Fort Valiance stands as a nexus where divine authority and secular power collide. The Cathedral of Radiance serves simultaneously as a house of worship and as Thalassia's de facto embassy. The Church claims spiritual supremacy; the local nobility claims the mandate of the crown. Both maintain armies. Both dispense justice. Both demand loyalty.

Queen Amalia Thornburn understood this upon ascending to power: the Church cannot be expelled without economic catastrophe, yet allowing it unchecked dominion invites absorption into Thalassian hegemony. The compromise has held for two decades, but pressure points grow more acute with each passing year.

Fort Valiance's population of approximately 82,400 souls exhibits remarkable religious diversity within a framework of Church-sponsored orthodoxy. Dawn prayers attract 15% of active worshippers; midday devotions 25%; evening services command 35%. Great festivals draw 75% of the total population regardless of personal devotion.