Frostvine

Nestled in the northern mountains of Miranthor, Frostvine is an isolated city with a unique history. The city's existence was largely due to the discovery of the rare crystal deposits in the region. The prospecting settlers soon found a mysterious, ancient grove known as the Godstouched Glade. This serene, natural sanctuary is said to have been blessed by the gods when they still walked the lands of Myrathis. The area radiates a gentle, divine energy, and the plants and wildlife that inhabit the glade thrive with an otherworldly vigor, despite the cold climate.
At the heart of the Godstouched Glade, there is a crystal-clear spring that is believed to have healing properties, and those who drink from it or bathe in its waters often experience a sense of rejuvenation and calm. While the potency of the spring's powers has diminished over time, the glade remains a place of pilgrimage for many seeking solace and the blessings of the gods.
Frostvine is a unique city within the Trader's Union, maintaining a monarchy with a Sovereign ruler while still being a part of the traditionally anti-monarchist Union. Apart from its natural resources, Frostvine happens to have the most impressive and effective defensive forces in Miranthor. While peace has long been maintained with the empire, with the Disputed Lands in question, the Trader’s Union has deemed it necessary that they maintain their own capable military force.
Sovereign Elira Frostbourne is seen as a benevolent ruler, focusing on the well-being of her people and ensuring the city's prosperity. She works with the city council, which is composed of six Magisters, each responsible for different aspects of the city's operations. Despite its isolated location and challenging environment, the city has thrived, becoming a symbol of resilience and adaptability.

History of Frostvine
Frostvine became a monarchy shortly after the city was attacked by an ancient white dragon, Aegolth, the Ice Tyrant, who made his hoard in the nearby mountain in 552 PSC. While some insisted the people surrender Frostvine and move their people into cities to the south, Lofria Frostbourne gathered the city’s warriors and led a charge to retake their home. Lofria landed the finishing blow, sustaining a serious and lifelong injury from the dragon’s frosty breath. But the monster was defeated and the city was retaken by its people. Shortly after, the people crowned Lofria the first Sovereign of Frostvine.
In 689 PSC, in a gesture of unity and diplomacy that would bind the monarchies together, Prince Vasir Sylvari was wed to Crown Princess Helga Frostborune. Frostvine had previously been a largely dwarven society, but with the melding of the two families, a unique blending of cultures would follow, with most inhabitants of Frostvine now a mix of elven and dwarven ancestry.
During Vale’s Conquest from 921 - 925 PSC, the Sylvari Kingdom wrote to the Soveriegn of Frostvine, pleading for aid. The leaders of Frostvine were warned by other members of the Trader’s Union that getting involved in the conflict would see them ousted from the Union, and they would not receive aid for retaliation from Vale’s forces. The Sovereign made the difficult decision to remain neutral.
While intervention may well have prevented Vale’s Conquest, following the establishment of the Estari Dominion, royal propaganda encouraged the sentiment that Frostvine was a city of cowards and betrayers, as part of their effort to continue to shine the Sylvari Kingdom in a mostly positive (albeit misguided) light to earn the love of the people. As a result, relations between Frostvine and the empire are tense, and neither prefers to deal directly with the other.

Notable features and locations:
Frostbourne Palace - The ancestral home of the Sovereign family, this grand palace is a testament to the city's mixed heritage, blending elven and dwarven architecture seamlessly.
The Glittering Halls - A network of gem mines that run deep beneath the city, providing Frostvine with its most valuable resource. The mines are renowned for their abundance of precious stones and expert miners.
The Godstouched Glade - A mysterious, ancient grove said to have been blessed by the gods when they still walked Myrathis. The glade is home to a divine spring with healing properties, making it a place of pilgrimage for many.
The Frostforge - A renowned smithy, where skilled blacksmiths craft weapons and armor imbued with the power of the gems from the Glittering Halls. Many of their creations are sought after by warriors and collectors alike.
The Wilds Watch - A fortified outpost on the outskirts of Frostvine, manned by the city's ranger-like guard force led by the Magister of the Wilds. This stronghold serves as a crucial line of defense against both external threats and dangerous creatures from the surrounding mountains.
The Frostspire Academy - A prestigious center of learning in Frostvine, this academy offers education in various fields, including magic, history, and the arts. The academy is overseen by the Magister of Education, who ensures the quality of the institution.
The Winter Market - A bustling marketplace where merchants from the Trader's Union and beyond come to trade in Frostvine's precious gems and other goods. The market is a lively hub of commerce and cultural exchange.

Population: 49,260
Mixed ancestry 45%
Dwarf: 35%
Elf: 15%
Humans: 3%
Gnomes: 1%
Other races: 1%

Council of Frostvine:
Sovereign Elira Frostbourne - A wise and just ruler, Elira is respected by the people of Frostvine for her steadfast commitment to their welfare. She is a skilled diplomat and military strategist, and her leadership has helped the city maintain its independence and unique identity within the Trader's Union.
Magister of Labour, Doran Ironhand - A former miner, Doran is well-versed in the needs and concerns of Frostvine's working class. He is a tireless advocate for fair labor practices and ensuring that the working people of the city have a voice in its governance.
Magister of the Wilds, Talia Swiftshadow - A skilled ranger, Talia is responsible for the city's defenses and maintaining peace between Frostvine and the surrounding wilderness. She leads a force of rangers who patrol the city's borders and respond to threats as they arise.
Magister of Mining, Keldric Stoneheart - As the overseer of Frostvine's valuable gem mines, Keldric ensures their continued operation and prosperity. He works closely with the Magister of Labour and the mining community to maintain safe and efficient working conditions.
Magister of the Land, Elowen Silveroak - A skilled diplomat, Elowen is responsible for maintaining Frostvine's relations with other cities and the Trader's Union as a whole. She works closely with the Magister of the Wilds to ensure that the city's interests are protected and that trade continues to flourish.
Magister of Coin, Lysander Goldmantle - As the city's treasurer, Lysander is responsible for managing Frostvine's finances and ensuring its economic stability. He is a skilled negotiator and is well-versed in the intricacies of trade and commerce.
Magister of Education, Aria Brightquill - A devoted scholar, Aria is responsible for ensuring that the citizens of Frostvine have access to quality education and opportunities for personal growth. She oversees the city's schools and institutions of higher learning, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and enlightenment.