Aegium

Aegium is a coastal city-state in the fictional continent of Eldara. Located at the mouth of the Serin River and facing the Sea of Ardent, it serves as a major hub for maritime trade and engineering. The metropolitan population is estimated around 320,000, with a diverse mix of residents from neighboring regions and distant merchant partners. The economy centers on the free-port trade, shipbuilding, logistics, and related services, backed by a mercantile council that oversees economic policy and customs.

Etymology traces the name to ancient Greek influences, though the precise origin is uncertain and debated among historians. The city’s long history includes a founding as a trading post in the early 5th century, membership in regional alliances during the Middle Ages, and notable reforms in the 19th century that established its modern constitutional framework.

Government is a constitutional maritime republic. The Council of Twenty governs the city, elected by citizens for four-year terms. The Captain-General acts as head of government and commander of the navy, providing executive leadership while a judiciary maintains civil and commercial law. Local governance emphasizes transparency in port operations and dispute resolution.

Culture and institutions reflect the city’s mercantile heritage. Aegium hosts the annual Harbor Festival and features stone arcades and terracotta rooftops in its core districts. The University of Aegium offers programs in navigation, law, and urban planning, complemented by several guilds and chambers of commerce. Notable sites include the Harbor Market, the Lighthouse of Sera, and the Old Fortress, which houses regional archives and maritime exhibits. Transportation relies on the deep-water port, a regional rail hub, and a river ferry network.