Ciln

Ciln is a fictional city-state in the northern highlands of the continent of Valennia, appearing in speculative fiction and related media. It serves as the capital of the Cilnian League, a loose federation composed of several marcher towns and valley communities. The city sits at the head of the Neth River valley, surrounded by evergreen forests and high ridges. Its climate is cool and damp, with long winters and short, bright summers.

Ciln traces its origins to a fortified hilltop settlement established in the early medieval period. It grew as a trading post and seat of a hereditary council. In later centuries, Ciln adopted a mixed constitution, combining an annually elected magistrate with a council of elders; in some iterations, it is described as a constitutional republic. The League coordinates defense, trade, and cultural policy.

The economy centers on textiles, timber, and metalwork, with a significant mining periphery. Cilnian crafts are renowned for inlay work and repousse metalwork. The city hosts a biannual Solstice Market and a renowned library of manuscripts. The Cilnian language and a Turkic-influenced creole are spoken alongside a common lingua franca.

Notable sites include the Silver Gate, Council Spire, and the Sunken Archives. Transport relies on river barges, mountain trails, and a network of ferries along the Neth River. Local myths center on the guardian lynx of the northern passes, reflecting the region's blend of commerce and folklore.