Nordwall
| Region | The East |
| Type | City (independent) |
| Government | Mayor Lyriana Valeris |
| Status | Declared independence from the Free Cities of Ulek |
| Current State | Poor, half-destroyed, cautiously hopeful |
Overview
Nordwall was once the most important city on the north-south trade road — the natural hub connecting the Krem Hills routes to the eastern seaboard and the southern lands. That era is over. What remains is a hollowed-out city with a population that still believes things can improve, led by a mayor they actually trust.
Origin — The Stamp Town (3333–3350 AR)
Nordwall was the first and last of its kind: a Stamp Town. During a prosperous period, the Ulek Empire developed an ambitious idea — that the modern Ulek city model could be replicated anywhere, regardless of local resources, and stamped down like a template. Nordwall was the proof of concept. Construction began in 3333 AR and finished in 3350 AR.
It did not go well as a concept. The Empire quickly pivoted to smaller, purpose-built alternatives: optimized towns like Bulb, and later Trade Forts that could be partially relocated. Nordwall remained the sole Stamp Town ever completed.
Architecture
The city was built around a large outer wall ring — intended to host the true citizens, the wealthy class whose presence would place Nordwall on the map. Inside this ring, one neighbourhood sits on slightly elevated ground near the city center. Here the Empire embedded a second, smaller inner ring: a fortified compound housing the barracks, emergency granary, prison, warden quarters, and general administrative functions.
This inner ring was built as a large panic room for the city in case of assault — and as a comfortable fortress-home for whoever actually ran Nordwall. It has forges, crafting facilities, and corridors adaptable as emergency bunks. The mayor traditionally lives among the wealthy in the outer ring, usually in the largest house with the largest garden — where most real decisions get made — but the inner ring is always available.
The Geological Problem
Nordwall was placed on bad ground. The terrain is muddy, with small swamp-like patches across the surrounding area. There is no river. The Empire's machine could stamp a city into existence, but it could not stamp a reason for prosperity where none existed naturally. Once imperial investment slowed, there was nothing to sustain momentum.
Decline
The collapse was gradual and came from multiple directions simultaneously:
- The Ulek Empire's disintegration dried up reliable trade networks
- Officials responded by raising taxes rather than adapting to changed conditions
- Bandits — quietly encouraged by Iceflame's agents — made the roads increasingly unsafe
- Corruption crept into every level of governance
- The former mayor eventually abandoned his post in search of a druid who could turn him into a cat
The last two hundred years were especially brutal. The city shrank into itself, the outer ring increasingly hollow, the inner ring increasingly the only functioning part of the administration.
Recent Events (4724–4725)
Nordwall was attacked by a force from occupied Highport — slavelords using Highport as a base extended their reach inland. The city survived but took significant damage on top of its already deteriorated state.
In response, Nordwall declared full independence from the Free Cities of Ulek. Mayor Lyriana Valeris was elevated to leadership and has the genuine support of the population — a rare thing in the current political landscape of the south.
Lyriana Valeris (Player Character)
Respected, practical, and trusted where her predecessor was venal. Inheriting a damaged city with limited resources, she represents the population's last real hope for Nordwall's recovery. No resources, full mandate.