Blackthorn

Blackthorn (Valtaran: Zethar Rorthal) is a city in the south of the province of Valtara, Ceyreto, located on the northern shore of the Ceyreto Sea, it is the provincial capital for Valtara and the national capital of The Triumvir of Ceyreto. It is the home of Triumvir Gem Valtara and of King Robert Valtara I.

Foundation
Blackthorn was founded in 254 BCW by King Hadas I, it is named that way because originally it was defended by large dead rosebushes instead of walls as a fort and capital for his new Kingdom of Valtara. It is believed that he created a labyrinth known as The Black Maze under Blackthorn to punish traitors. Its first walls were built in 156 BCW out of wood and later replaced with stone in 103 BCW. The castle was constructed in 249 BCW to accomodate King Hadas I and his family.

Valtaran Civil War
During the civil war it served as the main stronghold of the Loyalists during the Valtaran Civil War and was the birthplace of King Robert Valtara I, Gem Valtara, Ignacio Valtara, and King Enriq Valtara I. During the civil war it saw an almost complete collapse of its population from 7346 to 20 and destruction of its walls and buildings. After the war it began a rebuilding process to rebuild the houses, walls and castle.

Ceyreto-Zydel War
During the conflict with Zydel, the city saw its defenses nearly double in size and complexity, with the walls being filled in with cannon-resistent material, and the two gates being fitted with large doors, instead of their traditional portcullises.

After the exiling of Gem Valtara, his cousin Benicio Valtara was given right to oversee the city in his absence. This role has yet to be recognised by the Interim Council.

Important places
The Black Maze: this was a maze constructed by King Hadas I in 248 BCW to punish traitors. At the moment only the exit has been discovered under blackthorn´s carrot farms but the entrance is believed to be hidden in the Ceyreto Sea somewhere south of Blackthorn.

The former ruler of the city, Lord Gem Valtara, is currently in exile within the maze. The Blackthorn Castle: Constructed in 249 BCW and reconstructed in 15 ACW it is the home of the most important lords in Valtara and the monarch. The Blackthorn Port: Built in 54 BCW, it is the largest port in the Triumvir of Ceyreto