Baman

Baman is a coastal city and administrative center of the Marin province in the fictional country of Valoria. Located on the delta of the Zai River, it faces the Bay of Neris and sits at a historical crossroads of inland routes and seaborne trade. The city experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild, wet winters and relatively dry summers.

The name Baman is believed to originate from Valorian roots meaning “water place,” though scholarly opinions vary and some local traditions attribute the toponym to early settlers known as the Bama clan. The etymology is not universally agreed upon, and different communities within Valoria offer alternative origins.

Historically, Baman arose in the 9th century as a trading post due to its harbor and river connections. It later came under the Marinese principality in the medieval era, developing as a crafts and shipbuilding center. The 18th and 19th centuries brought economic diversification, while the 20th century saw modernization efforts including rail links and public utilities, all while preserving a substantial portion of the historic core.

Today, Baman maintains an active port and a diversified economy that includes fishing, shipbuilding, textiles, and services. The city sustains a network of markets and workshops and includes a modest but growing tourism sector focused on historic streets, riverside promenades, and maritime heritage.

Residents primarily speak Valorian, with a local Bamani dialect spoken in some neighborhoods. The city hosts cultural events such as the Tide Festival, featuring river processions, music, and crafts. Notable landmarks include the Old Fort of Neris, the Grand Market, the City Library, and St. Elan Cathedral.