Strygos

Strygos (pronounced 'Stri - gos') is a port town located on the northern shore of the great ocean, protected from the harsh seas and storms by a long island, home to Strygia Keep. Strygos has a small population, dependent fishing, small-scale agriculture and on hunting game in the local woods, dangerous as they may be for those who aren't trained in combat. The town is often visited by warriors en-route to hone their skills at Strygia Keep, or to practice slaying beasts in the Korvov Highlands in the area between Strygos, Durbinska and Astkin. The only road leading to Strygos comes from Durbinska, owing to the dangers of the Highlands. Sailors from the heartland often seek safe haven in the Strygos straight in order to avoid the storms of the great ocean while sailing to Malyzur and Strangalor.

History and Politics
Strygia was first founded by humans as a stopping point on the way to Malyzur, to trade or to discuss magics with the locals. However, those who first settled down in Strygos quickly came to terms with their daunting reality. The highlands which they found themselves bordering was home to some of the most vicious monsters and conditions in all of Ard'renn. Thus, they would face constant attacks from monsters ravaging the outskirts of the settlement, as well as marauding bandits on the road to Durbinska. Word would spread of the terrible horrors faced by the town to warriors in far off lands, who saw the highlands of Strygos as a perfect place to test their strength. An order of warriors would base themselves off the coast, in what would become Strygia keep. The people of Strygia although self governing, would pay tribute to the warriors of Strygia keep by providing coin and food in order to upkeep their order. This mutually benefitial relationship would lead to the founding of the combined Strygian Realm. The realm retains friendly relations with all neighbours, however they face a constant threat from raiders to the west, who are often repelled by the Order of Strygia. Trade ties occur between Strygos and Durbinska along the difficult-to-traverse Verdant Road.