Valencia
Type
Major City - Muslim-controlled taifa capital
Overview
Valencia is a significant Iberian city ruled by the Emir of Valencia in 894 AD. It stands at the center of a web of political intrigue, supernatural activity, and conflicting interests - from the Emir's own household betrayal to nearby ruined monasteries and competing regional powers.
The Court
The Emir's Household
The Emir of Valencia's court is the site of an ongoing conspiracy:
- Halfdan the Red serves as trusted warrior
- Fatima al-Rashid is wife/main concubine
- Secret affair between Halfdan and Fatima
- Active embezzlement of Emir's wealth
- Plans for escape to the North
- Emir remains unaware of the betrayal
Power Structure
- Emir holds ultimate authority
- Commands military forces including Halfdan the Red
- Maintains diplomatic relations with neighboring taifas
- Vulnerable to both external threats and internal conspiracy
Strategic Significance
Regional Position
- Major taifa capital in eastern Iberia
- Neighboring rival: Zaragoza
- Coastal access and trade routes
- Target of Christian Reconquista pressure
- Site of failed monastic establishment
Military Presence
- City defenses and garrison
- Halfdan the Red and other warriors
- Presumably strong enough to deter attack
- But weakened by internal corruption
Nearby Locations
Monasterio del Santo Reino
Approximately 100 years ago, Bishop Adalardus of Tours commissioned a Benedictine monastery "near the city of Valencia":
Roman Ruins
Hidden treasure location:
Current Threats
To the Emir
- Internal: Betrayal by Halfdan and Fatima
- External: Party possesses blackmail evidence
- Regional: Tensions with Zaragoza after nephew assassination
- Religious: Christian-Muslim conflict
- Supernatural: Demon/mad monk attacks from monastery ruins
To the Conspirators
- Evidence: Party holds Fatima's Letter
- Exposure: Blackmail potential
- Timing: Must act before discovery
- Conflict: Halfdan hunting same party that could destroy him
The Party's Situation
Dangerous Position
The party exists in complex relationship with Valencia:
- Hunted: Halfdan the Red pursues them for imam murder
- Leverage: Possess evidence of Halfdan/Fatima conspiracy
- Wanted: Regional fugitives after Zaragoza assassination
- Options: Could approach Emir, blackmail conspirators, or stay clear
Potential Approaches
- Blackmail Halfdan/Fatima: Trade letter for freedom
- Ally with Emir: Reveal conspiracy for protection
- Loot Roman Ruins: Use map before conspirators
- Avoid entirely: Stay clear of Valencia's reach
Historical Context
Christian Attempts
The ill-fated monastery commission shows:
- Frankish church interest in region
- Attempt to establish Christian presence
- Ultimate failure and tragedy
- Ongoing religious tensions
894 AD Situation
- Fragmented taifas competing for power
- Christian kingdoms pressing Reconquista
- Foreign mercenaries and spies active
- Complex web of allegiances
Points of Interest
The Palace
- Emir of Valencia's seat of power
- Scene of secret affair
- Target of embezzlement
- Center of court intrigue
The City
- Urban center with diverse population
- Trade hub
- Cultural center
- Home to multiple plots and counter-plots
Surrounding Territory
Connections