[City Introduction] :
Forstvale, a small yet vibrant city nestled between a lush forest and a series of gently rolling hills. While not as grand as some of the larger cities in the kingdom.
Frostvale has a charm that draws both adventurers and travelers alike. Its architecture is a beautiful mix of traditional stone buildings and wooden homes, with vines and flowers spilling over rooftops and along the walls, creating a welcoming, rustic atmosphere. The cobbled streets wind through the city, with a mix of market stalls, shops, and inns lining the pathways.
Its natural beauty is one of its defining features. The air is crisp, with a faint chill that never fully disappears, even in the summer months, hence the name "Frostvale." The nearby Silverwood Forest provides an abundance of wildlife and resources, from medicinal herbs to precious ores hidden deep within the mountains. Streams of clear water run through the city, and small gardens are everywhere, both private and public. The outskirts of the city are dotted with small farms and herb gardens, all flourishing under the natural protection of the surrounding forest.
Frostvale has a population of approximately 20,000 people, with a mix of humans and beastmen. Here, beastmen like the Wolfkin, Foxkin, Catkin, and Dogkin live harmoniously alongside humans, although the natural hierarchy still exists. Strength is the true currency in Frostvale; anyone who shows weakness is quickly overshadowed by those who can hold their ground, regardless of race. Despite this, there is a surprising level of respect between the different races, and discrimination is rare due to the strong bonds formed through mutual defense of the city and its values.
The Wolfkin are known to be the most physically imposing, their tall, broad frames and fierce nature making them respected warriors. Foxkin, with their cunning intelligence and magical prowess, often serve as scouts, spies, or merchants. The Catkin are agile and nimble, known for their speed, while the Dogkin are the most loyal and dependable, often forming the backbone of the city's defense forces. Humans, while generally more numerous, live alongside the beastmen in a loose but respectful coexistence. They are skilled artisans, traders, and diplomats, and often lead the city's government.
Special Spots and Landmarks:
The Moonlit Market:
The Silverwood Grove:
The Shifting Hills:
The Eternal Flame Tavern:.
Adventurer's Guild:
The Adventurer's Guild is located in the heart of Frostvale, just off the main square. The building itself is a large, stone structure with wooden beams and a sign of a crossed sword and shield hanging over the door. Inside, it's bustling with activity: adventurers of all races, young and old, are gathering to take on new missions or share stories of their travels. The guild is run by an elderly, grizzled Wolfkin named Baldric, who is both respected and feared in equal measure. Though the guild is small, it serves as a crucial hub for anyone looking to make a name for themselves or take on high-risk jobs.
As Noah and his companions approach the city, they board a small public carriage drawn by two sturdy horses. The air is crisp, and the landscape gradually shifts from the wide open fields to the dense, lush environment surrounding Frostvale. The carriage is filled with several travelers, including a group of Foxkin girls, who sit across from Noah and the others. They giggle and whisper to each other, their eyes glinting with playful interest as they eye Noah.
One of the Foxkin girls, a particularly bold one with bright red fur and a mischievous smile, leans forward, fluttering her lashes as she speaks to Noah.
"Hey there, handsome," she purrs, her voice low and inviting. "I've heard a lot about you. They say you're quite the warrior. Maybe we could… get to know each other better?"
Her companions giggle softly, clearly entertained by their friend's boldness. The Foxkin girl leans closer, her tail swishing behind her with a playful flick.
Noah, caught a bit off guard but maintaining his composure, looks at the girls. Before he can respond, Layla, sitting next to him, gives off an unmistakable aura—her killing intent so strong it sends a chill through the air.
The Foxkin girl's smile falters as she suddenly feels the oppressive pressure radiating from Layla, who is glaring at her with a look that could freeze the blood of anyone foolish enough to challenge Noah's space.
Layla's voice is calm, but the undertone is deadly. "If you want to flirt with him, at least be prepared for the consequences. He's already got people who would die to protect him."
The Foxkin girls shrink back, their confidence quickly evaporating under Layla's intense gaze. The bold one attempts to laugh it off, but her forced smile is a clear sign of discomfort.
Layla smirks and leans back, her eyes still locked on the girls. "Next time, think twice before trying to mess with him."
Noah glances at Layla, impressed by her calm dominance over the situation, but also grateful for the protection she offered without a second thought.
Lyra, sitting quietly beside them, raises an eyebrow at the scene. "You sure know how to handle things, Layla."
"No one messes with my Noah," Layla responds nonchalantly, twirling a lock of her hair.
The carriage rolls on toward the city, the tension diffusing as they draw closer to Frostvale. The girls have made their stance clear, and Noah, though appreciative of their efforts, knows that there's much ahead—both danger and opportunity await in the city.
As the carriage wheels rolled over cobblestone roads, the sight before us came into full view—Frostvale.
A city nestled between low mountain ranges and quiet forests, its skyline wasn't dominated by tall towers or majestic spires, but by its sheer vibrance. Lanterns dangled from wooden poles, casting a soft, warm glow despite the daylight. Snow lightly dusted the rooftops, earning it the name "Frostvale." But what made it feel alive was the people.
Humans walked shoulder-to-shoulder with beastkin—foxkin with white tails swaying confidently, wolfkin with intense eyes, catkin lounging lazily on rooftops, and even a few tall bearkin hauling crates in the market district. There was no tension, no looks of disdain. People here had adapted. Strength still held value, that much was obvious from the muscular adventurers and robed mages strolling with authority—but respect came from capability, not race.
"I like it," Lyra said quietly, her sharp gaze sweeping the lively streets. "It's not as chaotic as the capital, but there's something… peaceful about it."
Scarlett leaned forward, eyes sparkling. "They have stalls selling beastkin clothing and accessories… I want a fluffy tail keychain."
Before Noah could respond, the carriage slowed and eventually came to a stop near a small plaza.
"Let's eat before heading to the guild," Noah said, hopping off first.
They entered a humble shop with wooden walls, warm lighting, and the scent of fresh bread and roasted vegetables wafting through the air. It wasn't crowded—just a few tables occupied by travelers and locals.
"Welcome!" chirped a fox girl waitress with two silver tails. Her golden eyes locked onto Noah instantly. "Oh my… a new face, and such a handsome one."
Layla's eye twitched.
"I'll bring the menu~ unless… you'd rather have me on the table instead?" the fox girl said, clearly teasing.
Scarlett sighed. Lyra blinked once, expression unreadable.
But Noah only smiled politely. "The menu will do just fine."
The fox girl giggled and swayed away, her tails bouncing.
Layla leaned closer to Noah, voice low and cold. "If one more fluffy tail touches you, I'm turning this place into a fox pelt store."
"…Duly noted," Noah muttered, slightly sweating.
The girls laughed softly—well, everyone except Layla, who kept a sharp eye on the waitress until their food arrived. Plates of herb-seasoned rice, grilled root vegetables, and hot spiced soup were laid out. Nothing extravagant, but it was warm, filling, and comforting.
"This place might be small," Scarlett murmured between bites, "but I can see why you picked it."
"We're not here to stand out," Noah said quietly. "We're here to grow. And this place... it feels like the right place to start."
Outside, the adventurer's guild tower stood proudly at the city's center, not too far away—a simple, tall building with a bold insignia of a sword and shield crossed behind a mountain peak.
-to be continued....