Elderran

Elderran is a fictional city-state in the realm of Lethoria. Located on the eastern coast, it has long served as a major trading hub and regional cultural center.

The city sits at a natural harbor at the mouth of the Varin River, with a protected inner quay and a surrounding belt of low hills. Its layout centers on a busy waterfront district, complemented by a grid of merchant streets and stone public spaces.

Founded by merchant clans in the 7th century, Elderran grew as a free port and later developed into an autonomous city-state. It faced periodic conflicts with neighboring polities and suffered a major earthquake in 1689, after which much of the port district was rebuilt.

Elderran is governed by a ducal council that includes representatives from the principal guilds. The duke serves as head of state, while day-to-day affairs are managed by the Council of Wards. The system emphasizes balance between commercial interests and municipal stewardship.

The economy centers on port trade, shipbuilding, and craft industries such as glassware and textiles. The Bazaar of Echoes offers goods from across Lethoria, and the harbor handles significant timber and salt shipments.

Elderran hosts maritime festivals and guild gatherings. Notable sites include the White Harbor Lighthouse, the Gate of Silver, and the Great Library of Elderran. The city has roughly 140,000 residents, forming a diverse, multilingual community.