Val Verra

Val Verra is a large city in the Frontier Counties of Bastonia, which serves as the ducal seat of the Duke of Sudmarch, thereby making it the capital city of the region. It represents both a militarily hardened position within the Frontier Counties as well as a geographically and economically central one, joining the road from Crucible Rock to many other radial roads the Bastonians are actively constructing throughout the region. None of the Chivalric Orders are headquartered here, but various chapters of the Order of the Lanyard, Right Honourable Companions of the Engineer, and of course the Knights Hospitalier are stationed in the city, and the city is overlooked by Eagle's Rest, the fortified lodge of the Frontier Knights.

Geography

Val Verra occupies high ground, with a steeper slope to its east and cliffs to its west, making principal approach to the fortified portion of the city from the north or the south. It is a heavily and recently fortified castle city, with most if not all of its residences behind at least the lowest outer wall, and further concentric and terraced wards, ultimately leading to a central keep. A large lake to its immediate east provides fresh water, and the roads that lead north and south from it branch off in many other directions relatively quickly as well.

Economy

The economy of Val Verra is thriving. Trade from the north brings in goods of every description, from luxury items to the raw materials necessary for the construction of roads and fortifications, and in return traders from all corners bring spices, exotic game, and other materials to ship to the north.

People flow through Val Verra like water - settlers, soldiers, and minor aristocrats alike all looking to carve out their own holdings or find their fortunes in the region. Refugees of orcish raiding crowd the city and veterans of failed campaigns linger before setting out to the north. All pay gate tolls and inn fare for the privilege.

Politics

The Duke of Sudmarch rules the city and owe fealty to none save the crown, putting the city on a poltical tier alongside Oversea, Boischateau, or Esterburg. While the furthest from Whiterock of all the Duchy Capitals, the militia of the Frontier Counties are the largest, and perhaps most organized, in all Bastonia, and are largely personally loyal to the Duke of Sudmarch, with the barons, earls, and counts who command individual levees largely recognizing the Duke's fortunes presage their own.