Aress

Aress is a fictional city-state in a fantasy setting, located on the western coast at the mouth of the Liren River. It sits around a sheltered harbor backed by terraced hills, and its urban core blends stone warehouses with timber-built neighborhoods. The city’s origins lie in a cluster of fishing villages that expanded into a trading hub during the early medieval era, drawing merchants from inland polities and distant coastlines. The harbor became a key waypoint for caravans and ships, and Aress developed its own coinage to facilitate commerce.

Governance in Aress is organized around the Court of Seals, an oligarchic body comprising twelve merchant-princes and two magistrates. The Court handles foreign policy, tariffs, and harbor security, while local affairs are managed by guild councils representing crafts, transport, and taxation. A standing watch protects the harbor and navigational routes, ensuring safe passage for merchant fleets.

The economy of Aress rests on shipping and ship repair, glassmaking, salt production, and wine from hillside vineyards. Its markets attract traders from neighboring city-states and islands, contributing to a cosmopolitan urban culture. The city supports scriptoria and mapmaking, along with crafts such as glass lanterns. Religious rites for the sea deity Oriana are observed, with the Sea Gate temple serving as a pilgrimage site.

Notable sites include the Sea Gate, a fortified arch guarding the harbor entrance; the Lantern District, known for its glass lanterns; and the House of Scrolls, an archive housing manuscripts and nautical charts. Throughout its history, Aress has navigated alliances and conflicts with regional powers, maintaining its status as a key maritime hub.