The Vale

A mountainous region in the far west of the Reach, the Vale is prosperous and stable. Jagged cliffs, soaring peaks, waterfalls, and rugged pine and fir forests dominate the region. The mountains are rich with valuable metals and runestone, and many small mining communities are built up in the mountains. The seat of power is Westroth. Other major cities include Batice and Shrike. The area is home to mostly Reachmen, though healthy communities of Dreth and Roki thrive in all of the major cities.

Westroth
Built on the edge, Westroth is the wealthy capital of the Vale. The river Neamin flows through the city before cascading over the edge. Castle Caer is built over these falls. The square buildings are constructed of sturdy white stone, much like the cities of Breakhelm, but the bright red roof tiles made from the rich red Neamin clay give them a distinct flair. Governor Eaomn is the bureaucratic and dry leader of the city. Though his origins and loyalties lie in the Reach, he understands the importance of maintaining peaceful relations with both Breakhelm and the March. Below Eaomn is the Lords Council, a body that controls much of the day-to-day activity of the city, as well as managing the flow of resources up and down the Neamin valley.

Batice
Batice is the largest trading port in the Reach, and a critical stopping point for goods and people flowing between the March and the Reach. All goods and passengers from the March bound south or west through the Reach are documented at the Port. Governor Rowley far more progressive than some of the other Reach governors, and while he takes his administrative and tax collection duties seriously, he’s known to mingle with the sailors and mercenaries that reside in the seedy inns that line the waterfront.

Shrike
Shrike is the wildest of the Reach cities, as well as the furthest north. A giant stone spire juts over the massive opening to the Maw, and the city of Shrike is built up the side of the Spire. A large squadron of Reach soldiers is garrisoned in the castle keep, to guard against both any hostile action from the March as well as the dangerous denizens of the Scar. A bustling market is nestled under the spire, against the Mawgate, and while the city above is ordered and militant, the market can be lawless and unruly. Governor Ashhart is a career military man, and brilliant tactician and leader. He is uncomfortable with the Scar Wynders based just outside the city gates, but appreciates the protection they provide to his people.