It is this travelers opinion that anyone undergoing a journey should, during that journey, put those talents which they possess to use. This traveler has the talent of writing, and this is his humble contribution to those who will travel after him.
The Cities
Ludan Population: 15,000
This behemoth of a city lies in the far northeast of the valley. It is built at the very base of the mountain and relied heavily on skilled masons for its construction. This makes its architecture one of the biggest draws for a traveler. If you are headed in this direction, and are skilled with charcoal or a brush, take some time in your trip to sketch the buildings you find; you won't find any quite like them elsewhere. The metalwork performed in this city is, of course, unrivaled as well, and this is a great place to purchase any metal gifts you hope to bring back on your trip.
The best inn in the area is, by far, The Master's Bellows. The rooms are reasonably priced, but the real draw is the food. The chef who worked there when this traveler last visited received some limited training from both the Herbalists and Marichemists Guilds, giving him a supreme command over all manner of exotic spices. He also claims he balances his meals to cleanse the body of toxins and replenish energies. These claims are, naturally, difficult to test, but the flavors he develops are more than worth the price of the meal. Splurge here, you won't regret it.
Varisport Population: 13,000
This majestic port city has some of the most beautiful decorations of any location this traveler has visited. Mages have a supreme dislike for ghosts, and so have purchased a wealth of bismuth bronze decorations. For this reason, and this reason alone, visit the Mages Guild, and the surrounding houses. Otherwise the Guild should have little to interest the traveler, guarding their crystals carefully. There is good fish to be purchased here, but better in Korinscove.
The city is home to any number of noteworthy inns; the Sleepy Swine, the Cozy Crystal, and Crafty Crab, to name a few. This traveler has no particular recommendations with regards to these establishments, they all offer comfortable rooms at reasonable prices. There is a marketplace that sells anything a person could want, brought from every other city to this trade giant.
Korinscove Population: 10,000
Smaller than Varisport by close to a third, this city is nonetheless a huge draw to travelers. The marine life here is a must see, and there are any number of trained Guild members willing to take individuals out into the cove, for a price. This city is also home to the freshest, and most varied, fish available. An inn that goes by the name of The Squid is a must visit destination. They partner with the Guild to get fresh fish every day, and their menu is constantly changing to reflect this.
There is a market that occurs weekly where laymen and Guild members hawk their wares. This market features many strange fish which can be prepared at home, as well as many products from the fishing. Home remedies, bone and shell crafts, dyes, poisons, soaps, scaly leathers, any number of strange byproducts of the fishing industry. This traveler has personally enjoyed the soaps he's purchased here, but there should be goods for anyone interested.
Paludan Population: 8,000
Paludan is a different kind of city than the others in the valley. The houses do not pack closely together, but instead spread out. This is to avoid building on unstable land, and also to provide substantial area for herb gardens, which are on most houses. Herbalism is of course the primary source of income, but there are also industries related to the swamp such as hunting and making bricks from mud.
Paludan does not have any reputable inns, but most of the residence will be happy to host travelers. Picking up spices is a great idea as well. There is little in the way of a centralized market, just a clearing that some vendors show up to. This travelers recommendation is to find a family that looks to have a substantial garden. Purchase herbs from this family, as well as anything they might have hunted. If you are looking for herbs they don't have, or meats and pelts, ask them if they personally know anyone. there's a lot that can be done through personal connections in this city.
Ferrarbor Population: 6,500
This city is little more than a town with a proper guild. The beautiful wood carvings are the biggest draw of the city although any other wooden purchase on the trip should be made here as well, such as bows. There exist a number of suspended buildings, having been built in trees. These are quite the sight.
There is a limited amount to buy here, primarily ironwood products. There is a suspended inn, The Floating Forest, and this traveler recommends it for those who do not fear the heights involved.
The Towns
GorbolgPopulation: 3,000
This town lies between Varisport and Korinscove, along the coast. It has a substantial clothing and dyeing industry, which supports most of its population. Great for gifts for a lady.
IfinvikPopulation:1,800
This town is located in the middle of the valley, amidst a large expanse of farming land. It is known for its breweries, and as a result any inn will have some of the best beer available. Purchase straight from the breweries to get kegs at the best prices.
CaleahPopulation: 1,000
This walled town is a couple of miles to the west of Ludan. It too lies at the base of the mountains. Its profile seems quite small at first, and there is little remarkable aboveground. The true draw of this town is an expansive library which is cut into a mountain. This holds the greatest repository of knowledge in the valley, and is tended by a number of loyal monks.
MeminsterPopulation: 900
This town is little more than a large village, but it is home to a gigantic fairgrounds, which hosts events frequently throughout the year. Agrarian individuals who rarely see a crowd congregate here to socialize and trade, making this, the smallest of towns, one of the best places to experience the culture of most of the residents of the valley.
Villages
This traveler has visited many villages, more than can be readily recounted in a guide such as this. Sufficed to say you can hardly go more than four or five miles without encountering one of these small clusters of homes. Many are without inns, or there will be an inn which is shared by three or four nearby villages. The majority of the population of the valley resides in these villages, farming the nearby land.