Garusk

Garusk
Information
Realm:	Alesian Elluria
Province:	Elluria
Predominate Races:	Humans, Dwarves, Elves, and Giants
Year Founded:	645 BT (115 BG in Ellurian Reckoning)
Government:	Empire
Head of State:	The Garatos of Elluria, Etaudus Paralor
Religion:	Ellurian and Alesian Pantheons

Origins & History

The Aslarians founded the city of Garusk in 645 BT (115 BG) to serve as a trading center to the far away lands of Arangoth. After Kel Ellure's rebellion drove the Aslarians out, it became part of the newly founded Kingdom of Tollor. Garusk has been a point of contention between Tollor and Emil for centuries, and the two kingdoms have clashed multiple times over control of the city and its port over the last six hundred years. The Emilians first tried to assert a claim over the city in 143 BT (387 ER), but Kel Ellure's forceful response forced King Arnoch of Emil to back down without further conflict. Arnoch found Kel's son Jeon much less formidable and avenged his earlier embarassment during the Three Years' War from 126 BT (404 ER) to 123 BT (407 ER), and seized Garusk as a result of the war. Garusk remained an Emilian possession until the year 91 (621 ER), when the House of Vilgren triumphed in the Tollorian war of succession over the House of Sor, which had been allied with the Emilian crown. The Emilians made two further unsuccessful attempts to wrest the city from Tollor, in the year 116 (646 ER) and again in 270 (800 ER). The Tollorian victory in the latter conflict ushered in the Silver Age of Tollor, a period of unquestioned naval dominance by the Tollorians, and prosperity for Garusk. The Silver Age was a period of growth for Garusk, and many ambitious public works projects occurred during this time period, including expansion of the city's defenses. These new fortifications were put to the test during the Brackish War from 314 to 319 (844-849 ER), and the mysterious aggressors were never able to seize Garusk as they were Norlin and Kelsville. Following the Tollorian Civil War of 466-467 (996-997 ER), continued tensions between ethnic Tollorians and Ellurians made Garusk the center of a separatist movement that threatened the secession of the province of West Elluria. Sir Eldryn Ruflin's skillful mediation of the crisis was a large factor in his election as King of the Tollorians and Ellurians. During the Southlands Wars, the Alesian forces landed their boats near Garusk in the year 470 (1000 ER), and made the city their base of operations for their war with the Aslarians. Following the war, Garusk became the new capital of the newly-created Alesian proctectorate of Elluria.

Government

The Alesian Imperium governs Elluria as an Imperial province. Prince Etaudus Paralor is the current Garatos, or governor of Elluria. Following the Alesian custom, he has appointed three Prefects to manage the day to day administration of the city.

Layout & Architecture

Garusk is located at the southern end of Elluria, at the foothills of the mountains that divide Elluria from neighboring Emil. The famous Cliffs of Garusk jut out into the sea, creating a sheltered spot on their western side, where the city has grown up around the excellent deep water harbor. A fortress at the top of the cliffs overlooks the bustling harbor and shipyards below, and keeps watch for invaders. The city is an eclectic mix of styles, with traditional Tollorian architecture standing side by side with new Alesian-style buildings erected during the post-war reconstruction. An ancient statue of Kel Ellure stands guard in the square in front of a brand new temple to Jornos.

Law Enforcement

Alesian soldiers from the legions stationed in Elluria maintain the peace in Garusk.

Notable Products

Garusk is famous for a potent alcoholic spirit called Rockscotch, as well as a variety of pepper called the Cliff Pepper that gives a distinctive spice to Ellurian cuisine.