Valendro
Government
Land is power in Valendro, and the Court of Precious Earth has the land.
Valendro is the mining capital of the Riverlands, and those who own the mines comprise the Court. Officially, the Court rules by democracy, but plenty of vote-buying goes on behind gem-studded walls.
While thousands of people live and work in Valendro, mining operations take precedence over all other trades and industries. Consequently, non-mining businesses and activities are only lightly monitored and regulated, so long as they stay clear of the mines.
Defences
Each family on the Court fields its own personal guard or retains a particular mercenary company to protect their mines. Since Valendro is its mines, these hired swords also protect the city, at least in theory.
Industry & Trade
Valendro provides more than 90% of the Riverland's raw ore and metal goods. Though it exports very little beyond the banks of the River, it is known across Oros for the quality of its ore.
Infrastructure
Valendro is more of a collection of small cities than one large one. Rich deposits of iron, copper, silver, gold, and precious stones line the Great River in this region, and small urban pockets connect the mines to the River and each other.
Guilds and Factions
The families of the Court directly affect the surface politics of the city, but anyone not involved in mining has been left to fend for themselves. As a result, dozens of independent guilds have sprung up to protect the interests of other folks in Valendro.
History
Valendro is unique in that it was founded long after it's port city. As Abapampa grew into a mercantile power, gold quickly meant more to Riverlanders than it had before. Until this point, the shining rocks in the river were little more than collectibles, items to have on hand to barter with foreigners. Now though, they had uses.
Small camps grew into villages as miners from Mananmantiaña flocked to the riverside mines; the work was easier and simpler to manage, reducing the risk of over-minining.
Metal goods—save for weapons—were not popular in the Riverlands until Valendro's boom. Some cities like Carjalla eschew them to this day, while others like Abapampa have taken the developments in stride.
Tourism
Valendro's chief concern is the continuation of its mines and has little to offer a traveller on the River. But for those who know where to look, the city is their oyster.
Architecture
Valendro's architectural style is one of necessity. As new homes, warehouses, or refineries needed to be built, the families of the Court commissioned them. Valendro has a ramshackle, rambling, random feel to it. Different styles dominate between the different burroughs, and where mines have run dry or families have intermarried, fusion styles are created. Valendro gives the sense that a new adventure or shocking surprise are always waiting just around the next corner.
Geography
The Rocaroja region extends almost to Mananmantiaña, and Valendro is right at its edge. The land settles somewhere between red and grey, and dramatic rock formations give character to the horizon.
Natural Resources
Iron, copper, silver, and gold ore, as well as a myriad other precious stones and minerals are abundant near Valendro.
Type
Large city
Inhabitant Demonym
Valen
Location under
Owning Organization
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