(population: 19,000) Donareth is a small city in northern Derianor that was once the capital of the Freehold of Dorada.
This unique river port is built upon both banks of the Vryne River, with much of its sprawl spread across a great stone span that crosses the water.
This span gave the city its original name of "Stonebridge."
The city has essentially three districts; "Eastshore," "Westshore," and "Stonebridge."
Today, the city thrives on its trade in various goods brought by river traffic, its main exports are exotic goods constructed by cultured artisans of Derianor.
Unlike other cities in the region, Donareth is protected by high stone walls and strong Iron Gates.
These fortifications are a reminder of the hostile neighboring barbarian tribes that plagued the city in the distant past.
Long ago, Adleroth Penrose made this city his home, after being exiled from the Realm of Adar.
Even today, the House of Penrose still wields much influence here.
Donareth is accessible via the High Road, running east and west between Elsareth and Hüertgen.
HISTORY
The present-day city of Donareth traces its origins back to a small settlement called "Stonebridge," which was founded by Vaas ethnic group called the Vryne.
This settlement took its name from an iconic, stone bridge crossing the Vryne River, which divided the village in two.
In the late Third Age, the Vryne population of Stonebridge was conquered by the Cynarans, and the settlement became part of the expanding kingdom of Urland.
After Urland itself was conquered by the Iskari, Stonebridge became independent once again.
Many centuries later, Adleroth Penrose settled at this location, after being expelled from the Kingdom of Adar.
Soon after, the small settlement grew into a proper city, and became the capital of the Freehold of Dorada.
The city was saved from destruction by the heroic efforts of Sir Donaray Penrose, although he was killed while doing so. To honor his sacrifice, the townsfolk renamed the city after him, and today, there is a great statue of him located in its main square.
Since its walls could not be breached, the city became an import center for trade on the busy Vryne River.
Eventually, the city of Elsareth fell, along with the kingdom of Harloch. The rulers of the Freehold rebuilt Elsareth and then moved the capital there. At that point, Donareth became secondary in importance.
