Ascalon

Ascalon is a nation to the east of the Shiverpeak Mountains and to the north of the Crystal Desert. There seems to be a large series of impassable mountains towards the Crystal Desert. Ascalon has been ruled by a royal family for many years. King Adelbern rules over Ascalon with the aid of his son, Prince Rurik although they don't always agree on matters of state.

The capital city of Ascalon is Rin, although the largest and currently most important city is Ascalon City.

Note that the possessive form of Ascalon is "Ascalonian", but a citizen of Ascalon is simply an "Ascalon".

Pre-Searing
Two years ago Ascalon was a country of rolling green hills and vast blue lakes. It was constantly at war with its neighbours thanks to the Guild Wars. When the Charr attempted to invade the nations of Tyria the Guild Wars ended abruptly. Fortunately, the Great Wall protected the humans on the south side. However, on the north side, the humans were constantly fighting the Charr.

The Great Wall for a time was able to hold the Charr at bay, however, the Charr were able to conjure powerful magic to breach the wall.

Post-Searing
The event that breached the wall, and much of Ascalon, is referred to as the Searing. Ascalons now live in decaying ruins and the remains of cities for defense. The land is barren and most of the lakes have dried up completely, making place for pools of tar. King Adelbern's guards continue to hold off much of the Charr threat thanks to the remnants of the wall, but the Ascalons exist as a shadow of their former glory.

Prince Rurik is not as satisfied with the defense of Ascalon as King Adelbern.

The region of Post-Searing Ascalon is sometimes referred to as "Ruins of Ascalon" by ArenaNet.