Staples (City)

Staples (pronounced "stah-ploh", also called Stapallache) is a city on the east coast of Goll.

Location
Staples is located on the coast of the Gulf of Alfa in western Dunland. Built around the mouth of the River Orvet (called River Slaewirm in Dunland), Staples has long been a major trade port between many parts of the world. Though the area was mostly wetlands when settled, it has risen and formed the Orvet Delta, which the city spreads across much of.

History
Staples was founded circa 2015 SA, and is commonly regarded as one of the oldest cities in Goll. Its twin city, Galla, was founded shortly after in 2016 SA.

Second Age
Popular belief holds that Staples was founded by Godric Galla, often called Godric the Wanderer, though he may not have actually been present for the founding of the city, as some sources state he died in 2012 SA. The city sat as a simple fishing village for much of the Second Age, and wasn't bothered by anyone. Their patron gods were Frae and Eithmere.

By 3500 SA, Staples had become the home of the Cult of Eithmere, a religious sect dedicated entirely to the worship and study of the Aeldergot Eithmere. At this point, Staples saw a minor growth boom, though the major growth would not occur until the Trade Boom circa 5000 SA.

Staples was extremely important in the inland expansion of humanity, and it is even believed that those who originally settled Magithea had sailed from Staples, as it is further south than Galla. Circa 5000 SA, as trade routes opened along the coast to and from Reodia, Staples saw unprecedented growth, and quickly grew to be the largest city on Dunn, with a stable population upwards of 35,000 people.

In 5032 SA, Frederic I became the first King of Goll, and used Staples as a major military hub.

Third Age
By the start of the Third Age, Staples had solidified itself as the largest city on Dunn, with a population of approximately 50,000. Under the Kingdom of Goll, it was protected by two large castles and a city wall. Staples would become an important strategical checkpoint in the Three Hundred Years' War.

Though Galla was used as capitol of Goll at this time, Staples proved to be an important city. Control of Staples meant control of the entire Gulf of Alfa, which meant control of all trade with the Alfen and Reodia, and control of most of the trade with Magithea. Whoever held Staples would need much less luck to win the Three Hundred Years' War.