Valcadia

Valcadia
Valcadia's reach stretches for miles. The city boasts a population of 40 000, mostly humans, halflings, elves, half elves and half orcs ratfolk and dwarves. The surrounding farmlands and districts exist in the shadow of the walled inner city, shingled roofs and smoking chimneys peak over the stone barrier. And in the center of it all, the towering spires of the Keep of the First King.

History
Valcadia was settled 1500 years ago. The Elves of Taure and the wild humans of Kyrr where constantly at war. It was a child born by the union of Aladore Twindel, the Wood Elf lord and Shalo Tenwulf the high shaman of Herru that settled the feud. Brackston Tenwulf was the first Half-Elf and he founded Valcadia as a symbol of peace between the two races. Brackston ruled the kingdom for 150 years. During this time he oversaw the expansion of the Valcadian empire and the founding of Tyrimdyl as a whole. His great roads stand to this day. His elite inner circle of knights was known as the Wolves. To this day the Wolves protect the king. Brackston's last act as king was a bitter irony. In Valcadia's 148th year the draco-litch Ria led an army of undead ogres across the Western ocean. The war lasted 2 years. Brackston and his court wizard, Sasifras Bumkizzy tried to summon a long dead god. The consequences of this failed ritual where dire. The most major result was the separation of Taure from the mainland Tyrimdyl. Brackston started his life uniting the humans and Elves, in his last day he quite literally caused a rift between the two races. Valcadia's walls held strong during the ogre assault. In the final days of the war Brackston opened a portal to hell in the lower dungeon of the Keep of the First King. It remains there today, its existence a secret. A group of adventurers gave their lives using that portal to sever the soul connection that kept the ogre army ordered. Once severed tthe Ogres tore each other apart. With no army Ria retreated far to the north, and was never seen again. King Tenwulf died shortly after at the age of 150. He was remembered both for his great accomplishments but also his one tragic failure. Valcadia knew peace and growth for the following millennia. In more recent history a militaristic King called Lord Master General Thergoode held a violent dominion over Tyrimdyl. He was found to be consorting with Demons who where living in the catacombs of Nar, He was dethroned. Thergoode is currently captive in the dungeon below the Keep of the First King. His only son, a boy of 12 is the current rightful king. Alec Thergoode. The people of Valcadia are uneasy with the boy king's rule, they fear his father still holds sway over the boys decisions, ruling silently from the depth of the dungeons.

Felbarren
The free markets of Felbarren are home to many foreigners who wish for nothing more than to live within the great walls of the Jeweled city. The muddy cobble streets are lined with two story shops. This district has few magic shops but is a great source for common goods at a fair price. It is located to the south of the main gates to the city. The main path is Hallion road, which leads right up to the great portcullis of Valcadia.

Notable Denizens and Locales
The Rune and Rivet

There is a greatly talented Dwarven smith who lives in Felbarren. His name is Jacktor Ironbearded. His forge is known throughout the lands as one of the best places in Atlium to get weapons and armour of masterwork quality. He toils away at his outdoor anvil and forge located beside his house and shop.

The Dragon's Lodge

This large wooden building stands out with its distinctively Skoljaan architecture A large masterfully carved dragon head extends over the enterence. The Dragon's Lodge is a utilitarian inn. The common room of the lodge has an enormous hearth. The floor beside which is covered in thick furs.The circular bar is located in the center of the common room. Two long tables flank the giant set of double doors. The inn keep is a young half-giant called Gortag. Ten cots make up the sleeping quarters located in the cellar. The Dragon's Lodge is famous for its traditional Skoljaan food and mead.

Paquette's

Siv Paquette is a retired gnomish bard who now owns a shop where he sells all manner of oddities. He pays a premium for rare gems and strange relics from across the globe. Rumors about Paquette's having a sectret basement where you can buy all manner of occult and evil bobbles have circulated the Felbarrens for years. The shop is a two story well kept building. The shop has lovely decor and Siv himself is often playing his lute at the front desk.