Valen Reach
Valen Reach is a fortified frontier settlement on Auxelon’s rugged western edge, where harsh terrain forged a culture of stoicism, discipline, and martial practicality. Birthplace of House Arkadian, it stands in stark contrast to the ceremonial opulence of the capital—favoring function over form, grit over grandeur. Known for its strategic command of the Valen Expanse and its unsentimental, duty-bound people, the Reach shaped the Arkadians into leaders defined not by legacy, but by action. Even after their rise to the throne, Valen Reach remains their stronghold in spirit—enduring, pragmatic, and quietly watchful.
Demographics
Valen Reach is home to approximately 20,000 inhabitants, most of whom are human and native to the western fringes of the Kingdom of Auxelon. The population is predominantly Reachborn, a culturally distinct subset of Auxelonians known for their austere, martial values and reverence for strength, discipline, and legacy. The city maintains a relatively homogenous ethnic composition, though a small minority of elves, often battle-exiled or those aligned with Auxelon during times of alliance, reside within its bounds—usually as scholars of warfare or retired duelists seeking refuge in a land that respects martial prowess.
The social fabric of Valen Reach is deeply intertwined with its military roots. A significant portion of the population serves or has served in the Auxelonian armed forces, with many families tracing their lineages through generations of warriors. Professions are geared toward sustaining a martial society—blacksmiths, fletchers, armorsmiths, war tacticians, and medics are common trades. Administrative positions are filled by descendants of noble bloodlines and distinguished officers, with House Arkadian remaining the most prominent. Although the throne now sits in the capital, House Arkadian still exerts considerable influence over Valen Reach, both politically and culturally, serving as a living symbol of its proud legacy and the virtues it instills.
Wealth disparity is less pronounced here than in other cities, as status is more often derived from service and merit than coin. Nevertheless, the nobility and officer class occupy fortified estates on the city's inner ring, while common soldiers and artisans reside in tightly-knit but modest stone homes throughout the lower wards. The city also houses several religious orders and flamewardens, who maintain the ancestral shrines and war memorials that dot the Reach’s rugged skyline, ensuring that remembrance remains central to its identity.
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