Valimilrich

Valimilrich is a fictional city-state in the fantasy setting of the Valimir Chronicles. It is described as the capital of the Valimilric Dominion, situated in the eastern foothills of the Mirith Range along the Lysara River. The name blends the founder line, Valimil, with a word meaning prosperity, reflecting its role as a center of trade and culture.

Geography and urban layout

Valimilrich is a walled urban center with distinct quarters, including the Old Quarter, Market Quarter, and Harbor Quarter. The city is bounded by river flats to the south and rocky uplands to the north, with sandstone walls and watchtowers that reinforce its defenses. The Crystal Gate serves as the principal entrance and symbol of the city’s craft and wealth.

History

According to lore, Valimilrich was founded in the early centuries of the Valimir calendar by the Valimil family and grew through merchants, artisans, and scholars. It endured multiple sieges and upheavals, with the most noted events being trade revolutions and two dynastic transitions that reshaped its political balance. The city often plays a central role in regional diplomacy within the Dominion.

Society and economy

The city is renowned for glassmaking, metalworking, and textiles, supported by river trade and nearby quarries. A council-based governance system coordinates trade, culture, and security, with guilds wielding considerable influence. Festivals, including the Festival of Lamps, celebrate craftsmanship and civic unity.

Notable landmarks

Key landmarks include the Crystal Gate, the Archives of Lumen, and the Spire of Winds, which together symbolize Valimilrich’s blend of tradition, knowledge, and industry.

In fiction

Valimilrich appears as a core setting in the Valimir Chronicles, serving as a hub for political intrigue, commerce, and cultural exchange.