Fairthe

Fairthe is a fictional coastal city-state described as a mercantile republic on the western shore of Eldara. It functions as a major trading hub in its region, with a long-standing emphasis on fair dealing and dispute resolution. The city is governed by the Council of Twelve Guilds, which elects a First Proconsul to oversee administration, diplomacy, and public finances. Its motto, Fairness in Trade, reflects its institutional aims.

Geographically, Fairthe sits at the estuary of the Nyra River along a sheltered bay. The harbor is deep enough for oceangoing vessels and supported by shipyards and warehouses. The population numbers around 120,000 and is ethnically and religiously diverse, including merchants, sailors, artisans, and migrants from neighboring regions. The local language is Fairthi; administration uses a widely understood form of the Common Tongue.

Fairthe's history begins in the 11th century as a loose coalition of merchant families. The Great Accord of 1320 established the Guild Council to regulate trade, taxation, and legal disputes. The city gradually gained de facto independence from regional lords and joined a loose federation in the 19th century, preserving autonomous commercial rules within a broader political framework.

Its economy centers on port commerce, shipbuilding, textiles, and fish products. Customs duties support public services and infrastructure. The Council of Twelve negotiates trade terms, with guilds representing different crafts in legislative deliberations. The local currency is the fair, minted in denominations suitable for daily use and international exchange.

Prominent sites include the Lantern Gate, the Market of Silk and Salt, and the Temple of Trade. The annual Salt Fair festival highlights maritime culture and concludes with exchanges between buyers and sellers from distant ports. Education is provided by the Academy of Navigation and Law, which trains future merchants and jurists.