Druta

Druta is a town and municipality in the fictional country of Veridia, located in the foothills of the Northcrest range along the Lura River. The area covers about 15 square kilometers and has a temperate climate suitable for agriculture and small-scale industry. As of 2022, Druta had an estimated population of about 2,900.

History and etymology: Evidence of habitation at Druta dates to the medieval period, with a town charter granted in 1264. The name is believed to derive from an old Veridian word for water, reflecting its riverside setting. Historically it functioned as a local market town, with farming and crafts forming the backbone of the economy.

Economy and infrastructure: Today the economy centers on agriculture—olives, grain, and grapes—and crafts such as pottery and textiles. Druta is connected by regional roads to neighboring municipalities and maintains essential services including a primary school, a library, and a municipal hall. Tourism focuses on the rural landscape and traditional architecture.

Culture and landmarks: The historic core includes a hilltop fortress ruin, a late 18th-century town hall, and the church of St. Elena. Druta hosts an annual Festival of Lights featuring music, crafts, and a riverside procession.

Administration and demographics: Druta is governed by a municipal council led by a mayor elected for four-year terms. The population comprises families, older residents, and a small number of migrants, contributing modest linguistic diversity with Veridian as the official language and local dialects spoken in daily life.