CALDEMOUNT

Caldemount began as a small, sleepy village nestled at the foot of Mount Aldor. Today, it’s a vibrant, compact city that houses half a million citizens within its fortified walls. Since its founding, Caldemount has built a reputation as a hub for nurturing creative and scientific pursuits. People from across Prism flock to this Human city in the hopes of making a name for themselves. 

With a strong emphasis on education, Caldemount has no shortage of brilliant and prodigious minds. This spirit of innovation and artistry is reflected in the city’s many institutions, theatres, art galleries, and districts where the most skilled and creative craftsmen, artisans, and entertainers thrive.

The royal family of Kurestal presides from Caldemount Palace, atop a hill overlooking the city below. Recently, the royal family has broken away from tradition—for the first time in Kurestal’s history, a queen now sits on the throne. 

Three years have passed since Princess Johanna was crowned Queen of Kurestal in 1843 AA. She has proven herself worthy of the crown since her father, King Aoldy, abdicated. At first, the court's complaints were many, but objections have since waned—though a few traditionalist council members, who believe the monarchy should be led by a king, still oppose her every decision.

In 1800 AA, after tragically losing all his sons, the King at the time, Henry Bion—the last of his line—established the King’s League, a championship that would determine an heir to the throne. That champion was King Aoldy. 

Since then, the King’s League has grown into a tradition to select a new champion to join the ranks of the Royal Knights of Kurestal. When the Knights’ positions were filled and Kurestal was at peace, there was no longer a need for the King’s League. That is, until 1830 AA, when the Kingdom of Kurestal was in great peril and required champions once more.

Caldemount is second only to Aldor as a hub for learning. While Aldor College is better known for its courses on magics and the sciences, the Caldemount Institute of Education, or CIE for short, encompasses every stage of learning—from pre-school up until graduate levels. CIE—the cradle of academic excellence in Caldemount—offers courses in a wide range of subjects, including the creative arts, the performing arts, business, politics, psychology, philosophy, archaeology, herbology, and general sciences, among others. 

CIE is one of the hardest institutions to get into, with high enrollment requirements at both the high school and graduate levels. Many parents, noble and commoner, send their children at a young age to stand a better chance of enrolling, though competition is high.

Originally named Thistlewood Theatre, its stage remains home to Kurestal’s greatest orchestras, operas, and plays. According to historical records, Queen Opaltine Bion (pronounced O-ple-tyne) had a fondness for both the performing arts and the illustrious opera singer and actor, Elowen Beaumont. 

Queen Opaltine’s generosity led to her becoming a patron of the arts and the theatre was renamed in her honour. Queen Opaltine also funded the performing arts building at CIE and erected a statue of Elowen as an iconic symbol of the performing arts.

At the heart of Caldemount, Eolin Square bustles with activity as citizens weave through colourful stalls and shops. Eolin’s golden statue stands at the square’s centre, a radiant reminder of Kurestal’s success. Every year, at the height of the summer season, stalls are set up for Fontana Fair. Off to the left of the square is a shopping district where the finest craftsmen, cafes, restaurants, and stores are located. Many Caldemount aristocrats do their shopping here, buying the highest quality items from well-known and well-established artisans while nibbling on freshly baked pastries.