Doustne

Doustne is a fictional village and municipality located in the Northvale region of Altoa. It lies in a small valley along the Doustne River, about 50 kilometers from the regional capital. The community has a compact center with surrounding farmlands.

The name Doustne is of uncertain origin; linguists suggest proto forms related to dawn and water. In local usage, the name is also applied to a nearby parish and to the river.

Doustne covers approximately 12.6 square kilometers. The terrain is rolling with mixed karst limestone and fertile soils. The climate is temperate with warm summers and cold winters; annual precipitation around 700 mm.

The settlement developed in the High Middle Ages, centered on agriculture and crafts. It received a market charter in the 15th century and gradually expanded. The 19th century brought improvements in irrigation and the construction of a regional road.

The municipality has about 2,100 residents. The economy combines agriculture (dairy and grain), small-scale manufacturing, and services. A growing segment of residents commutes to the regional capital for work.

Doustne is governed by a mayor and a nine-member municipal council elected for four-year terms. Public services include a primary school, a volunteer fire department, a clinic, and a cultural center.

Notable sites include the 14th-century St. Michael's Church, Doustne Manor, and the riverbank promenade. An annual harvest festival in September draws visitors from nearby areas.

The town is connected by regional roads and a local bus service to neighboring towns; the nearest railway station is in the regional capital.