2.6 KiB
type, region, kingdom, population
| type | region | kingdom | population |
|---|---|---|---|
| location | Northern Aethrune | Valdris | ~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