Gellide

Gellide is a fictional town in the highlands of Eldoria. It sits along the Lyrin River, sheltered by limestone escarpments, with a temperate climate and a long tradition of craft production and regional trade.

The name Gellide derives from the old Eldoric dialect, with scholars linking it to terms meaning bright or beacon on the hill, reflecting its elevated location and its role as a waypoint for travelers.

Gellide traces its origins to the early medieval period, when agrarian settlers established a market settlement at the river crossing. Over time it grew into a fortified town that exchanged goods with hinterland villages and distant towns. In the 12th century it earned a charter allowing weekly markets and a town council, and it survived intermittent conflicts by leveraging its defensible position and trade networks.

Governance and society: Gellide is governed by a town council elected by guildmasters and burghers, with a mayor serving as head. The population centers on farming, textiles, metalwork, and carpentry, with a multilingual minority formed by long-established trading families and itinerant merchants.

Economy and infrastructure: The town relies on river trade and road connections to neighboring settlements. It hosts a weekly market and seasonal fairs. Local industries include wool weaving, ironwork, and pottery, supported by communal workshops and a small storage quarter near the riverbank.

Culture and landmarks: Notable landmarks include the Hill Gate, a stone bridge crossing the Lyrin, the Market Hall, and the Hill Library. Cultural life centers on guild festivals, tavern gatherings, and a harvest festival that signals the changing seasons.