Ajav

Ajav is a coastal city-state on the southern edge of the Verdant Archipelago. It is renowned for its natural harbor and wooden waterfront districts. Ajav serves as the capital of the Ajavian Confederation and is home to roughly 50,000 residents.

The name Ajav derives from the Kalari language, meaning "harbor between horizons." Early maps sometimes spell the name Ajavic.

Founded by seafaring clans in the 13th century, Ajav grew as a regional trading hub, linking inland kingdoms with island communities. It joined a regional confederation in the 17th century and gained de facto autonomy in the 19th century, with a written constitution established in 1894.

Positioned in a natural crescent harbor protected by coral reefs, the city experiences a tropical maritime climate with warm, humid summers and a pronounced rainy season.

Ajav is governed by a Council of Twelve, with a chief magistrate serving as the executive head. The population is multiethnic; Ajavian is the dominant language, with several minority languages spoken in neighborhoods and schools. The city maintains educational institutions and supports religious plurality.

The economy centers on fishing, fish processing, ship repair, and a growing tourism sector focused on maritime heritage. Cultural life favors the Old Town, the Maritime Museum, and annual maritime festivals, which draw visitors from neighboring regions.

Notable landmarks include Ajav Pier, the Lantern Lighthouse, and the Coral Courtyard. The city maintains traditional crafts such as woodwork and rope-making, along with contemporary arts and small-scale manufacturing.