Ctarvo

Ctarvo is a coastal city-state on the eastern shore of the Valaran Peninsula. It sits at the head of a crescent harbor that historically linked inland markets with sea routes, making it a persistent center of trade and shipbuilding. The city operates as an autonomous republic with a tradition of merchant influence in government.

Ctarvo’s settlement traces to fishing communities early in the second millennium, but the city’s modern political structure emerged during the late medieval period. It signed the Golden Charter in 1501, establishing a constitutional framework that blends popular representation with guild oversight and securing de facto independence from neighboring rulers.

The government is bicameral, consisting of the Assembly of Merchants and the City Council. Members are elected by property owners and guild members; the executive is the Captain-General, elected by the legislature for a four-year term. The Captain-General chairs sessions, directs diplomacy and defense, and implements trade policy; the Council sets budgets and enacts laws.

The economy centers on the port, which handles containerized cargo, bulk goods, and cruise traffic. Shipyards, fish processing, and financial services form a diversified base, complemented by a maritime research institute and light manufacturing. The city maintains a modern transport network that includes ferries to nearby islands and a rail link to inland markets.

Ctarvo has a population of about 420,000. The community is ethnically and linguistically diverse, with Valari and Ctarvi as common languages. Local traditions include the Tide Festival and a market circuit around the Old Fortress. The city preserves a mix of medieval and neoclassical architecture and hosts several museums and galleries focused on maritime history.

---