Astol

Astol (pron. AWE'STOLE) was founded originally as a part of a larger colony known as Astarcus by the ancient kingdom of Formere. Astol served as the capital city, and was by far the most developed city within Astarchus. While Formere ultimately collapsed, taking Astarchus with it, Astol remained. Its unique geographical position, facilitating its status as a port city, seem to have allowed it some consistency its peer cities could not enjoy.

The city is situated in the far North East of Tellia, near where the Tadir River empties into the Leviathan's Wake. This vital connection has allowed it to become an important center for maritime trade.

The land has some hills, but nothing in the way of major mountains. Most areas are relatively flat, especially those that have been acquired via land reclamation. The soil is generally of poor quality as a whole, and farming is not practiced on a large scale besides specific local crops adapted to the environment, such as the ever-popular Monkeyfruit.

Besides the Tadir River, the only major geographical landmark is the aptly named Astol Lake, a large freshwater lake located on the east side of the city, a major attraction for both commercial and casual fishing due to its unique wildlife

Astol's largest ethnic group are halflings. However, similar to other port cities, the trading opportunities available lend it to a rotating cast of characters, shifting with world events heavily. Its religious makeup is more definite, however.

Since the majority of the cities well-being is based upon the ocean, R'alaemaq is by far the god of choice for the majority of the population.

Other religious groups are present, however only followers of Shaffat and Confictis house religious establishments within the city. Shaffat is followed mostly by members of the Astol Navy, and Confictis is followed by the sort of shady characters that tend to hang around any port city.

Astol is the definitive largest "port city" on the entire continent, and most of its economy is built on the back of maritime industries. Being one of the first colonies established, it has been able to capitalize heavily on commercial fishing, whaling, and the transportation of cargo, forming a natural monopoly. Besides Tai'Un , it is the largest center of trade on the continent, and many guilds have set up establishments and recruiting centers to capitalize..

As for government, there is a minimal city government and a few local watchmen, but most political power is concentrated in Astol's navy. The Navy and its formal admiral are seen as the real enforcers of the law of the land. The Admiral is seen as a sort of mayoral figure, negotiating the majority of diplomatic issues. There is unfortunately currently not a formal Admiral as of the time of publishing 17TH ED, but one is in the process of being selected from the late Admiral Brand's top officers.