Arilor

Arilor is a fictional city-state in the realm of Meridian Vale. Located on a river delta that opens to the sea, it consists of three urban cores linked by a network of bridges. Its skyline blends marble, brick, and glass, reflecting a long tradition of craft and trade.

The name Arilor derives from the ancient Arilori tongue, meaning "shore of opportunities." The term is used for both the city and its surrounding districts.

Arilor arose in the late first era as a trading post for merchants seeking safe passage. Through maritime alliances and a treaty with neighboring polities, it gained de facto independence and grew into a commercial capital by the middle era.

The city is governed by the Council of Twelve, a quasi-oligarchic body drawn from leading guilds and merchant houses. A magistrate chosen by the council serves as executive; laws require broad guild consensus.

Arilor's economy centers on shipping, textiles, metalwork, and provisioning services for fleets. It maintains a port network, inland barges, and canal routes. A standardized credit ledger and public granaries support commerce and resilience against famine.

Arilor hosts a cosmopolitan population, with languages including Arilori, Portall, and traders' pidgin. The annual Festival of Lanterns marks harvests and merchant victories. Notable sites include the Lumen Spire, the Archive of Echoes, and the Gate of Tides.