Drenaus

Drenaus is a city-state and regional capital on the southern coast of the fictional continent of Lyria. It sits at a natural harbor that has long linked inland markets with maritime routes. The urban area includes the Old Quarter, the Harbor District, and the Greenbelt.

The name Drenaus is believed to derive from the ancient Dren language, meaning “safe harbor.” Documentary sources from the early medieval period mention the name, though local traditions offer alternate explanations.

Founded in the 9th century by maritime guilds, Drenaus grew as a trading hub and shipyard. It became a city-state in the early modern period and joined the Lyria Confederation in 1729 as a semi-autonomous member. Port expansion and urban reforms followed in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Drenaus is governed as a constitutional city-state with a mayor and a Grand Council. The council is elected for four-year terms and crafts municipal policy; the mayor heads the government and represents the city externally.

The economy centers on maritime logistics, shipbuilding, seafood processing, and tourism. The port handles containers, bulk goods, and ferries to nearby islands, while the city supports a growing tech sector focused on maritime data services.

With about 420,000 residents, Drenaus is ethnically diverse. Drenish is the official language, with other tongues common in commerce. The city hosts events such as the Festival of the Sea and offers museums, galleries, and a varied culinary scene.

Landmarks include the Grand Harbor, the Lighthouse of Dawn, and the Old Town Gate. Rail lines, ferries to surrounding islands, and a ring road connect the harbor to residential districts.