Valliné
The northern coastal city of Valliné has been the capital city of The Kingdom of Vallanna since the nation's founding. It is from here that King Aegic Enarren and Queen Eryn Enarren rule the land from the grand Cerulean Palace; traditional seat of power for the rulers of the kingdom for over a thousand years. The city is the largest, and most populous of the nation's settlements, and also among the oldest.
Once the capital of the original Northern Coastal Kingdom of Vallanna, prior to the expansion of the nation throughout the centuries, the original city boundaries, ringed by high and thick curtain walls, now mark only the densely populated central portion of the city. This centre is subdivided into a number of different smaller districts, each separated from one another by their own defensive walls. Outside of the centre, the growth of the city's population over the centuries, has resulted in a wide urban sprawl, as previous outlying villages and settlements have been subsumed into Valliné itself.
Demographics
65% Human
15% Dwarf
20% Other
15% Dwarf
20% Other
Defences
Unlike the southern city of Laranna, Valliné is completely enclosed by a large, fortified curtain wall built completely around even the city's outskirts, offering residents a high degree of protection from outside threats. A series of high defensive towers are arranged along the wall at regular intervals, giving the city guard a complete unobstructed view of all of the approaches to the city.
A second curtain wall encircles the city's central portion, adding an extra layer of defense for the oldest and most populous part of the city.
Adjacent to Westgate, the entrance to the city through which the western Kingsroad passes, built into the curtain wall is the main garrison and headquarters of the Army of Vallana, The Sapphire Keep. A nigh-impregnable fortress in its own right, the keep is the first major landmark that most visitors will see upon their approach to the city. While the majority of the army's forces are spread throughout the lands, the Valliné garrison is still home to a large number of troops.
The elite Royal Cerulean Guard maintain their own garrison adjacent to the Royal Palace on Darin's Plateau. Their duties are mostly limited to the protection of the Royal Family and their residences.
Within the city, individual districts are also enclosed by defensive walls. In the event of invasion, this allows the city's defenders to slow the advance of invading forces significantly. These particular defense measures were strengthened in the wake of The Panacea War, as the victorious Queen Violet Enarren, who had led her forces through a successful invasion of the city, made it one of her first priorities to avoid repetition of her own strategy.
Districts
In place of prominence, both in terms of social standing and wealth; and physically, is the Overlook District; home to the rich and powerful of the city, and also the site of The Cerulean Palace . Situated on the high promontory of Darin's Plateau, which stretches out into the ocean, and looms over the rest of the city, the district stands very much as the pinnacle of the city's society. It is also home to the The Ascension Spires - Headquarters of The Grand Arcaneum of Vallanna and the centre of magical authority and learning in Vallanna.
At the foot of Darin's Plateau sits the Temple District, where places of worship to the many religions of the land, both popular and niche, have flourished. The largest of such institutions in the district is the Cathedral of the Platinum Dragon ; the headquarters of the priesthood of Bahamut.
North of the Temple District lies the sprawling campus of the University of Valliné. The university is the largest educational institution in Vallanna, and has been a prestigious feature of the city for over a thousand years.
To the west of both the Temple District and the University of Valliné lies The Dream Glade; a large enclosed parkland and wooded area, which plays host to a number of druids and those who work with nature.
In the centre of the city is a large, open, paved space, known as The Square of Heroes. Lined on all sides by tall statues of prominent figues of Vallanna's past, the square is a meeting place, and city landmark which is seldom empty of visitors. The true centrepiece of the square is a huge fountain, at the centre of which are statue representations of all of the varied peoples which make up the population of Vallanna.
Guilds and Factions
Valliné, as the capital city of The Kingdom of Vallanna, is home to many guilds and organisations. Some of the more notable examples include -
The Grand Arcaneum of Vallanna - The nationally recognised authority on all matters of magic and the arcane. The Grand Tower of the Arcaneum can be found in the district of Darin's Plateau, and is both the headquarters of the Arcaneum and also the place where it trains those just beginning their magical journeys.
University of Valliné - The largest and most prestigious educational establishment in Vallanna.
Royal Vallanna Explorers Guild - The Explorers Guild are a well-respected organisation of adventurers, explorers and archaeologists, who conduct expeditions throughout the lands of Vallanna and beyond, in seach of renown and knowledge. Their headquarters can be found on the south-eastern side of The Square of Heroes.
Geography
The city is situated on the northern coastline, built around a gently curving bay. The majority of the city is close to sea-level, apart from a large promontory, known as Darin's Plateau, which rises from the sea and looms over the rest of the city.
Type
Capital
Population
~750,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Vallinéans
Location under
Included Locations
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
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