Aravas

Aravas is a fictional city-state in the fantasy setting of Ilyndor. It sits on the western coast of the Serath Gulf and functions as a major maritime and commercial hub, with a diverse population and a long history of trade and craft.

Geography and setting: Aravas lies on a crescent coastline with a natural harbor protected by sea walls. Inland, forests and fertile plains supply timber and agricultural produce. The climate is temperate, with mild winters that support year-round commerce and shipbuilding.

History: Aravas traces its origins to a loose federation of coastal towns established in the late first era of Ilyndor. It expanded through maritime power and strategic alliances, later unifying under the Aravan Concord. The city developed its own coinage, legal code, and governance practices, which facilitated sustained growth as a regional trading center.

Politics and governance: The city is governed by a Triumvirate drawn from leading merchant guilds and noble houses, with an annually rotating chair. The Assembly of Merchants oversees policy, ratifies laws, and provides a check on executive power. Local administration is carried out by appointed magistrates who implement policy and manage public services.

Economy and infrastructure: Aravas is anchored by a busy port that supports shipyards, provisioning, and wholesale markets. Exports include timber, textiles, pottery, and spices; imports bring in metals, glassware, and luxury goods. Trade networks connect Aravas to inland towns and distant coastlines through land routes and sea lanes, reinforced by guild-organized logistics.

Demographics and culture: The population is around 120,000, comprising native Aravans and a steady stream of migrants from inland regions. Languages spoken include Aravan and Common. Religious life centers on the Temple of the Sea, with festivals celebrating tides, trade anniversaries, and storytelling traditions.

Notable sites: Grand Quay, Temple of the Sea, Lantern Watch, and the Old Archive are prominent landmarks and centers of civic life.