Kaldaron

Kaldaron is one of the original three founding cities of The Vaelthranni Compact and is located northeast of Aetheria in the region of Oldeshire. Constructed by Lord Drekar, the town is visually distinguished by its unique blend of stone, brick, and sandstone architecture, with gleaming white quartz streets. While it hosts a small boat dock, its more significant transport facility is the air dock situated atop a steep hill on the town’s southwestern edge. This air dock serves as the home base for one of the Vaelthranni Compact’s largest warships, recognizable by its grand blue and yellow balloon and wings. The warship is capable of a 24-gun broadside and is a symbol of Kaldaron’s ongoing commitment to the defense and security of the Compact.

Geography and Infrastructure

Kaldaron is accessible via the Cerelia Line and serves as a strategic node in the broader Vaelthranni Compact transportation network. The town is built across multiple elevations and features a prominent above-ground and underground division. The surface-level area includes residential quarters, commerce, and key civic institutions, while a large subterranean network beneath the city houses vital infrastructure such as vaults, trade halls, and mining operations.

Notable Surface Locations

Chantry of Contemplation: A quiet temple dedicated to those who were left behind, promoting solemn reflection.

Kaldaron Garrison: A military stronghold marked by two tall watchtowers connected by a high bridge spanning over the road.

Kaldaron Trading Company: The town’s major hub for goods exchange and commercial activity.

Kaldaron Archives: A repository of historical documents and cultural records.

Cemetery and Undertaker's Office: Serving both ceremonial and practical roles in the town’s customs around death.

War Memorial: Honoring soldiers and citizens who have sacrificed for the Compact.

Open-Air Vendor Row: Includes notable merchants such as Drekar’s Devices, Nachos’ Tapas Stand, New Venice Travel Agency, and Dr. Ben’s Dangerous Concoctions.

Thistle Due Nicely: A quaint florist offering a wide array of blooms.

Community Center: A gathering place for town events and public affairs.

Underground District

Kaldaron's underground district is extensive and carefully engineered, a hallmark of the city's collaboration with Kuzvak’s expert architects. It features:

Main Underground Road: A wide passage leading into a cavernous marketplace and mining hub.

Mordremoth’s Mercantile: A general goods store selling food, weapons, tools, and oddities.

Kaldaron Vaults: Secure storage for precious ores and rare minerals.

Shop Row: Includes unique establishments such as Knickknack Ned’s Shack of Shambles (which buys and sells anything), Cordon Bleurgh’s Snack Shop, and Rusty’s Repairs (“We Fix Anything!”).

Kaldaron Detention Center: A largely empty prison capable of housing 13 prisoners.

Mining Complex: Extensive mineshafts and ore processing facilities.

Underground Neighborhood: A small residential zone with seven homes.

Kaldaron Grand Temple: A massive circular chamber of worship built into the subterranean depths.

Underground Pond: Located at the base of the central chamber, it is surrounded by grasses and wildflowers, offering an oasis-like quality not seen in deeper cities like Kuzvak.

History

Kaldaron was founded well before the formation of the Vaelthranni Compact and became an essential part of the original Triumvirate along with Aetheria and Kuzvak. In the year 2057PRY, after years of tension and conflict— including the Third Ascension War— these cities formalized their cooperation to prevent further violence, resulting in a golden age of prosperity and innovation.

Kaldaron was severely affected by the Great Collapse in 0CE, during which the mountain ranges that protected the Compact cities were destroyed in an earthquake triggered by overuse of environmental-warping technology. Heroic efforts preserved two-thirds of the city, and its survival is considered a testament to the resilience of its people and builders.

In more recent times, Kaldaron has continued to develop its aerial infrastructure and mining capabilities, contributing heavily to both defense and trade within the Compact. Its docked warship and underground vaults position it as both a bastion of military readiness and economic strength.

Culture and Society

The people of Kaldaron are known for their resilience, pragmatism, and stoic pride in their heritage. Though partially rebuilt after the flood, much of the town retains its original spirit. The balance between surface-level tranquility and underground industry defines daily life, and the mix of solemn temples, festive vendor rows, and secure vaults exemplifies the town's multifaceted character.

Affiliations

Kaldaron is an active member of the Vaelthranni Compact and contributes representatives to the governing council seated in Drosvenar. It also maintains strong cultural and infrastructural ties to its sister cities Aetheria and Kuzvak, and cooperates closely with Alqualonde and Drosvenar in airship development and trade.