---
type: location
region: "Northern Aethrune"
kingdom: "[[Valdris]]"
population: ~35,000
---

# Valhold

## Overview

The capital of [[Valdris]] and seat of the [[Crown Concordat]] assembly. A walled city of white stone built into a cliffside overlooking the Silver River. Valhold is a city of intrigue — courtiers scheme behind silk curtains, merchants bribe customs officials, and agents of every faction watch from the shadows.

## Key Locations

### Blackthorn Keep
The ducal palace at the city's highest point. Home to [[Duke Edric Blackthorn]] and his court. Contains:
- **The Assembly Hall** — where the Concordat meets
- **Ducal Apartments** — heavily guarded, rumored to have secret passages
- **Council Chamber** — where the party receives their commission
- **Undercroft** — discovered in Arc 1 climax to be a cult ritual site

### The Spire of Silence
Headquarters of [[The Silent College]], a towering silver spire that absorbs all sound within 30 feet (Silence spell, permanent). Home to Archmage Mordecai Valdus and the Vault of Sundered Truths.

### The Gilded Market
The city's trade district. Fences, alchemists, blacksmiths, and enchanters. **Hallen's Emporium** sells magic items up to Rare rarity (at 150% DMG price).

### The Iron Quarter
Garrison district. Contains the city watch headquarters, barracks for 1,200 soldiers, and the Iron Concord's regional office. [[Marshal Aldren Voss]] trained here.

### The Dock Ward
River-side district. Smugglers, sailors, and riverside taverns. The **Silt & Silver** tavern is a known information market — rumors cost 5-50 gp each.

### Temple of the Seven
The city's main temple. Dedicated to the seven gods of the Concordat pantheon. Clerics here can cast *raise dead* (1,250 gp), *greater restoration* (450 gp), and standard healing services. **High Priestess Callista Vane** is a potential ally — she knows more about the seals than she admits.

## Intrigue at Court

| NPC | Position | Secret |
|-----|----------|--------|
| Chancellor Harlan | Duke's chief advisor | Witness of the Hand of Ruin (Arc 1 climax) |
| Lady Marchessa Blackthorn | Duke's wife | Knows Harlan is corrupt; afraid to speak |
| Watcher Seline | Court musician | Verdant Circle agent |
| Lord Commander Bryce | Military advisor | Loyal but ambitious; can be turned |
| Ambassador Vex | Kethran envoy | Spying for [[Kethra]]; not a cultist |

## Quest Hooks

- Decode the [[Cult Cipher]] at the [[Spire of Silence]]
- Investigate Chancellor Harlan's suspicious meetings
- Infiltrate the Undercroft to find the ritual site
- Protect Lady Marchessa from cult retaliation