engages little in the way of diplomacy, focusing on its own insular city and its defense.
Though founded by three humans, the City of Garlond is nowadays a cornucopia of races from throughout Galessia and beyond, due to its long history of providing sanctuary to migrants and refugees. Whereas humans are still common, dwarves, halflings, and half-orcs are common sights, too. Other races, such as kobolds, goblins, half-dragons, goliaths, aasimar, and tieflings can occasionally be found here too.
Being a city with many artisans, Gond is often worshipped here. Due to the legacy of Hugo Garlond, there exists a prominent temple to Tyr in the city, and His followers remain as devout as ever, trying to emulate Saint Hugo. Faith in other divines is plentiful here too, due to the many varied peoples in the city. However, followers of the Five Scorned are often arrested by the Garlond Watch, so the dark divines are rarely worshipped, and only in secret.

City of Garlond

Banner of the City of Garlond

Rulers
Council of Three:
Captain Errol Dendrith of the Garlond Watch
Master Markrag Chiptusk of the Alchemists' Guild
Judge Rayne Blackwell

Armed Forces
Garlond Watch