---
type: location
region: "Central Aethrune"
population: ~180,000
---

# Valdris

## Overview

The largest and most militaristic kingdom in the [[Crown Concordat]]. Valdris controls the central plains and highlands of Aethrune, including the [[Ironheart Mine]], the [[Thronewood]] approaches, and the capital city of [[Valhold]]. Its economy runs on steel, agriculture, and taxation of Concordat trade routes.

## Key Features

| Aspect | Details |
|--------|---------|
| **Ruler** | [[Duke Edric Blackthorn]] |
| **Capital** | [[Valhold]] |
| **Military** | 12,000 standing army + 3,000 garrison troops |
| **Economy** | Steel, grain, trade tariffs |
| **Geography** | Central plains, Ironheart highlands, Thronewood border |
| **Alliances** | Crown Concordat (leading member), Iron Concord (mercenary contracts) |
| **Tensions** | [[Kethra]] (trade war), Thornwall (resource disputes) |

## Notable Locations

- [[Valhold]] — capital and ducal seat
- [[Ironheart Mine]] — mithril mine / seal anchor
- [[Eastmarch]] — border town
- [[Thronewood]] — ancient forest on the southern border
- [[Old Salt Road]] — eastern trade route

## Plot Hooks

- The Duke's court is infiltrated by the [[The Hand of Ruin|Hand of Ruin]] (Arc 1 climax)
- Valdris is being manipulated into war with Kethra (Arc 2)
- Valdrian soldiers form the backbone of the [[Citadel of Sundering|Citadel]] assault (Arc 4)