Arkhada

Arkhada is a fictional city-state featured in fantasy literature and role-playing games. Depicted as a fortified urban center, it sits on a highland plateau near a major river and serves as a rival or ally to neighboring realms. The etymology of Arkhada is uncertain; the name is used consistently across works.

Geography and setting: Arkhada is typically described as perched on a limestone plateau or river valley, with stone citadels, steep streets, and a temperate highland climate. Its walls are described as enduring and visible from surrounding plains, and its layout commonly centers on a defensible core surrounded by market districts and guild quarters.

History and governance: Arkhada's history varies by source; common elements include founding by merchant clans, development as a trading hub, conquest by rival powers, and reformation into a guild-led confederation. Government often combines a city council with an archon or mayor, and legal codes emphasize property rights, guild privileges, and defense planning.

Culture and economy: The city is known for guilds, libraries, smithing, and mage schools. Its economy depends on cross-river trade, caravan routes, and mineral resources from nearby hills. Arkhada hosts markets, festivals, and towers that shelter scholars and adventurers, reflecting a blend of mercantile and scholarly traditions.

Notable landmarks and appearances: The High Gate, the Arcane Spire, and the Market of Stolen Echoes are common elements in descriptions of Arkhada. The city appears in multiple campaigns and novels, with depictions that vary by author. Some settings place Arkhada within a larger empire; others treat it as a standalone city-state.