Darkvale
The Bright and the Dark
No one is sure what happened to the city of Brightvale although it is widely believed that its populous fell to a powerful spell or curse. Trade and commerce between Brightvale and the rest of the realm was commonplace until all communication from the island-city ceased instantly over three hundred years ago.
What is known is that when soldiers from Tantoräc landed at its port they found that the people had torn parts of their city apart before doing the same to each other. It was not lost on the soldiers that the areas where most destruction was concentrated belonged to the most affluent. Since its fall travellers have reported seeing creatures of dread skulking within its walls and the King at the time, Raiyl Thúrlom the Third, ordered the city’s name to be changed to Darkvale.
A City Lost
Even though danger lurks around every corner Darkvale still attracts those driven by need or greed. The vaults within the House of Coin still team with gold and its manors still hold artefacts and curios. The city may be mostly destroyed but it has yet to be looted.
My Kingdom for a Temple
Some say Brightvale's fate was linked to the fact that the city had no discernible temple. Despite asking for one to be built the High Priests were told that men and not gods held sway over the governing of Brightvale, leading many to wonder if the gods had a hand in the city's downfall.
The City of Darkvale
The tortured moan of the wind blows through the empty streets of Darkvale, punctured only by the screech of some foul, loathsome creature or by the scream of its victim.
Brightvale's libraries were renowned for their grimoires and other books pertaining to spell lore. These texts remain uncovered, waiting for those brave or foolhardy enough to retrieve them.
Despite warnings and a Royal Decree forbidding travel to the island many people still make their way to Darkvale, hoping to retrieve lost treasure and untold riches. Few ever return.