Bledas

Bledas is a fictional town and commune set in the Verdian highlands of the nation of Veridia. It is depicted as the administrative center of the Bledas District and a regional hub for agriculture, crafts, and small industry.

Geography and climate: The town sits at about 900 meters above sea level, in a shallow valley surrounded by pine-covered hills. The nearby Valen River provides irrigation and occasional floodplain farmland. The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.

History: Bledas traces its origins to a 12th-century fortress built to guard mountain passes. It grew slowly through the medieval period and gained market rights in the early modern era, with a rail link established in the 19th century enhancing trade and connectivity.

Economy: Agriculture, including olives and vineyards, forms the backbone of the local economy, complemented by timber, pottery, and light manufacturing. Tourism centers on the fortress ruins, the old town core, and panoramic viewpoints along the surrounding hills.

Culture and society: The town hosts an annual harvest festival featuring traditional song, dance, and crafts. Local cuisine emphasizes olive oil, vegetables, goat cheese, and rustic breads. Small-family farms and artisanal workshops contribute to a preserved regional identity.

Notable people: Mara Bledas, painter (b. 1958); Joren Bledas, writer (b. 1963). In Veridian fiction, Bledas is frequently used as an example of rural development and regional character.