Riverdale

Riverdale
The city was built there for two purposes: to protect the Haketsua Pass, and tap wild magics. Haketsua Pass is an easy road to get from east to west, granting passage from Arcesia to Athal. Once the capitol of the dragon nations fell, it was wisest for the elves to protect themselves by building a keep that could withstand dragonfire. The wild magics that flow in that area are said to be from the converging of draconic and elven powers. The Gi'adara River (or Guiding River), separates the two nations' boarders.

Once known as the City of Bards, where the Riverhaven Guild held their original headquarters, the only music that can be heard within the high stone walls of Riverdale now are the clashing sounds of war. Stone walls were raised to protect the city from mass and constant attacks. Reinforced by magic and might, it is a rare moment indeed when an enemy is able to breech the walls. Avila's Wall, the area where the front gates have held for centuries, were named after an Avariel queen who had them made. It is said that when the wall was breached, she was trapped there, and died against it.

It is forbidden for anyone to raise a holy symbol to a building, or to have healer's wards marked. The inhabitants have learned quickly that the enemy will target and strike down places of healing. Instead, Riverdalians have created a method of healing their men and women on the battlefields during attacks by dressing their clerics in common-wear or in fighter's armor. This way, the enemy would have a harder time targeting them. Once the battles are over, remaining wounded are taken to safe houses or even the palace.

The palace, built thousands of years before the Sundering, has never fallen. Though it has been breeched only a handful of times since it was raised, the magics running through the stonework have guaranteed it will stand for another several thousand years. On the outside, it may look as though it juts out from the mountainside, when in fact, it delves deeply into the rock, turning into miles-work of tunnels and caverns. Kirdrakath Mountain, in which the castle is conjoined, is said to be well guarded by the spirit of the dragon who once guarded it.

The Viridian Royal Family once served and protected the Malkadian dragons of Almog. During the Sundering, Lord Jorildyn di Reese and his brother Arundel turned against their tyrannical masters, joining with the good people of Riverdale. while Arundel fathered twins with Queen Annaldra Carawood of Athal, Kaileena and Kaiden Reese.

Jorildyn fathered a son, then a daughter. Ruled now by his daughter, Lady Aryannath di Reese of the House Viridian. She reluctantly took the throne when her brother, Anarallath, was mortally wounded in a battle. Though he can no longer use his legs, he is the reasoning behind his sister's rule. His best friend, Calanon Aerdirnaithon, acts as her second in command.

Lava Lake is a little known bar in the rundown section of the city. It was funded by Keraph's frequent visits, and is known mostly for its strange denizens and questionable drinks.