Description
Gwardan architecture is rustic but elegant, ranging from smaller domed yurts of stained wood to tall spires of brass, silver and gold.
Anorans Ring
The Anorans Ring is the outer, mostly residential ring, having buildings made from bowed wood and carved bark.
Houses of Sagacity
The Houses of Sagacity form a prestigious region of the city that houses temples of worship also provides advanced study to a select student body.
- House of Enlightenment: Temple dedicated to Ioun.
- House of Invention: Temple dedicated to Moradin.
- House of Enchantment Temple dedicated to Corellon.
Korrwa Ring
The Korwa Ring is the inner, commercial area, were peddlers, merchants, and craftsmen ply their wares.
- Ornatora: Near the center of the Korwa Ring is the Ornatora, a tower of latticed wood that spirals upward, resembling a leafless tree. At varying intervals disc-like homes protrude from the tower, housing the city elite. At the top is the house of the Noldar and the central meeting chambers where local politics are conducted.
History
Gwardan was the product of two elven peoples seeking a new home following the banishment of Uk'otoa in the fifth century PD. Elves of the Ki'Nau, who had lived under Uk'otoa, joined an influx of Marquesian elves to settle this unclaimed, metal-rich land at the edge of the Cyrios Mountains after paying their respects to the local fey of the Doralle Woods, taking from there only the resources they needed, and not more. As a result of these desert and tropical origins, elves from Gwardan tend to have darker complexions than those of the more northerly Bysaes Tyl. Yussa Errenis was of Gwardan descent.
When the Clovis Concord was established, Gwardan was the driving force ensuring that each city-state remained autonomous.
Steamcasting
Thanks to the extensive mines built in the nearby Cyrios Mountains, Gwardan elves are renowned across Exandria for metallurgy and blacksmithing, having developed a unique process called "steamcasting". By blending organic designs with super-heated caustic mists, the steamcasting process imbues cheap, brittle metal with a prismatic shimmer, making it as workable and strong as steel.
The process of steamcasting is guarded, and attempts to replicate it fail to live up to the quality of those made in Gwardan. Because of this, Gwardan's decor, jewelry, and weapons are prized worldwide.
Demographics
With a population of 18,900 by the year 835 PD, Gwardan is the fourth-largest city on the Menagerie Coast. The racial breakdown of the city is 63% elves, 16% humans, 11% gnomes, and 10% other races.
Factions
- Noldar: The ruling council of the city. Has four members, including the marquis.
