Castatus

Castatus is a fictional coastal city-state renowned for its maritime trade and cultural diversity. It sits along a crescent bay on the eastern archipelago, with a natural harbor that has long drawn merchants and sailors.

The etymology is uncertain; local lore attributes the name to the founder Casato or to Latin roots meaning "safe harbor," but scholarly consensus remains unsettled.

Founded in the early medieval period by seafaring clans, Castatus grew as a trade hub connecting inland markets with distant ports. It reached a regional Golden Age under the Serene Council in the 14th–16th centuries, then integrated into a regional federation in the modern era.

Castatus operates as a mixed republic with a Merchants’ Council and a ceremonial Overseer. Laws emphasize contract law, property rights, and religious tolerance. Public life centers on the Grand Assembly, which reviews trade regulations and civic projects.

The city’s economy rests on shipping, textiles, ceramics, and spice trade, complemented by shipbuilding and financial services. Cultural life blends Castan, Lorin, and Seiran traditions, with festivals, guilds, and a renowned annual harbor market.

Notable landmarks include the Gate of Lumen, the Marble Harbor, and the Library of Almeris. The population is diverse, around 120,000 in the metropolitan area, with languages and cuisines reflecting regional networks.