Valstrom

In the shadowy Thunderhead Vale to the east of the Cloudpiercer Range, the kingdom of Valstrom sprawls along the Thunderhead River. With the Cloudpiercers to Valstrom’s west and north, and the Hadla mountains to its east, Valstrom catches a tremendous amount of rain and humidity from the Kozia Rainforest. Valstrom’s summers are hot and humid, its winters chilly and often snowy. Its falls are vibrant with bright leaves, its springs with bright flowers.

Valstrom’s charming seasons have drawn many peoples over the generations, and in the clearings of the subtropical forests its ancient towns are steeped in layers of history. Most towns and all of Valstrom’s cities are heavily timber- based, with log buildings and wooden tiles or thatched roofs. A few fortified buildings, such as the town watch and the lord or lady’s castle, are predominantly classical stone castles.

Generations ago, Shadradoth split away from Valstrom as an independent nation. When the king passed away, his chief advisor became king regent, but refused to abdicate when the late king’s daughter came of age. The resulting civil war tore the kingdom in half, and Princess Shadra, unable to claim the throne from Rehan Jehoram, had to make do with her half of the kingdom. The Jehorams continue their rule to this day.

Academic.

Valstrom’s larger towns usually have some kind of academy or university. Some of these are in a state of disuse, but many still have thriving libraries, research facilities, and classes.

Aristocratic and Political.

A classical feudal society has been implemented in Valstrom for all of its recorded history. Mayors report to counts and countesses, who report to dukes and duchesses, who report to the monarch. The monarch’s eldest child assumes the monarchy after their parent passes away or abdicates the throne.

Mercantile and Trade.

Valstrom has had its share of unrest, but over many generations it has proven to be a reliable trade partner. Its neighboring land nations include Sozein and Tafunga to the south, and Falth, Nalathesh, and Husk to the north. Valstrom maintains a robust trade relationship with Shadradoth despite their historical tensions. Merchants competent in mountain passes will also trade with Hadla to the east.

Militant.

Valstrom maintains its classical feudal system in how its military functions. Each mayor has a small local army that keeps the peace in and around their settlement. Counts and countesses also have small armies, and have the political capital to levy the armies of the mayors that live within their territories. Dukes and duchesses can likewise levy any army under the control of any count in their province, and the monarch can of course levy any duke’s or duchess’s forces when the need arises.

Religious.

Valstromians traditionally worship the Celestial Council, seeing its leaders as the gods that bless or curse them in accordance with their piety, or lack thereof. Any settlement will have at least a small temple with an altar dedicated to these gods, and the larger cities compete with one another to have the grandest, most beautiful temple out of any Valstromian society.

Social.

Most Valstromians are content with their feudal hierarchy, but some are discontent with it. Many of the peasantry have their basic needs met: food, drink, comfortable shelter, and basic leisure activities. These peasants often don’t care whether they get ahead in life or not, so long as their needs remain fulfilled. Some of the peasantry, by contrast, think that the feudal system is out of date and should have been abolished long ago.

Many counts and dukes also feel tremendous discontent. Having achieved success, but knowing that the dukes will always have more power and influence, counts and countesses often lose sleep scheming about how they might get ahead in the political system. Dukes and duchesses, in turn, often fret about maintaining the power they have.

Underworld.

Valstrom’s traditional feudal structure leaves ample room for crime syndicates to operate in the shadows, as details often get lost in the chain of command from mayor to monarch and back. Notable syndicates include the Twice Strikes, the Hoods, and the Galepiercers (see Shadradoth for information on each syndicate).

Stromvale

The capital and oldest city in Valstrom is Stormvale. Stormvale is an expansive city that extends from the banks of the Thundervale River up into the foothills of the Hadla Mountains. Parts of Stormvale have fallen into utter disrepair and are almost more forest than city at this point, but much of the city - especially that closest to the river - thrives as a bustling metropolis.

The royal castle overlooks the river and is surrounded by an artificial moat connected to the river. On the mainland, the Stormvale University holds classrooms and dormitories full of intellectuals.

The Stormvale Cathedral is also a marvel of architectural and artistic achievement, and the religious among the nation often travel to behold the wondrous stained glass depictions of the various members of the Celestial Council.

Points of Interest

Cloudpiercers. See Shadradoth for information on the Cloudpiercer Range and the tallest mountain in the known world.

Thundervale River. The Valstromians and Shadradothans have built a shared city at the base of a magical waterfall in the Thundervale River. See Shadradoth for more information on this remarkable place.

Quest Ideas

• Valstrom faces another heirship crisis, and various nobles across the kingdom make their power plays. The heroes must interact with these nobles and determine who they wish to support.

• The entire Valstromian/Shadradothan town at the base of the magic waterfall has vanished. Perhaps it’s in the Everwilds.

• Monsters have been reported in the overgrown neighborhoods of Stormvale. Will the heroes free the city from these menaces?

• Adventurers and a famous noble have gone missing after boasting that they could climb the Great Cloudpierce. Another noble calls upon the heroes to mount a rescue mission.