Aranor

Aranor is a fictional continent and setting commonly used in fantasy literature and tabletop role-playing games. It is home to multiple city-states, diverse biomes, and a history of trade, exploration, and political maneuvering. The name appears in various works as a shared backdrop rather than a single canonical text.

Geography and political landscape

Aranor spans temperate lowlands, rugged highlands, and coastal regions. The central Aranor Range shapes climate and travel routes, while rivers such as the Ember and its tributaries connect inland regions with the Silver Coast. The western shore hosts major ports, and inland cities rise around trade crossroads and resource belts. The political scene is organized around autonomous city-states, with the Assembly of Aranor acting as a loose confederation that coordinates defense, trade, and common laws. Notable centers include Corvess, Lysara, and Valmere.

History

Settlements in Aranor grew from independent communities into a loose federation during the medieval period, forming a political framework that favors guild oversight and mutual defense. The federation has endured waves of conflict with eastern neighbors and internal rivalries, yet it persists through decentralized governance. Borders have shifted over centuries, but trade routes and common institutions provide continuity.

Society, culture, and learning

The Aranori language predominates in markets and administration, complemented by regional dialects and trade languages. Religious practice is diverse, with ancestral rites, solar cults, and nature-based traditions coexisting. Magic is widely practiced but regulated by guilds and schools. Institutions such as the Academy of Aranor train mages, scholars, and engineers, contributing to a culture of craftsmanship and inquiry.

Economy and notable sites

Aranor’s economy relies on metals, timber, textiles, and magical components. Port cities along the coast export goods and import resources via inland routes and arcane conduits. Notable sites include the Ember Citadel, the Starfall Observatory, the Glass Archives, and the Shifting Market, a hub of trade and cultural exchange.