Whitevale

Whitevale is a small, historic walled town located in northwest Oldeshire, nestled atop a steep hill along a broad river. It lies east of Shroomtown, west of Ortus Mallum, and south of Esthar University. Founded by cwsf123, Whitevale stands as a preserved example of early Shire construction, having remained little changed since its establishment.

Geography & Layout

Whitevale is built upon a large hill overlooking a river that runs diagonally from southwest to northeast. A stone defensive wall curves around the southern and eastern flanks of the town, with its endpoints terminating at the riverbanks. Access to the town is restricted to a single fortified gate on the southern wall. Visitors entering the gate pass through a stone tunnel beneath the hillside, emerging within the main settlement.

Architecture & Design

The town features a charming blend of timber-framed and stone buildings, many adorned with red brick roofs. The layout is dense but deliberate, with narrow paths winding between homes, shops, and public spaces. The aesthetic reflects classic Shire architectural traditions, marked by modest ornamentation and practical design.

Notable Structures

• Whitevale City Hall: At the town’s center stands the grand Whitevale City Hall, a striking civic structure with:

• • A distinctive red brick roof

• • Chessboard-patterned marble floors

• • Sturdy stone walls

• • A prominent clocktower, one of the town’s tallest and most recognizable landmarks

• The Wizard’s Tower: Atop the highest point of the central hill rises The Wizard’s Tower, a fantastical cobblestone structure believed to be the oldest surviving magical outpost in the region.

The tower features a slender base that tapers upward before dramatically flaring outward into a larger upper section.

The topmost chamber is capped with a vivid red peaked roof, and sports stained-glass windows arranged in geometric patterns.

Decorative use of cobblestone pillars and log trims adds verticality and contrast.

The tower stands over the town like a watchful sentinel, often glowing at night with soft internal lighting.

Commercial District

Whitevale is home to several small businesses clustered near the town square:

• New Brick Building Supplies – specializing in construction materials

• The Wicked Cauldron – a cozy tavern-style restaurant

• The Drunken Miner – a bar and grill popular with locals and travelers

• The Bloomsburg Inn – a small guesthouse known for its quaint charm

• Whitevale Market – an open-air plaza with room for up to eight vendors, often used for seasonal festivals and community events

Transportation

Rail Access: Whitevale is connected to the wider Shire rail network via both the Aether Line and the Cerelia Line.

River Access: Along the northeastern banks of the river are three functional docks, accommodating small trade and fishing vessels.

Cultural & Historical Significance

Whitevale is considered a heritage town by many Shire historians. Its static layout, enduring materials, and unaltered civic core make it a living museum of early Shire settlement design. The Wizard’s Tower, in particular, has sparked many myths— some believe it served as a sanctuary for arcane scholars, while others claim it functions today as a silent beacon to travelers.

The town remains a low-traffic but well-loved locale, with deep-rooted traditions, quiet charm, and a picturesque blend of natural and constructed beauty.