The Gurval Kingdom is a rugged, proud realm defined by its mineral-rich rocky terrain and formidable stone fortresses. Unlike the river kingdoms that rely on trade, Gurval’s power is built upon its vast mineral wealth and the resilience of its people—primarily the Ravaha, a race adapted to high altitudes and jagged peaks. While prosperous, the kingdom exists in a state of high tension, meticulously hiding its military vulnerabilities behind an "iron fist" rule and the strategic destruction of its own infrastructure.
The capital city, Tharval, is a newly constructed marvel perched atop the kingdom’s sole majestic highland plateau. It is widely celebrated as the most beautiful city in Vasagarod, serving as a gleaming testament to recent architectural innovation and mining-driven prosperity.
Pansaca - Tharval’s Bath: An opulent, exclusive bathhouse for the elite where commoners are strictly limited to only sixteen entries per year.
Tharval’s Great Market: A vibrant, sprawling hub renowned for its exotic goods, including rare spices, colorful silks, and enchanted trinkets.
Social Life: The Tharval Tavern serves as the heart of commoner social life, owned by the charismatic and witty Gatsil, who harbors a secret yearning for the world beyond the peaks.
The Marble and Sandstone Palace: A sprawling royal complex hewn directly from gleaming stone, serving as the residence for the kingdom’s enigmatic rulers.
The leadership of Gurval is defined by a desperate need to maintain an image of absolute strength to deter expansionist neighbors like Kharathuun:
King Ulrath: A stern Ravaha Aristocrat who rules with an iron fist. He prioritizes the mining economy above all else while working tirelessly to conceal the kingdom's military weaknesses.
Queen Maeryn: A tiny but fierce Ravaha ruler and skilled hunter. She commands immense respect through her decisive leadership and formidable presence.
Gasta: A cruel and profit-driven mine contractor who manages the Bustac Mine, known for mistreating workers and hoarding dark secrets.
Gurval's survival depends on the earth's riches and the controlled isolation of its borders:
Bustac Mine of Gurval: The largest mineral mine in Vasagarod and the primary source of raw materials for both industry and magic.
The Broken Bridge of Gurval: Once a majestic span, it was shattered to create a tense, silent border between Gurval and Khetai. It remains unusable by order of strategic enforcers like Karva to prevent enemy invasion.
Gurval Mining Studies Centre: A remote research outpost where geologists and miners study mineralogy and subterranean surveying.
The Gurval Refinery: A massive industrial complex that processes rare ores, characterized by towering smokestacks and the constant clang of hammers.
Gurval’s Hunting Ground: A vast, ancient forest and personal preserve of the ranger Gurval, guarded against all intruders.
Would you like to continue with the Kingdom of Velthar and their horse-lord culture, or the Sanquor Kingdom and the "Gilded Lily" network?