Gwardan is a mostly elven city-state of the Clovis Concord famed for its metallurgists and smiths, taking advantage of rich mines nearby. It is the northernmost city of the Menagerie Coast.
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.[2]
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.[2]
- 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.[3]
- 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.[3]
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.[2] 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.[4] Yussa Errenis was of Gwardan descent.[5]
When the Clovis Concord was established, Gwardan was the driving force ensuring that each city-state remained autonomous.[2]
Society[]
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.[2]
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.[2]
Notable People[]
| Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vasan Atrith | NPC | Marquis as of 835 PD.[2] |
| Darrow | NPC | Leader of the Stubborn Stock, whose home base was Gwardan.[6] |
Factions[]
- Noldar: The ruling council of the city. Has four members, including the marquis.
References[]
- ↑ See Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, p. 66. This was the aftermath of of Uk'otoa's banishment. See also p. 18, where Uk'otoa's banishment is contemporary with J'mon Sa Ord's coronation as emperor.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 See Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, p. 66.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 See Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, p. 67.
- ↑ See "Homeward Bound" (2x48) at 1:36:51.
- ↑ See "Homeward Bound" (2x48) at 3:14:58.
- ↑ See "Harvest Close" (2x17) at 1:42:27.
Art:
- ↑
Explorer's Guide to Wildemount on D&D Beyond. This file is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Wizards of the Coast Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.
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