# City: Ustraga > [!info] Quick Facts > | | | > |---|---| > | **Type** | Fortress-City / Capital | > | **Region** | [[Region - Eldvale\|Eldvale]] | > | **Ruler** | [[NPC - Dmitri the Blood-soaked\|Dmitri the Blood-soaked]] | > | **Government** | Military dictatorship (Great Knight) | > | **Population** | Mixed (humans, dwarves, gnomes) | > | **Known For** | Black Army, black stone architecture | > [!map] View on Map > [Open Interactive Map →](https://hawksrepos.github.io/elvensong-map/?location=Ustraga) **Ustraga** is the capital fortress-city of [[Region - Eldvale]], a formidable stronghold made almost entirely of deep mountain black stone and woven with powerful, ancient enchantments. ## Atmosphere & Description Shrouded in a near-constant veil of rain and fog, Ustraga reflects the warlike spirit of its people. The city is a dark, imposing monument carved from the black stone of the northern mountains, its architecture both functional and intimidating. Every structure serves the city's primary purpose: the forging of warriors. Unlike the trade-focused cities of southern [[Continent - Auken]] such as [[City - Treston]], Ustraga is built entirely around military culture. The streets are patrolled by soldiers of the **Black Army**, and the clash of training weapons echoes through its rain-slicked courtyards from dawn until dusk. ## Government & Society - Ruled by [[NPC - Dmitri the Blood-soaked]], the current **Great Knight** - The Great Knight serves as a warlord king with absolute authority - Leadership changes frequently as rivals challenge for the mantle - **Strength determines the right to lead**—this is the fundamental law of Eldvale ## The Black Army From a young age, the youth of Ustraga are trained for combat, destined to join the ranks of the ever-present **Black Army**. This standing military force is the backbone of Eldvale's power, feared throughout the northern reaches of Auken. ## Secret Societies > [!danger] Secret Societies > As Eldvale has become increasingly insular while the world around accelerates toward global trade, Ustraga has become a haven for **secret societies** that guard their knowledge as fiercely as their borders. These shadowy organisations wield considerable influence within the city's black stone walls. ## The Hisiiram Testimony Within the deepest castle vaults lies the nation's most closely guarded secret: the only known sworn testimony of a survivor who breached the **Hisiiram**, the eternal magical Mistwall of the far northern oceans. While many Ustragian black ships have sailed into its depths never to return, one individual allegedly returned—and their account is now locked away from all eyes. ## Points of Interest ### The Castle Vaults The deepest chambers beneath the Great Knight's fortress, housing Eldvale's most guarded secrets including the Hisiiram testimony. ### Training Grounds Vast courtyards and combat arenas where the youth of Ustraga are forged into soldiers of the Black Army. ## People ### The Great Knight Dmitri the Blood-soaked The current ruler of Eldvale, holding power through martial supremacy. See [[NPC - Dmitri the Blood-soaked]]. ## Culture & History - City reflects **three thousand years** of layered history - Originally a **Snow Elf** settlement - Later carved and expanded by **Dwarves and Gnomes** - Modern identity shaped by **human migration** ~500 years ago - Architecture of **black stone** with **ancient enchantments** - **Perpetual rain and fog** creates an atmosphere of grim determination - No organised religion—locals worship nature gods of frost and stone ## Connections - Capital of [[Region - Eldvale]] - Part of [[Continent - Auken]] - Contrast to guild-controlled [[City - Treston]] in [[Region - Prosperia]]