Barduner

Barduner is a fictional region and cultural group commonly used as a setting in fantasy and speculative fiction. As a flexible construct, Barduner appears in various works with differing borders, histories, and institutions, but it is typically portrayed as a distinct homeland with a strong tradition of bardic arts and public life.

Geographically, Barduner is depicted as a land of upland plateaus and river valleys, with forested regions and coastal towns in some versions. The political structure ranges from a constitutional monarchy to a parliamentary republic or a council-led confederation; in many narratives, local guilds or burgher councils hold substantial influence alongside a central authority.

Languages in Barduner are described as diverse, with a prestige language often named Bardunish and several dialects spoken by rural communities. Cultural life centers on storytelling, music, and craftwork—especially weaving, metalwork, and instrument making. Festivals, markets, and bardic schools are common features in depictions of Barduner society.

Historically, Barduner's origins vary by author, with some sources tracing its foundations to legendary founders and others presenting it as the product of gradual cultural formation. The setting is widely used for narratives involving political intrigue, cultural exchange, and frontier life, particularly in role-playing games, novels, and video games.

Common motifs include bardic halls, river crossings, and trade towns that serve as cultural crossroads. While Barduner is fictional, it serves as a versatile backdrop for exploring questions of identity, governance, and artistic tradition in speculative fiction.