Ellerde

Ellerde is a fictional town and municipality in a temperate region, created for use in this article to illustrate a typical rural-urban locality. It lies in the valley of the Eller River and is part of the Verdari region in the fictional nation of Veridia.

Geography and climate: The town covers about 52 square kilometers and blends farmland with deciduous woods. The terrain is gently rolling, with two small hills near the eastern edge. The climate is temperate, featuring four distinct seasons and average annual rainfall around 650 millimeters.

History: The earliest records of Ellerde date to the 12th century, when it formed around a medieval market town. It grew through trade routes and crafts, attaining a modest regional role by the early modern period. The arrival of the railway in the 19th century accelerated growth, followed by postwar redevelopment.

Demographics and governance: As of 2023, Ellerde has an estimated population of 11,800. Population density is around 227 inhabitants per square kilometer. The municipal government comprises a council of fourteen members and a directly elected mayor serving four-year terms.

Economy and culture: The economy centers on agriculture—grain and dairy—and light manufacturing, supplemented by regional services, education, and tourism. Local life centers on the town square, churches, and cultural events such as the Ellerde Festival in autumn and a monthly crafts market.

Landmarks and transport: Notable landmarks include the 17th-century Town Hall, the Church of St. Helene, and an historic windmill. Ellerde is served by a regional railway station on the Verdari Line and has road connections to neighboring towns and villages.