The capital city, nestled in a river valley in the northern interior. Padena grew up around a natural ford—a crossing point that became a market, then a town, then a city. The architecture is practical rather than grand: stone buildings built to last, streets wide enough for cattle drives, and fortifications that show their age.
Prince Edric's palace is the largest structure in the city, but it's modest by royal standards. The old king built for function, not display, and his youngest son has maintained that tradition.
Since the Tornian occupation, Padena has swelled with refugees. Tent cities ring the walls. Markets are crowded and prices are climbing. The city that seemed sleepy a year ago now buzzes with desperate energy.