Exagia

Exagia is a fictional city-state created for use in science fiction and worldbuilding. It is commonly described as a coastal urban center on the southern coast of the imagined continent of Valara, where a broad river delta joins the sea. The name is often presented within the fiction as deriving from a local language meaning “harbor of clarity” or as a constructed term chosen for its phonetic texture.

Geography and urban layout: The city centers on a compact port district ringed by mixed-use quarters connected by a network of canals and causeways. It sits at the mouth of a tidal estuary, giving it extensive docking facilities and a forgiving harbor for merchant ships. The surrounding hinterland is a mosaic of farms, limestone hills, and forests that supply timber and food.

History and government: In most iterations, Exagia formed as a trading post in the early medieval period and grew through maritime commerce. It is typically governed by a council drawn from merchant, artisan, and fishing guilds, with a rotating mayor or chief magistrate. The legal system blends customary maritime law with urban ordinances and, in some versions, a formal charter.

Economy and culture: The economy centers on trade, shipbuilding, textiles, ceramics, and fresh fish. Markets are famous for spices, imported metals, and crafts. Culturally, Exagia is depicted as multilingual and cosmopolitan, with a festival calendar that celebrates tides, craft guilds, and seasonal harvests. Landmarks commonly cited include the Blue Gate, the Market of Echoes, and the Archive of Tides.

In media: Exagia appears in novels, role-playing games, and collaborative worldbuilding projects as a vivid example of a port city-state.