Arridem

Located at the northern edge of the southern continent, Arridem falls under the jurisdiction of the Citadel. Its scholars pay dues to the empire, but are otherwise given free reign to study as they please. The city has built up around several major colleges, and while several study magical items and effects, the deans and powerful alumni of the schools are largely not magically-inclined themselves. Since becoming Blooded takes killing, many academics shy away from it, and prefer to study the phenomenon from a distance.

Arridem trades openly with nearby tribes and cultures outside the Citadel's reach. Some more enterprising types offer trade in more rare relics of the past, often digging up old ruins, cities, temples, and so on in order to get them. While some schools will buy up relics, most of them keep any such purchases under the table to avoid taxation (and depending on the item, any further investigation by authorities).

Arridem has recently fallen afoul of the Empire's good graces, and was attacked by several ships full of troops, along with an assassin bound for Urilla Bloom. Thanks to many noble efforts, the city pushed back the Imperial forces, and has now openly in rebellion, having formed it own government, the Council of Seven. Among that council is Dr. Valren Striboch.

On the outskirts of Arridem lie several of the more fringe academic schools, including those focused on studying theories not accepted in traditional research environments. Many of these schools focus on occult knowledge, the Avar, and understanding Vallene's place in the wider universe.

The recent Battle of Arridem left portions of the city in ruins. The docks district was largely destroyed, and severe damage was done to several schools and noble estates. The Empire now rules the city with a tight fist, inspecting all goods moving in or out of the city. Trade on the southern continent has ground to a halt, and the citizens are too scared to strike back. The rebel leaders are said to have drowned while attempting escape, save Urilla Bloom, former regent of the city, who was executed the next morning.