Big Cities

Cadia- Cadia is a city located in the northern region of the kingdom. It is situated in a fertile river valley at the base of the Cadia Hills, with the Cadia River running through the center of the city. Cadia serves as a major trade hub and political center of the kingdom due to its location along trade routes and proximity to natural resources.

Geography:- Cadia is located 200 miles north of the capital city, a 3-day journey by horseback or wagon. It is surrounded by the Cadia Hills and forest to the north, with the Cadia River running southwest through the city center.- The city is divided into quarters by the river and main roads: the Merchant's Quarter contains markets, shops and guild halls; the Temple Quarter includes the Grand Cathedral as well as shrines to various gods; the Noble Quarter with estates and manors of wealthy families; and the Commons Quarter with housing for artisans, laborers and the poor.- The climate has warm summers and mild, rainy winters due to its northern location. Vineyards and farms surrounding Cadia produce grains, fruit, vegetables, timber and livestock which drive much of the city's trade. Quarries in the Cadia Hills supply stone used in buildings and roads.History:- Cadia was founded over 800 years ago at a crossing of trade routes. Its location and resources allowed the settlement to grow into an important center of commerce and trade, ruled by a council of guilds and merchant families.- 200 years ago, the king claimed Cadia through marriage to a noble family and granted it city status. The king constructed new walls and keeps, appointed a lord mayor, and made other improvements cementing royal authority despite some objections from established powers like the guilds. - In recent decades, Cadia continued to prosper as a hub for trade and craft. Tensions sometimes arise between groups seeking to influence the city's governance, but in general, Cadia remains a vibrant fusion of cultural and political influences in the kingdom. It attracts immigrants from surrounding regions drawn by its markets, institutions of learning and opportunities for work.

Yamore- Yamore is a remote coastal region located in the western kingdom. It was once a duchy ruled by descendants of rival kings, but fell into ruin 50 years ago after the royal Alaric family took power and the ruling line died out during goblin raids. Yamore is now a dangerous, ungoverned land known for dense forests, stony shores and clans descended from folk once loyal to its duchess, now fragmented by loss into rivalry.

Geography: - Yamore spans 200 miles of treacherous coastline, thick woods and hills along the kingdom's western border. It is a two-week journey overland from the capital, isolated by terrain and lawlessness. The Yamo River flows south from the Cyntal Hills through wood and waste, its mouth contested by clans and pirates.- The region has a rainy, temperate climate with short summers and long winters. Forests and shores yield wood, game and fish, but farms lie abandoned from goblin raids. Granite hills hold ruins of strongholds destroyed in wars past. Quarries are claimed by clans who trade stone for goods, or fight rivals to control them.- Hamlets and villages cling to cleared areas where clan rule is strongest, fortifying against goblins, wolves and pirates. The ruins of Yamo town, once duchy seat, remain a landmark where clans hold moot to settle feuds or unite against common enemies, a rare occasion. The Cyntal Hills bear remnants of kingdoms that perished warring long before the duchess came to rule - and meet similar fate.History: - Once Yamore was held by clans who paid tribute to rival kings, before the duchy formed 200 years ago through marriage. The duchess claimed lands by war and diplomacy, forging some clans into allies while quashing dissenters. For generations, heirs fought to expand control until goblin raids overwhelmed their guard.  - When the royal Alaric line took the throne 50 years past, the duchess perished and order shattered. Clans turned on each other in the power vacuum, some clinging to old loyalties while others sought advantage. Without central rule to curb violence, goblins and pirates grew bold - descending from hills and sea to pillage at will.  - Now no single clan dominates, each holding fast to their territory while battling neighbors and invaders alike. Some forge temporary alliances through marriage or trade, but none command Yamore entire. There is little outside contact save what clans and pirates seize by force, or eastern traders willing to risk perilous routes for goods. Yamore folk remain insular, shaped by hard lives where clan is first and last, outsiders met with spear points until proven friends - if ever that day comes.Yamore seems poised between utter lawlessness and a chance, perhaps, of new rule to unite its people if one clan grown strong and charismatic can claim old loyalties. But for now none stand to fill the void left by loss of duchess and heir, and so the region slips into deeper peril - beset without recourse between goblin horde and pirate ships to stalk each mile of border left exposed where order once held sway but now lies shattered, bereft of governance until such day as strength and vision both in equal part may rise to forge anew what was in hope that shall not, too, meet bitter end before its work is through. The future is unwritten.Please let me know if you would like any modifications to this revised entry. I aimed to incorporate the new details of political collapse and external threats to provide a fuller picture of Yamore's dire situation. Feel free to ask for any additional information on clans, ruins, geography or other subjects related to Yamore. I can suggest plot hooks and possibilities exploring how order might be restored, if at all, to this lawless region facing so many dangers at once. (edited)

Sanctaria- Sanctaria is an independent city-state located on the central plains of the kingdom. It is a holy city and center of religious power, ruled by the Sanctari Magisters in service of the gods. Sanctaria is a place of pilgrimage for worshippers across the land seeking the blessing of the gods or education at one of its renowned temples.

Geography: - Sanctaria is located in the heart of the kingdom, 250 miles from the royal capital. Grasslands surround the city, with farms producing grain, livestock and produce to support its population. The Sanctus River flows north of the city, providing water and trade routes.- The city has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and short, mild winters. It relies on the Sanctus River and underground aquifers for water, along with a man-made canal system. Surrounding farms are made possible through irrigation in this fertile yet drought-prone region.- Sanctaria is designed with temples, shrines and religious institutions at its center. The main districts are the Temple Quarter containing the Grand Cathedral and temples to the pantheon of gods; the Magisters Quarter housing religious rulers and officials; and an outer ring of housing and markets. Massive white walls surround the city, representing purity.History: - Sanctaria was founded over 1500 years ago, according to legend, by a seer who received visions telling her to build a great temple to honor the gods. The temple attracted worshippers and grew into a holy city ruled by a magister devoted to spiritual matters.- For centuries, Sanctaria remained independent and isolated, focused on theology and transcending worldly affairs. This began to change 300 years ago, as the city gained recognition across the kingdom for knowledge accumulated in its libraries and schools. Wealthy patrons funded new temples, and Sanctaria opened to pilgrims and scholars.- In recent decades, Sanctaria continues to gain prestige as a center of worship and learning, but struggles with secular influences brought by trade and visitors. The ruling Magisters follow strict doctrines of faith yet rely on the crown and wealthy patrons for funds and protection. This blend of the spiritual and pragmatic crafts a city that is rigorous yet adaptable, devout yet open - a reflection of beliefs seeking to guide spirit and flesh as one.- People are drawn to Sanctaria from diverse regions by faith or pursuit of knowledge - all attracted to its aura as a place set apart for contemplation of eternal mysteries, yet shaped inevitably by mortal hands. In this seeming contradiction lies Sanctaria's poignant grace and humanity revealed.

Port Navarre- Port Navarre is a coastal city located in the southern region of the kingdom, situated on Navarre Bay with the Navarre River running through the city before emptying into the sea. Port Navarre is a major trade port and center of naval power for the kingdom due to its location along shipping lanes and access to resources.

Geography: - Port Navarre is located 300 miles south of the capital, a 5-day journey by ship or week-long overland route. It is bordered by Navarre Forest to the north and west, with the Navarre River flowing east through the city into Navarre Bay and the sea.- The city has three main districts: the Docks containing piers, warehouses, taverns and inns catering to sailors and traders; the Merchant Quarter with markets, shops, guild halls and townhouses of wealthy traders; and the Commons Quarter with housing for laborers, craftsmen and the poor.- The region has a warm Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and rainy winters. Fishing and trade drive the economy, supplemented by coastal vineyards and olive groves. Mines in the Navarre Hills supply iron ore used in shipbuilding. Forests provide timber for naval and construction industries.History: - Port Navarre was first settled over 1000 years ago by fishermen and traders attracted to the bay for access and resources. Over time, it developed into a key trade hub and center of shipbuilding due to ideal conditions.- 500 years ago, the king claimed Port Navarre and constructed fortifications, appointing a lord admiral to command naval forces based in the city. The crown's influence expanded Port Navarre's shipyards, trading companies and political sway as a port of call for merchants and warships.- In recent years, Port Navarre continued to gain power and prestige as a center of trade and naval command. Merchant guilds and trading companies maintain political influence, at times cooperating or competing with royal interests. Privateers loyal to the crown also operate from Port Navarre, defending kingdom waters and preying on rival ships during times of conflict.- Port Navarre attracts immigrants from coastal regions, including skilled sailors, craftsmen and traders drawn to opportunities for work in its ports and guilds. This blend of influences contributes to a unique culture known for seafaring traditions, cosmopolitan outlooks and occasional lawlessness common to port towns.