[center]____________________________________________________________________________________
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————[/center][center][h3][sup][b]N O T A B L E [color=2e2c2c].[/color] T H O R N V A L E [color=2e2c2c].[/color] L O C A T I O N S[/b][/sup][/h3][/center][center]—————————————————————————————————————————————————————[/center]
[center][sup][color=808080][i]To view fullsize images, right click on image and choose 'open image in new tab'[/i][/color][/sup]

[table][row][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/LAhB6ZO.png[/img]
[justify][center][h3][sup][sub][b]V A L L E Y [color=2e2c2c].[/color] O F [color=2e2c2c].[/color] K I N G S[/b][/sub][/sup][/h3][/center][hr][sup][color=808080]The capital of Thornvale is the largest city in the hold and one of the few settlements scattered throughout the harsh mountains. It is nestled in the large valley at the heart of Mount Briar at the end of the Bramble Weave. A majority of the hold’s citizens resided within this city or on the small bit of farmland that surrounds it, scaling the low ends of the mountain. On the far side of the city, built out of the side of the mountain and overlooking the valley, is the Black Citadel and home of the King. This location has proved to be the most defensible location in all of Aethoria and the optimal seat for the King due to its natural fortifications and limited entry points.[/color]
[color=2e2c2c]...........................................................................................[/color][/sup][/justify][/cell][cell][color=2e2c2c].[/color][/cell][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/5LQVtsY.png[/img]
[justify][center][h3][sup][sub][b]M O U N T [color=2e2c2c].[/color] B R I A R[/b][/sub][/sup][/h3][/center][hr][sup][color=808080]Mount Briar is the largest and most treacherous mountain range in Aethoria. It covers a majority of Thornvale leaving most of the land wild and untamed. The hold got its name from these mountains which stretch up into the sky like sharp snow covered thorns. Most of these peaks are said to be so steep that it is nearly impossible to scale except by the most skilled climbers. A majority of this range is uninhabited aside from the native wildlife and the rare homestead.[/color]
[color=2e2c2c]...........................................................................................[/color][/sup][/justify][/cell][cell][color=2e2c2c].[/color][/cell][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/RDr20A3.png[/img]
[justify][center][h3][sup][sub][b]B R A M B L E [color=2e2c2c].[/color] W E A V E[/b][/sub][/sup][/h3][/center][hr][sup][color=808080]The Bramble Weave is the main waterway that cuts through the sharp peaks of Mount Briar. This river was named for the way it is woven throughout the mountain range, carving one of the few paths of safe travel through the harsh terrain. It is a deep and fairly wide river that connects the Valley of Kings to the Bay of Kings and is often the major route for visitors, travelers, and trade in and out of the valley. While most of the subsequent offshoots of the river have different names, they are often called [i]‘Threads of the Weave.’[/i][/color]
[color=2e2c2c]...........................................................................................[/color][/sup][/justify][/cell][/row][row][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/5IvoZz6.png[/img]
[justify][center][h3][sup][sub][b]T H E [color=2e2c2c].[/color] K I N G ' S [color=2e2c2c].[/color] F I S T[/b][/sub][/sup][/h3][/center][hr][sup][color=808080]The only other entry point into the Valley of Kings besides the Bramble Weave is a land bridge that connects Gloomfen to Thornvale called The King’s Fist. While a majority of the Fist is easily traversible, the point of contention is where the land bridge funnels into the mouth of Mount Briar. Anyone seeking to reach the valley by land must follow the single path that cuts through the mountain and its entrance is a heavily guarded choke point. While most of the hold is left wild and unmanned, the Fist is the most heavily guarded fortress in all of Thornvale, stopping most attacks and insurrections before they start.[/color]
[color=2e2c2c]...........................................................................................[/color][/sup][/justify][/cell][cell][color=2e2c2c].[/color][/cell][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/kZFpTvf.png[/img]
[justify][center][h3][sup][sub][b]K I N G ' S [color=2e2c2c].[/color] G A T E[/b][/sub][/sup][/h3][/center][hr][sup][color=808080]On the opposite side of The King’s Fist, resting on the border of Thornvale and Gloomfen is the King’s Gate. This is more of a fortification or extensive barracks rather than a proper city. Similar to how the Fist is the only way by land into the Valley of Kings, the Gate is the only way into the Fist from the marshlands. This garrison is manned by guards from both Thornvale and Gloomfen and is governed by the High Steward in defense of the King. All who wish to travel to the valley by land must pass through the King’s Gate and the King’s Fist alike, making it a treacherous path for any who oppose the crown.[/color]
[color=2e2c2c]...........................................................................................[/color][/sup][/justify][/cell][cell][color=2e2c2c].[/color][/cell][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/GD3T8tb.png[/img]
[justify][center][h3][sup][sub][b]T H E [color=2e2c2c].[/color] V I S E[/b][/sub][/sup][/h3][/center][hr][sup][color=808080]The Vise is the narrow water channel that connects the Bay of Kings to the South Sea. It is the singular water entry point that eventually leads into the valley. It got its name for the way the land curves around the bay and pinches the channel like a vise or pincer. This narrow thoroughway also acts as the sea equivalent of The King’s Fist.[/color]
[color=2e2c2c]...........................................................................................[/color][/sup][/justify][/cell][/row][row][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/Ho3ntBo.png[/img]
[justify][center][h3][sup][sub][b]E A S T [color=2e2c2c].[/color] & [color=2e2c2c].[/color] W E S T [color=2e2c2c].[/color] W A T C H[/b][/sub][/sup][/h3][/center][hr][sup][color=808080]On either side of The Vise are two garrisons that man the channel and monitor all sea travel in and out of the Bay of Kings. These settlements are built out of the side of the rocky cliffside that overlooks the channel. They are named East or West Watch, respectively, for whichever side of The Vise they reside on but both garrisons are identical in most ways. There is no easy way to travel between the Watches as the only thing connecting them are the large iron chains used to halt ships that attempt to pass without permission. If anyone wishes to visit the other Watch, they must cross the channel by boat or take the long and arduous journey around the bay by land. There are boats specifically for the Watchers for this exact purpose… Or ravens.[/color]
[color=2e2c2c]...........................................................................................[/color][/sup][/justify][/cell][cell][color=2e2c2c].[/color][/cell][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/AMRpLjS.png[/img]
[justify][center][h3][sup][sub][b]B A Y [color=2e2c2c].[/color] O F [color=2e2c2c].[/color] K I N G S[/b][/sub][/sup][/h3][/center][hr][sup][color=808080]The Bay of Kings is the major water source and home to the only port for Thornvale that rests at the mouth of the Bramble Weave. It is a large landlocked body of water that could be easily mistaken for a lake if it wasn’t for the channel that passes through The Vise connecting the bay to the South Sea. All travelers that arrive by sea enter Thornvale through The Vise and into the Bay of Kings. Most trade that comes into the hold comes by ship through the bay, so water travel is quite frequent and it is common for most visitors to arrive by boat as well.[/color]
[color=2e2c2c]...........................................................................................[/color][/sup][/justify][/cell][cell][color=2e2c2c].[/color][/cell][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/liy4PpR.png[/img]
[justify][center][h3][sup][sub][b]T H E [color=2e2c2c].[/color] K N O T[/b][/sub][/sup][/h3][/center][hr][sup][color=808080]Situated at the mouth of the Bramble Weave and on the edge of the Bay of Kings is the large harbor city called The Knot. This is the only other major settlement in Thornvale aside from the Valley of Kings and houses the major ports for the hold. Nearly all trade comes in and out of The Knot. Most merchants rarely travel deeper into the Vale, often trading off their goods to local merchants who then make the journey up the Bramble Weave to the valley. Otherwise, most people who come into the Bay only visit The Knot, so it sees a lot more foreigners or travelers from other holds compared to the Valley of Kings.[/color]
[color=2e2c2c]...........................................................................................[/color][/sup][/justify][/cell][/row][row][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/Xoc6Q4h.png[/img]
[justify][center][h3][sup][sub][b]T H E [color=2e2c2c].[/color] B L A C K [color=2e2c2c].[/color] R O S E[/b][/sub][/sup][/h3][/center][hr][sup][color=808080]While the Valley of Kings is home to many brothels, there is only one of note that is spoken of amongst the wealthy, King’s Guard, and even some of the nobles. Most citizens of the city know of Madame Lyssa and The Black Rose. It is the most reputable brothel in all of the valley, garnering only the most extravagant of visitors. Commonly called The Rose by those who frequent it, this house of ill repute is almost always teaming with off duty guards. If you can’t find them in the barracks, it’s a safe bet you’ll find them beneath silk sheets and distracted with fairer company at The Rose.[/color]
[color=2e2c2c]...........................................................................................[/color][/sup][/justify][/cell][cell][color=2e2c2c].[/color][/cell][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/KVD8540.png[/img]
[justify][center][h3][sup][sub][b]T H E [color=2e2c2c].[/color] R A V E N ' S [color=2e2c2c].[/color] N E S T[/b][/sub][/sup][/h3][/center][hr][sup][color=808080]Similar to brothels, there are dozens of taverns throughout the valley. And while it isn’t uncommon to find people frequenting other locations, The Raven’s Nest is the most popular and often at max capacity most evenings. It rests on the edge of the river where the Bramble Weave opens up to the valley making it the first tavern travelers come across upon entering the valley via water. At some point it had a different name, but due to how often the King’s Guard, or Ravens of the Citadel, spend their time there, its name was changed decades ago to reflect that. The Nest is also the finest tavern in the city and often used to house servants and guards of visiting nobles who are not given quarters within the citadel. [/color]
[color=2e2c2c]...........................................................................................[/color][/sup][/justify][/cell][cell][color=2e2c2c].[/color][/cell][cell]
[justify][sup][color=2e2c2c]...........................................................................................[/color][/sup][/justify][/cell][/row][/table][/center]