Ascalon

Ascalon is a nation to the east of the Shiverpeak Mountains and to the north of 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 technically Rin, although for the most part Ascalon City is seen as the city of most importance. There exist two stages of Ascalon, pre-Searing and post-Searing.

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 and King Adelbern ordered the construction of the Great Northern Wall to hold back the oncoming Charr threat. This divided Ascalon allowing Humans to exist in relative peace to the south while fighting the Charr to the north.

Although this plan was effective for a time the Charr were able to conjure powerful magic to breach the wall.

Post-Searing
The event that ruined the wall, and much of Ascalon, is referred to as the Searing. It forced the Ascalons to live in decaying ruins and the remains of cities for defense. The land is now barren and most of the lakes have dried up completely. 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 selves.

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