Orias Vual

Category	Cities
Continent	Karterus
Region	Ma'Ohari
Owner	Goth-Dyvermoir
Population	60,000+
Founder	Vucub Caquix
Founded	9 Hollow 666 LE
Map	Tha'lith

The settlement of Orias Vual was established by demons from the fabled regiment known as Vauquix. During the Demon Spawn War, this military unit became stranded on Bal-Kriav and went into hiding, evading their angelic adversaries. When the gods and angels departed this world, they stationed guardians across the lands to watch for the Vauquix's resurgence. After more than two millennia, the angels presumed the demons had either slain one another or been wiped out by the denizens of the realm. Upon the angels' leave, the demons reemerged from the depths of the Underdark, constructing Orias Vual atop the plateau overlooking Malephar. This settlement became the capital of the Varelay Empire, whose demonic inhabitants proved as ruthless and domineering as their brethren in the Abyss. Their unrelenting mining and wanton destruction transformed the surrounding countryside into a volatile landscape, sparking the historical period known as the Varelay Upheaval (2608 LE - 16 HE).

After the fall of Varelay, the once-vibrant metropolis descended into disrepair. The remaining demons established transient strongholds that swiftly crumbled. In time, the hundred or so demons departed, abandoning the ruins to the wilds. Orias Vual became the domain of monstrosities and bands of firenewts. Late in the Horgon Era, the firenewts of Malephar reconstructed portions of the expansive ruined city.

The crimson dragon Hellbleaker and a cohort of fire giants assaulted the city in 799, subjugating a community of firenewts totaling tens of thousands. Orias Vual was subsequently enlarged to accommodate the giants and their new overlord.

In 832, following the establishment of Goth-Dyvermoir, the city of Orias Vual was designated as the empire's capital.

In the year 1456, Orias Vual was apprehended by an army commanded by the Asvard Fjoll. The army expelled the empire's dragon despot and installed a theocratic government in its stead. Orias Vual thereafter became the epicenter of religious veneration in Goth-Dyvermoir, devoting itself to the dictates of Surtur.

In 1462, a rapid military campaign known as the Retribution Campaign resulted in Raxcvillibus capturing the city and eliminating Emperor Gorthundor. Curiously, due to suspected collusion with Gorthundor's daughter, Raxcvillibus did not lay claim to the city. Instead, he extracted 500,000 gold pieces from the city's treasury, as well as 40 fire giants and 5,000 firenewts as spoils of war. The rule of the city was then entrusted to the Vinjof Sillodis and their new leader, Oni'tira.

Orias Vual is an ancient and colossal city, built along and within the cliffs that overlook Malephar. Lava canals wind through the city, cascading over the cliffs as lava falls or descending the great steps carved into the cliffs. The architecture of the city is grandiose, featuring 300-foot spires of lava stone, mammoth arches and bridges, and vast domed buildings, blending elements of demon, dragon, and fire giant design. Orias Vual is a smoky, hot, and arid place. The Vinjof Sillodis maintains their government offices in the massive palace that once served as the seat of power for Hellbleaker and the demon masters of Varelay.

The city contains numerous passages leading into Dhark Bolg. Those directing towards Sephu'phis are heavily fortified.