Darkbridge

History

Darkbridge is the capital city of Darkwater Valley—also known as New Vale. Strategically located at the intersection of the Dragon Road which connects Norvos and Qohor and the Darkwater River, a tributary of the Qhoyne (and by extension, the Rhoyne), the spot quickly became a vital hub of trade.
Originally founded centuries ago as a fortified estate, the settlement grew around a walled manor that eventually evolved into the Royal Palace. Outside the protective walls, a bustling district known as Darktown emerged, driven by merchants who recognized the value of the crossroads location for exchanging goods from across the continent.
Across the river, the district of Riverside developed as a thriving port where river merchants could import and export goods along the waterway. In time, Riverside and Darktown erected its own defensive walls, but these proved insufficient when the Dothraki raiders swept through—the town fell under their assault.
During the Great Flight—when exiles from the Vale fled eastward—Darkbridge gained newfound importance. Its capture was not only a turning point in the war but also marked the birth of a new nation: Darkwater Valley.
There, Laeya zo Lezehrq, alongside the prominent houses of the Vale—House Redfort and House Baelish—agreed to establish a new homeland for both exiles and native inhabitants alike.
Following the war, Darkbridge flourished. Its growth was rapid and quicker than most expected, transforming from a strategic outpost into a vibrant and expanding city at the heart of the new realm.

Districts of Darkbridge

• Royal Palace
  • Located within a walled compound by the river, the Royal Palace is the seat of power in Darkbridge. Surrounded by various gardens and fortified grounds, it houses the ruling family and stands at the heart of the Darktown district.
• Darktown
  • Situated on the western bank of the river, Darktown is the oldest and most central district of Darkbridge. Enclosed within the Old Walls, it is the historic core of the city, where the first settlements took root. Today, it remains a vital commercial and cultural hub.
• Riverside
  • Across the river to the east lies Riverside—the smallest, yet densely populated district of the city. Originally a landing point for river merchants, it has grown into a lively area of local commerce, inns, and taverns. Like Darktown, it is also enclosed by the Old Walls.
• Newtown
  • Born out of necessity beyond the confines of the Old Wall, Newtown is older than many realize. As the city grew, space within the Old Walls ran short, and the district expanded rapidly. With the rise of Darkbridge as the capital of the New Vale and the construction of the New Wall, Newtown became increasingly dense. The district houses various tradespeople—blacksmiths, shoemakers, bakers, and butchers. It also features the House of the Bearded Priest, a prominent temple established by the Norvosi faithful.
• Riverfield
  • Located south of Newtown and west of the river, Riverfield became home to many mercenaries and sellswords who built homes there. The fertile soil also attracted farmers, giving the district a rustic, working-class atmosphere. Riverfield, inside the New Wall, is a place of labor—both honest and otherwise.
• Greyfield
  • Beyond the Hairy Gate and the protective reach of the New Wall, Greyfield sprawls along the Valyrian Road. Some believed that proximity to the ancient trade route was more valuable than the city's protection. Greyfield is known for its wide farmland and numerous inns, catering to travelers passing through.
• Bright District
  • South of Riverside, the Bright District earns its name from its wide, sunlit streets and large inner gardens. This elegant area is home to the city’s wealthiest citizens. The Red Temple, second in size only to the Grand Sept, was erected here by the followers of R’hllor. It lies within the New Wall.
• The Docks
  • Situated east of the river, just south of Riverside and west of the Bright District, the Docks emerged when Riverside grew too crowded. Traders and fishermen relocated southward, transforming the area into a bustling zone. Like Riverfield, many of its inhabitants are or once were sellswords. Unlike Riverfield, however, the Docks are tightly packed and lively. It is within the New Wall.
• Black Barn
  • To the northeast of the Bright District and southeast of the Cross lies the district of Black Barn. Home to many of Qohorik descent, the area is known for its rich cultural traditions. Ritual animal sacrifices, tied to their beliefs, are rumored to occur here, earning the district its ominous name. The Black Temple, devoted to the Black Goat of Qohor, is located here. It is inside the New Wall.
• Redhorse
  • Beyond the Horse Gate and the Red Gate, Redhorse grew outside the city walls along the main roads. Though once considered a remote outskirt, it has grown larger than expected. The district is filled with stables, inns, and various roadside businesses.
• The Path
  • Outside the Black Gate, The Path follows the Valyrian Road toward Qohor. Strongly influenced by Qohorik customs, the area reflects a distinct cultural identity, much like Black Barn.
• The Mazeway
  • North of both Darktown and Newtown, and west of the river, the Mazeway is the largest district in Darkbridge. It is heavily influenced by Andal culture and, despite its size, is not overly dense. After the issues of overcrowding in Newtown, urban planners allotted the Mazeway and the Cross generous space to avoid similar problems. Even fields and open areas exist within its borders. The Grand Sept of the Flown—destined to become the largest temple dedicated to the Faith of the Seven in all of Essos—is under construction here. The district lies inside the New Wall.
• The Cross
  • Located east of the river and north of Black Barn and Riverside, the Cross mirrors the Mazeway in many ways. However, its cultural atmosphere combines the Qohorik and the Andals influences. Like the Mazeway, it benefits from spacious planning and is part of the city within the New Wall.

Roads, Bridges, Streets, Gates, and Squares of Darkbridge

• Roads
  • The Valyrian Road is the most significant road in Darkbridge—and all of Darkwater Valley. It connects the cities of Norvos and Qohor, passing directly through Darkbridge via the Dark-Bridge.
  • The Minor Roads link the capital with other key settlements such as The Gateway, Arnoy, Lorash, and Qohorik.
• Bridges
  • Darkbridge is known for its four key bridges spanning the Darkwater River:
    • The Dark-Bridge is the most iconic and oldest bridge, from which the city takes its name. It forms part of the Valyrian Road and is a relic of Valyria’s ancient engineering. Broad and sturdy, it stands as a symbol of power and legacy.
    • The Bridge of the New Andals connects Raven’s Street with the Mazeway. It is heavily used, particularly by pilgrims and traders.
    • The Sellswords' Bridge is vital for southern transit, linking Riverfield and the Docks—two labor-heavy districts.
    • The Whore’s Bridge. the northernmost crossing, offers a quieter alternative for those avoiding the congestion of the Bridge of the New Andals. Though considered less important, it plays a key logistical role.
• Streets
  • Bridge Street is the principal street of Darkbridge, running along the Valyrian Road and across the Dark-Bridge. It is the city’s main artery.
  • Other notable streets include:
    • Maze Street:
      • Named in reference to Lorath, it runs north to south through the Mazeway and is the only major street besides Bridge Street that reaches Darktown.
    • Raven’s Street
      • This street leads to the Bridge of the New Andals and merges with the Valyrian Road toward Qohor. Notably, between the Dark-Bridge and the Dark Gate, a section of the Valyrian Road was dismantled during the city's expansion to reuse the stone.
    • Sun Street and Horseshoe Street:
      • These two streets connect Riverside with the Redhorse District and converge on the road to New Valyria. They form the boundaries of the Bright District.
    • Three Princes Street:
      • It stretches from the New Gate to the Forest Gate, cutting through Raven’s Street. This intersection forms the center of the Cross District.
  • Secondary, but still important streets:
    • Faith’s Street:
      • Connects Darktown to the Grand Sept of the Flown and links to the Bridge of the New Andals and Wool Street.
    • Wool Street:
      • Crosses Maze Street at the center of the Mazeway and leads to Baelish’s Gate.
    • Wall Street, New Street, Old Street, Wide Street, and Amber Street:
      • These streets run parallel to various sections of the city walls and serve as alternate, less crowded routes.
    • River Alley:
      • Connects River Gate to Raven’s Street, crossing Sun Street.
    • Bread Crossing:
      • Runs through the northern part of Newtown and into the Mazeway.
    • Iron Street:
      • Crosses the southern part of Newtown and leads into Riverfield.
    • Dagger Street:
      • Leads from Riverfield out through the Rhoynar Gate toward Ar Noy.
    • Princess’ Street:
      • Cuts through the Bright District, connecting Horseshoe Street to the Red Gate.
    • Short Street:
      • Ironically long, this street crosses through the Minor Gate and leads toward the Cross. It may soon require a new city gate extension beyond the New Gate.
    • Third Feather:
      • Links the crowded southern area of the Cross with the center of Black Barn.
• Gates
  • Darkbridge has two layers of city walls, each with its own gates.
  • Old Wall Gates:
    • The Bridge Gate
    • The Old Gate
    • The Maze Gate
    • The Sword Gate
    • The Andal Gate
    • The River Gate
    • The East Gate
    • The Minor Gate
    • The Princess Gate
    • The New Gate
  • New Wall Gates:
    • The Hairy Gate
    • The Rhoynar Gate
    • Baelish’s Gate
    • The Sea Gate
    • The Forest Gate
    • The Dark Gate
    • The Red Gate
    • The Horse Gate
• Squares
  • Darkbridge features many squares, but a few are particularly prominent:
    • Market Square
      • Located in Riverside, this is a vibrant center of trade.
    • Old Square
      • The historic heart of Darktown.
    • Wall Square
      • Found in the Cross, this important plaza’s traffic helped prompt the construction of the New Gate.
    • Fish Square
      • At the Docks, it’s the main gathering place for fishmongers and sailors.
  • In addition, every major temple in the city has its own square, often used for gatherings, sermons, and public rituals.

Type

Capital